Water softener repair costs an average of $551, but your total could fall anywhere between $65 and $2,500 depending on the type of softener, the size, and more.
Water softeners work by removing "hard" minerals from drinking water, like calcium and magnesium, to make it "softer.” It typically costs between $161 and $975 to repair a water softener, but the cost can reach as high as $2,500 or more. While hard water isn't a health hazard, it can create issues like unsightly mineral build-up around your faucets, slow-draining fixtures, stiff and faded laundry, and dry and itchy skin after showering. If you notice any of these issues, then you might have a water softener problem.
The average cost to repair a water softener starts at $551 but can climb as high as $2,500 or more depending on the water system's size and the complexity of the problem. For instance, if you have a small water softener system installed under the sink, it will generally cost less to repair than if the water softener is part of a whole-house water treatment system.
Most homeowners pay somewhere between $161 and $975 for water softener repair.
There are several types of water softeners, many of which are part of larger water treatment systems. The cost to repair them varies by the type you have and the size of the water softener.
| Water Softener Type | Average Repair Cost | Repair Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse Osmosis | $300 | $45–$450 |
| Undersink | $200 | $150–$300 |
| Whole-House | $300 | $50–$800 |
Reverse osmosis systems work by filtering water through a membrane to remove calcium, magnesium, and other impurities. A plumber can typically repair a reverse osmosis system in one to three hours, and they usually charge $45 to $150 per hour. Therefore, you can expect to pay around $45 to $450, on average, for this repair.
Undersink filters are a relatively inexpensive type of water filters that you install under a single fixture, like a sink. They're typically simple systems that filter water before sending it to a dedicated filtered water faucet, which usually sits next to a standard faucet. It generally costs $150 to $300 to repair these filters, but since these systems typically cost $50 to $500 to replace, it often makes more sense financially to replace the whole system rather than repair it.
If your water softener is part of a whole-house water system, then it can be more complicated (and expensive) to fix than if you have a basic undersink filter or reverse osmosis system. Because these systems are complex, the cost to repair them can fall anywhere between $50 to $800 depending on the specific problem. For instance, if there's a leak, then you'll likely pay around $150 to $300 to repair it, but if you only need to replace a hose or other small part, then you might only need to pay $5 to $50.
Several components make up water softeners. Often, repairing a water softener involves replacing one or more of these components.
| Component Needing Replacement | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Brine tank | $125–$700 |
| Resin beads | $200–$400 |
| Filter | $25–$500 |
| Entire System | $1,000–$6,000 |
Many water softeners have brine tanks that contain a concentrated salt or potassium solution to help filter water for drinking. If you have a broken brine tank, you're looking at about $125 to $700 to replace it.
Some water softeners feature tanks filled with polystyrene resin beads that filter the water as it flows through them. The beads have a negative charge that attracts positively charged particles, like calcium and magnesium, thereby pulling them out of the water and softening it for drinking. Over time, these beads become oversaturated with the minerals they're filtering and need to be replaced. It typically costs around $200 to $400 to replace resin beads.
Multistage filters are composed of multiple filter materials, usually stacked in layers, that filter water in various stages. Generally, it costs about $25 to $500 to replace these filters.
Water softeners typically last for between 10 to 15 years, so if you've had your system for 10 or more years and it's giving you trouble, then you might want to replace rather than repair it. The cost to replace the whole system typically ranges from $1,000 to $6,000. It’s more expensive than a standalone repair, but it might save you money in the long run rather than paying for water softener maintenance multiple times.
Repairing your water softener yourself can save you money since you'll avoid paying labor costs, which usually range from $45 to $150 per hour. The only costs you'll be responsible for are those associated with the tools and materials needed to fix the problem, such as a new hose, which you can often find for $5 to $50.
That said, water softener repairs can be complex, especially if your softener is connected to a whole-house water treatment system. Unless you have plumbing expertise or the fix is very simple, like a filter replacement, then you should probably hire a local water softener repair specialist to fix your water softener. Otherwise, you run the risk of creating more costly problems, like flooding.
When you’re budgeting for water softener repair, factors like the type of softener, components needed, and labor will impact the final project price.
There are several types of water softeners, and the type you have can greatly affect the cost of repairing it. For example, standalone water softeners, like under-sink filters, generally cost less to fix than water softeners that are part of a whole-house water treatment system since whole-house systems are usually quite complex and take more time to fix.
Ever wondered how a water softener works? They are made up of several components depending on the type of water softener you have. The cost to repair or replace these components can vary quite a bit. For example, if you simply need to replace a hose, then it'll likely only cost you about $5 to $50, but if you need a brand new brine tank, then you're looking at $125 to $700 to replace it.
If you decide to hire a pro to repair your water softener, then you'll need to pay labor costs in addition to the costs of any materials needed to fix the problem. Plumbers generally charge $45 to $150 per hour, and it typically takes one to three hours to repair a water softener depending on the complexity of the problem.
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If your water softener repair is fairly straightforward, like a simple filter replacement, then you can probably do it yourself with little risk. However, anything beyond a simple fix should be addressed by someone with extensive plumbing expertise to avoid costly water softener problems, like leaks.
That said, even simple problems can be complicated to diagnose, particularly if your water softener is attached to a whole-house treatment system. So, unless you feel absolutely certain that the problem is an easy fix that you can take on yourself, it's probably best to hire a plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.
If your water softener is on the fritz and it's 10 years old or more, then it probably makes more financial sense to replace the water softener rather than spend money to repair it only to find that you need to replace the whole system a year or two later. Water softeners last for between 10 and 15 years, in most cases, so replacing before yours breaks down could end up saving you money. If you’re experiencing the first issue with your system, a repair probably makes sense. For ongoing issues or an older system, replacement is likely better.
There are a few common symptoms that indicate that something's wrong with your water softener. For instance, if you notice that your skin is dry or itchy after showering, then you might have a water softener problem. Additionally, hard water can result in excessively faded or stiff laundry, so if your loads of laundry start to look or feel off, then it's a good idea to check the water softener. Other common symptoms of broken water softeners include mineral build-up around faucets, discolored water, and water that tastes salty.
Most water softeners last for around 15 years, and the typical life span is between 10 and 25 years. There are many things that affect how long your appliance lasts, like how often you have the water softener set to regenerate, the size of your system and how well the size is matched to your demand, and the brand and quality of the equipment itself.
