The cost of a new water softener ranges from $200 and $6,000 on average, but you'll most likely pay $1,500 for the standard home size and installation fees.
Water softener installation costs$1,500 on average, though it ranges between $200 and $6,000 depending on your home’s size, the system’s type and capacity, and whether you DIY installation or hire a pro. Installing a water softener system in your home helps reduce your water’s mineral content, or hard water. Although it’s safe, hard water can reduce the life of your water heater and increase water heating costs. It also tends to leave a nasty mineral buildup on surfaces in your home. Installing a water softener can solve these issues.
Your home’s size plays a significant role in how much you’ll pay for a water softener, but factors like home size and where you live will also affect the cost.
So it’s important to know which type and size of water softeners you should consider when shopping around. Each type of water softener takes a different approach to removing minerals or contaminants from your water, leading to softer hands and happier sweaters.
| Type of Water Softener System | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-tank ion exchange | $500–$1,700 |
| Double-tank ion exchange | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Magnetic | $200–$600 |
| Reverse osmosis (point-of-use) | $1,500–$1,800 |
| Reverse osmosis (whole home) | $4,000–$11,000 |
| Salt-free | $800–$4,000 |
| Water distiller | $1,200–$4,000 |
An equation will help you determine the correct water softener capacity for your home. Water softeners note their GPG capacities to show how much hard water they can filter per household. If you choose a model that is too small, it may not be able to properly soften the water you use each day.
Let's look at our original sample equation:
4 (people in the home) X 90 (average water usage a day) X 10 (water hardness in GPG) X 7 (days in a week) = 25,200 gpg
Once you have this number, you can choose the appropriate capacity. Here's what water softeners cost at each capacity level. Not that these prices are for materials only.
| Water Softener Capacity Level, by GPG | Cost |
|---|---|
| 24,000 | $300–$500 |
| 32,000 | $400–$1,000 |
| 48,000 | $600–$1,200 |
| 64,000 | $800–$1,500 |
| 80,000 | $1,500–$1,800 |
| 96,000 | $1,700–$2,500 |
If you live in an area prone to hard water—Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Tampa, for example—you will end up paying for a higher water softener capacity than elsewhere in the country. The local cost of living will also affect the price of materials and labor when installing a water softener. Expect a fee for travel if you live in a remote area far away from your local water softener installer.
Explore the U.S. Geological Survey's water hardness map to see how hard water is in your area.
Installation costs range from $150 to $1,000 depending on the type of unit, where you live, and installation complexity. Additionally, building and inspection permit costs will depend on your local laws.
You can classify different water softener system types by the method they use to lower mineral count in groundwater:
Ion exchange water softeners cost between $500 and $3,000.
Salt-free water softeners cost between $800 and $4,000.
Magnetic water softeners cost between $200 and $600.
Reverse osmosis systems cost between $1,500 and $1,800.
Water distillers cost between $1,200 and $4,000.
Dual-tank water softening systems cost between $1,000 and $5,000.
Water softeners require ongoing care and will add a small amount to your utility bill no matter the style you choose.
Water hardness: If you have exceptionally hard water, you’ll need a higher grain capacity water softener, which will be most costly.
Energy usage: Systems that use more energy will cost you more in monthly utility bills.
Repairs: The cost of water softener repairs ranges from $150 to $900 on average but can reach up to $2,000.
Salts: A bag of salt for your water softener will cost between $5 and $10 for a 40-pound bag. A 40-pound bag of potassium chloride will cost between $50 and $70.
Rental: You can also rent a water softener instead of buying one for $25 to $50 per month.
Labor: Expect to pay a local professional water softener installation company $150 in labor for basic systems and between $500 and $11,000 for whole-home models.
Electrical or plumbing upgrades: You may need to update your system before you can install a water softener. New pipe installation costs $0.50 to $8 per linear foot, new wiring installation costs $2 to $4 per square foot, and additional support framing costs $3,800 on average.
While you can save between $150 and $1,000 on labor costs by installing a water softener yourself, it's not always the best bet. Check with local building laws to ensure you are allowed to make the necessary home alterations without a professional license. And if you are in doubt about the capacity of the system, adding plumbing, or altering local wiring, calling a local water softener installation team is a good idea.
The best way to ensure you save money on a water softener is to choose the correct capacity for your home. Too small a unit will require constant maintenance, while too large a unit requires unnecessary upfront costs. You can also cut installation costs by:
Choosing an ion-exchanger water softener with a meter-control valve that only rejuvenates when necessary and is not on a set timer.
Shopping around for at least three different suppliers and installation teams to compare quotes, reviews, and ongoing maintenance estimates.
Wait for water softeners to go on sale around major holiday appliance discount events.
Rent a water softener to cut down on maintenance and small repair costs.
You should buy a water softener whenever you decide to and can afford to, however, there are some indicators that it might create more urgency:
Rising utility bills: Hard water clogs up pipes, which means that your water system needs to work harder to push water through.
Dry skin and nails: Hard water can leave your hair and skin dry; if this bothers you, look into water softener units.
Staining: Hard water can leave unsightly stains on your fixtures, which can be a pain to remove.
Test results: You can test for hard water. Water is classified according to the milligrams per liter (mg/L) of calcium carbonate: 0 to 60 mg/L is classified as soft to slightly hard; 61 to 120 mg/L is moderately hard; 121 to 180 mg/L is hard; and more than 180 mg/L is considered very hard.
Installing a water softener is worth it because it can help you cut costs in other areas over time. For example, keep linens, dishes, and clothing cleaner with soft water and save money on soap, laundry, and deep cleaning costs over time. Water softeners can even lengthen the lifespan of your pipes and plumbing system by discouraging mineral buildup. And what's best, soft water is gentler on your skin, hair, and palette.
You can install a water softener system by turning off the water supply, draining the water, and then connecting your device to the waterline. Next, you’ll fill your tank with the recommended amount of salt or brine (whichever your unit calls for; be sure to read the instructions). Turn the water supply on and check for leaks. You can opt to let your water run for a few minutes, then test it using strips.
The process of inspecting your water softener system is similar.
While it depends on how complicated the unit and installation is, it takes two to four hours to install a water softener unit, on average. It might take longer if pipes need to be replaced. You should make sure the installation area is clear of any objects that might get in the way before you begin.
Water softeners can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance and repair. The lifespan depends on the type and quality of water softener you buy. For instance, a single-tank electric water softener may only last about 12 years. Water softeners typically require repairs every 10 to 20 years.
