Water softener cost installation: Reviews by This Old House
How Much Does Water Softener Installation Cost? (DIY vs Pro)
Buying a water softener doesn’t only involve paying for the system itself. Most people choose to get their water softener system installed by a professional, which adds an extra few hundred dollars onto the upfront bill.
Even if you choose to install a water softener yourself, you’ll likely have to pay for parts and tools to install the system.
TL;DR
If you want to know the cost of a water softener installation without all the nitty-gritty, here’s the quick answer: professional installation costs $150 to $450, and DIY installation costs as little as $50.
Let’s look at the average water softener system cost, factors affecting the installation cost, and more.
Table of Contents
- 🧰 Average Cost of Professional Water Softener Installation
- 🪛 Average Cost of DIY Water Softener Installation
- 📰 Factors Affecting Water Softener Installation Cost
- 📝 How to Reduce Water Softener Installation Costs
- 🚰 Average Cost of a Water Softener System
- 📈 Ongoing Costs to Consider
- 🧠 Water Softener Installation Cost FAQ
🧰 Average Cost of Professional Water Softener Installation
For many people, the risk of damaging their plumbing system by attempting to install a water softener themselves just isn’t worth it.
The average cost of hiring a professional handyman or plumber to install your water softener is $250.
Some professionals charge a set rate for installation, while others charge by the hour.
We strongly recommend asking for quotes from at least three separate plumbers or handymen before choosing somebody. This will help you get the best value for money.
Be wary of “professionals” who charge an unbelievably low rate to install a water softener in your home. There’s probably a catch. Paying slightly more money for a reputable handyman is better than paying less for somebody who doesn’t know what they’re doing.
🪛 Average Cost of DIY Water Softener Installation
If you don’t want to spend extra cash on getting a water softener installed professionally, consider installing the system yourself.
The average cost of installing a water softening system yourself is $50-$150.
You might spend more than this on installation, or you might spend nothing at all.
It just depends on your situation.
For instance, you might have all the tools and supplies you need to install your water softener immediately.
In most cases, however, there are extra items that you won’t be able to install your water softener without. The cost of installing your softener depends on the cost of the items you need.
📰 Factors Affecting Water Softener Installation Cost
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest factors affecting the cost to install water softeners.
The Complexity of Installation
If you’ve hired a professional to install your water softener system, they’ll charge more money for a long, complex installation that takes up more of their time.
There are several reasons why installing your water softening system might be more complex, including the size and design of the system itself (e.g. it has multiple mineral tanks rather than a single mineral and brine tank), and the design of your home’s plumbing system.
Your Location
If you hire a professional, your region will also play a big part in the overall water softener cost for installation.
Some regions have more local competition than others, and some regions have a greater need for water softeners.
Plus, some regions, such as cities and urban areas, have a higher cost of living, so professionals will charge more to accommodate for this. If you want to find out the average cost of water softener installation in your local area, ask for quotes from at least three professionals.
The Parts & Equipment Needed
Some water softeners come with everything they need for a quick, easy installation. Unfortunately, this is pretty rare.
At best, you can hope that the water softener system you choose comes with an optional DIY installation kit, offered at an extra cost. At worst, it might be your job to go out and source all the fittings, pipes, adaptors, and connections you need from your local hardware store.
The more additional supplies and equipment you need (including tools), the more money you’ll spend on installation.
The Type of System
The type of water softener system you buy ties into the complexity of installation.
Some water softeners have two tanks, while others have one, and some have three. Alternative water softeners, such as electronic descalers, don’t even need hooking up to plumbing systems – they just sit outside your water line.
The more parts there are to your water softening system, the more time it’ll take to install it. And time equals money.
Whether Old Equipment Needs Removing
In some cases, you might be installing a new water softener system in place of an old one.
Find a New System: 2023‘s Best Water Softener Systems Reviewed by Experts
If a professional is tasked with removing an existing system before installing a new one, it’ll take them more time – and they’ll charge for the extra job.
If the new system slots perfectly in place of the old one, the cost of removing the old system shouldn’t be too high.
The Installer’s Reputation
The reputation of the person installing your water softener system will more than likely determine your price.
A local plumber with a positive reputation will have lots of jobs for repeat customers, so they can afford to price their service higher.
If you hire a tradesperson with a poor reputation, or a handyman who’s just starting out and has no reputation to speak of, you’ll probably pay less for the service – but you might not get the quality you were hoping for.
Related: How much does the Home Depot water softener installation cost?
📝 How to Reduce Water Softener Installation Costs
Keen to spend as little as possible on installing a water softener? Here’s how to keep your water softener prices for installation as low as possible.
Install the System Yourself (Or Ask a Family Member to Help)
There’s no denying the fact that installing a water softener yourself is much cheaper than hiring a professional, even if you have to do all the hard work yourself.
If you’re familiar with basic plumbing and DIY, you should be able to install a water softener in a few hours.
You’ll only need to pay for the installation supplies.
On the other hand, if you’re not a fan of DIY, or you’ll admit that DIY isn’t your strong point, it might be better to hire a professional. You don’t want to end up spending more on repairing all the things you did wrong when you tried to install the system yourself.
You could also ask a family member to install the water softener for you. You can pay them back with food and gifts, not money.
Buy a Simple System
Some water softeners are so complex that they even leave plumbers scratching their heads during the installation process.
Thankfully, many manufacturers nowadays market their water softener systems as being easy to DIY install. If you want to reduce the effort that goes into installation, avoid fancy systems.
Opt for a traditional single-tank system rather than a dual-tank water softener with two mineral tanks. Read customer reviews to find out how people like you fared with installing the system themselves.
You could also consider salt-free systems, like magnetic water softeners, which are significantly easier to install at your water supply, because they don’t have a brine or mineral tank.
Shop for Supplies Online
If you have a big list of tools and supplies needed to install your soft water system, don’t be so quick to buy them all from your local hardware store.
To keep costs as low as possible, shop for these supplies online. You can find better deals online than in store, so online shopping is a good option if you’re happy to wait a few days before installing your system.
Your manufacturer might offer an installation kit containing all the parts you need to install the system.
Consider buying this for the convenience of having a package of the right components – but keep in mind that you might be able to spend less if you buy them all separately.
🚰 Average Cost of a Water Softener System
Now you know how much it costs to install a water softener, let’s have a quick refresh of the upfront water softener system cost.
The average cost of a whole house water softener system is $1,500.
This price varies depending on the manufacturer’s reputation, the system’s size and quality, whether or not the softener is certified, the effectiveness of the softening technique, and whether the softener uses any innovative technologies that improve efficiency and reduce water waste.
The bigger your household, the bigger the water softener you’ll need. Expect to pay more money for a larger-than-average water softener if your home has more than three bathrooms.
📈 Ongoing Costs to Consider
Once you install a water softener at your point of entry water supply, the costs don’t stop there.
If you want a proper overview of how much water softener systems cost, you need to think about the long-term costs associated with maintaining these systems.
| Cost Factor | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Salt (ion exchange only) | $20 – $40/40 lb. bag |
| Potassium Chloride (ion exchange only) | $40 – $80/40 lb. bag |
| Resin | $100 – $150 cu.ft. |
| Water + Sewer (for ion exchange softeners) | $20 – $30 |
| Electricity | Minimal |
| Cleaner | $10 – $20 |
| Rust Remover | $5-$15 |
| Water Treatment Repairs | $200 – $1,000 |
Maintenance Costs
A water softener system costs about $100 to $300 per year in maintenance.
The most routine maintenance for a standard salt-based softener is to top up the brine tank with fresh salt. Other maintenance costs include cleaning the mineral tank and replenishing the resin.
Salt-free water softeners require less maintenance than salt-based systems. It’s worth considering a salt-free conditioner if you want to keep your long-term costs down.
Service Costs
Getting whole house water softeners serviced is different from performing maintenance on these systems.
Servicing a water softener involves examining the system from top to bottom, checking that all components are functioning properly and free from damage, and carrying out a water hardness test to ensure the water softener is still performing as expected.
The cost of a professional water softener service is about $50-$150, depending on how long the service takes. This doesn’t include the potential cost of new parts.
Water and Electricity Costs
Most traditional ion exchangers use water to regenerate, and need to be connected to an electricity supply to properly operate.
While water and electricity costs are low, they will slightly increase your energy bills.
Again, salt-free systems typically use less water and electricity than salt-based ion exchangers. Opt for salt-free softeners to reduce your long-term spending.
🧠 Water Softener Installation Cost FAQ
Should I install a water softener myself or should I hire an expert?
This depends on whether or not you’re capable of basic plumbing work.
We recommend buying a water softener, unboxing it, and reading the instructions for installation while you can see the system. This will give you a better idea of whether you feel comfortable installing the system yourself.
If you think there’s a strong possibility that you’ll make an expensive error when installing your water softener, it’s probably best to pay for a professional plumber or handyman’s labor costs
Related: How long does it take to install a water softener?
What should I ask a tradesperson before they install my water softener?
There are several ways to find out whether a tradesperson is capable of installing water softener systems, and whether they’re ultimately worth your money:
- How long have you been in business?
- How many similar jobs have you conducted in the past?
- Have you installed a soft water system like this before?
- Can you conduct a site visit and quote me based on the complexity of the job?
- Will additional plumbing be needed?
- Do you offer servicing? What does this involve?
Does the size of my home affect the cost of installing a water softener?
Sort of.
The size of your home determines water softener prices because you’ll likely need to pay more money for a big softener if your home is larger than average.
On the other end, if your home is particularly small, and space is limited, it might take a professional longer to install an ion exchange softener in a tight location. In this case, they might charge more money for the extra time taken to install the system.
Where is an ion exchange softener installed?
All types of softening systems, including ion exchange softeners, should be installed as close to your water’s point of entry into your home as possible, before your water heater. This ensures that your entire water supply is protected from water hardness minerals.
What’s the overall cost of installing a softening system?
The cost of buying and installing a softening system is $1,500-$4,500. Because water softeners themselves are so varied in price, it’s hard to give a specific price range for buying and installing these systems.
Small, under-sink drinking water units, like reverse osmosis units, are cheaper, but they’re not effective in tackling water hardness all around your home.
You can reduce your overall spend by installing the system yourself and buying a system that costs less money to operate in the long run, like a salt-free water softener.
How much does it cost to install a water softener?
Why do you want your water softened? For one, you don’t enjoy staring at the chalky white build-up on your shower head when you’re trying to get clean. You also hate rewashing drinking glasses when they come out of the dishwasher full of spots. You’re also scared of what the bill is going to look like once minerals (scale) starts clogging your piping and fixtures.
You’ve tested your water hardness level and it’s as you suspected. It’s hard. You know you need a water softener but what’s it going to cost you? From the system itself, to labor and installation, you know it likely won’t be cheap.
The larger your home, the more water-using appliances and fixtures you have, the larger the water softener you’ll need. In addition, the harder your water is, the more powerful of a system you’ll need to keep soft water flowing throughout your household. Still, it’s a lot less expensive than what can happen if you don’t fix the problem.
Cost To Install A Water Softener
Not all whole home water softeners are created equal, but when you think about how often you use the water inside a home, and how important it is for that water to be useful and dependable, it’s clear that a solid system is worth the investment.
The cost of an ion exchange softening system can range from a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand, depending on size and features. When it comes to installing your system, having a professional do the job is a large part of the overall cost. Savvy DIY-ers may be able to tackle this project on their own, but more often, homeowners prefer to be hands-off, leaving it to an expert in the field.
On average, a professional water softener installation cost will run you between $800-$3,000 including labor and materials. Of course, the price varies greatly depending on the type of water softener, the size of your home, the grain capacity of the system, and the complexity of the installation. If your home is pre-plumbed for a water softener or has easy access to a water main, installing a softener is a much simpler task, significantly lowering the labor costs.
Newer homes with an easy-to-access plumbing loop will cost the least in labor. The price tag goes up when water mains are hard to reach, require cutting into the main line, and the soldering of pipes to appropriate lengths. For a pre-plumbed site, labor, on average, will add $200-$500 to the initial cost and usually includes basic installation, supplies, tools, equipment, and workplace cleanup. Removal and disposal of an old water softener may increase the price.
Ion exchange systems require a discharge pipe and a source for electricity.
Your softener needs to be connected to the main water supply so that it can provide softened water to the entire home, protecting as much of the plumbing system as possible from hard water mineral clogs and build-up. In homes that aren’t pre-plumbed for a water softener, the installation becomes more complicated and time-consuming, and is reflected in the costs of labor. This can run you anywhere from $750 to $1,500 (in labor alone) depending on the complexity of the project.
Where To Purchase A Softener
Because you’ve already tested your water, you’re armed with the most helpful information in the pursuit of a perfect water treatment system for your home. Knowing your current water hardness levels gives you (or a hired professional) an idea of what grain capacity you’ll need. If you haven’t made a purchase and are still in the investigation stage, gathering estimates from several sources will give you a general cost of installation and any requirements you’ll need before proceeding with the installation.
While there are plenty of places to shop for a treatment system, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, it’s beneficial to enlist the help of someone who specializes in water filtration rather than simply visiting a big box retail store. Otherwise, you may find yourself staring blankly at all the water filtration systems and feeling more confused than ever when trying to compare options.
Big box retailers offer competitive pricing; however, you’ll want to shop not only based on the lowest price, but also the type of service and expertise you’ll receive before and after the purchase is made. Few employees at big box stores will have the experience and know-how to give you the help you need to make the right choice. In addition, if something goes wrong after installation, it can be much harder to get the customer service you deserve.
When you call a water treatment specialist like the ones at
Discount Water Softeners, you get answers to all your filtration questions, and comfort in knowing that you’re purchasing exactly the right system for your home or business.
Discount Water Softeners knows the ins and outs of water because they’ve spent over a quarter of a century helping their customers find the best possible solution for every type of water.
Water softener ECO 1248 KR (ECOMIX C) for removing hardness and organic iron or manganese
Water softener Eco 1248 KR (ECOMIX C)
Water softener Eco 1248 KR(C) is used for complex removal from water salts of carbonate hardness, as well as organic compounds of iron or manganese. It is installed on the cold water supply pipe and drain to the sewer system by connecting them to the threaded connections of the control valve. The design of the filter is a washing body (filter column) with a filler and a drainage distribution system inside, an automatic control mechanism installed in the upper part of the body and a nearby salt reagent tank.
The control of filtering and regeneration processes of the water softener Eco 1248 KR(C) is carried out by the Runxin TM.
F68A3 automatic control valve installed on the filter housing. This Runxin control valve is the most budgetary among analogues from other manufacturers and allows the softener to operate in fully automatic mode and regenerate the filter media after the passage of a pre-calculated volume of water specified in the valve software settings before putting the filter into operation. Calculation of the amount of water passed during the softening process, for timely regeneration, in water softener is implemented by a water meter installed inside the Runxin TM.F68A3 control valve. Also, the software settings of the Eco 1248 KR(C) water softener provide for setting a user-friendly regeneration start time and the number of days between regenerations, for the period of filter operation at the time of many days of non-use of cold water. The calculation of the filter resource and the duration of the regeneration modes is carried out by a specialist, based on the chemical properties and indicators of the treated water.
Menus and settings are presented in English.
The filler in the water softener Eco 1248 KR(C) is a multi-component foreign-made ion-exchange resin ECOMIX C . The ratio of the various cation-exchangeable and anion-exchangeable materials included in the filler in the ECOMIX C loading is focused both on the effective removal of calcium and magnesium ions, and on the elimination of hard-to-recover organic compounds of iron or manganese. This ion-exchange resin is regenerated automatically, when the filter layer is loosened by the reverse flow of incoming water and sodium chloride solution (NaCl) coming from the reagent tank. Presence of salt ( NaCl ) in tank water softener requires the user to periodically check, and in case of absence, it is only necessary to add it by removing the brine tank cover. During the regeneration process, all impurities accumulated as a result of operation, together with a solution of common salt, are washed off by water pressure through the drainage outlet of the control valve into the sewer system.
Filter warranty: 2 years
The average service life of the ECOMIX C filler is 5-7 years (subject to compliance with the operating rules for this water softener ). At the end of the service life of the filter material, it is only necessary to replace it. ECOMIX C is supplied in 20 kg bags. (25 l), as well as the underlying layer – quartz sand 2-5 mm (bag 25 kg.). Salt, in turn, is released in tablet form in bags weighing 25 kg.
Note: For a longer service life of the filter material, it is recommended to install mechanical filters (porosity no more than 10 µm) before water softeners Eco 1248 KR(C).
Delivery set water softener ECO 1248 KR (ECOMIX C) includes:
- Control valve Runxin TM.F68A3 (reagent) – 1 pc.
- Filter housing 1248 – 1 pc.
- Filler ECOMIX C – set
- DRS (water tube) – 1 pc.
- Quartz sand 2-5 mm – set
- Tableted salt – 25 kg
- Salt tank – 1 pc
- Manual and warranty card – 1 pc.
| performance, m3/hour: | 1.4 |
| Filter material: | Ecomix C (48 l.) |
| Control valve: | Runnxin TM.F6A. ) |
| Regeneration, flushing: | Auto for consumption |
| Water consumption for washing, L: | 340 |
| Duration of washing, min: | 45 |
| Reagent tank, l: | 6000 |
| consumption reagent: | Salt (NACL) |
| Reagent reagent consumption: | 70 | 3/8 tube |
| working pressure, ATM: | 2-8 |
| Operating temperature, C: | 5-40 |
| Gabarits, DL/Higher/Side: | 72 x 151 x 32 |
| Weight, kg: | 75 |
| Power consumption, B: | 12 |
| Source Source, V: | 220 |
Inlets.
Scroll Up
|