How Much To Install A Water Softener? $60k OMG
A whole-house water softener installation can cost between $500 to $6,000. On average, the cost is around $1,500 including the material, all factors, and labor. Now, you might wonder how much to install a water softener.
The negative effects of the hard water are lessened, though, by using a water softener. Therefore, you must comprehend the cost of installing the water softener. In this article, we will discuss every aspect that influences the overall cost of installing a water softener.
What factors affect the cost of installing a water softener?
There are a number of factors that affect the cost of installing the water softener. Now we will discuss it all one by one. Let’s start.
Types of the water softener system:
First, you need to determine the type of water softener that best suits your home’s needs. The type of water softener plays an important role in cost. Let’s see the price of water softener according to its type.
Type of Water Softener | Cost |
Ion exchange (double tank) | $1,000 to $2,500 |
Reverse osmosis (whole house) | $4,000 to $11,000 |
Salt-free conditioner | $500 to $3,000 |
Water distiller | $1,200 to $4,000 |
Magnetic | $200 to $600 |
Ion exchange (single tank) | $400 to $1,700 |
Reverse osmosis (point-of-use) | $100 to $500 |
Water softener System capacity:
Water softener system capacity is important to understanding how capacity affects installation costs. So, if you have more family members then you need a larger grain capacity water softener which adds to the cost.
Capacity | Cost |
Up to 24,000 | $300 to $600 |
32,000 | $400 to $1,000 |
48,000 | $500 to $1,200 |
64,000 | $1,000 to $1,500 |
80,000 | $1,200 to $1,800 |
96,000+ | $1,500 to $2,500 |
Water softener system brand cost:
If you want to install a branded water softener system. Then the brand cost also affects the total cost. Most, high-capacity branded water softeners are more expensive than smaller, traditional water softener systems.
Brand | Cost |
Dupure | $600 to $1,000 |
Kinetico | $500 to $5,000 |
Pelican | $800 to $2,600 |
Sterling | $1,200 to $1,800 |
Avantapure | $1,600 to $7,000 |
Hellenbrand | $1,200 to $2,500 |
Westinghouse | $900 to $4,500 |
Culligan | $400 to $5,000 |
Regional Water softener system:
The most important factor is the hardness of the water in your area. Therefore, regional differences also affect water trace minerals. You can get specific information about water hardness in your area by contacting your city’s water department.
Water hardness also affects the essential capacity of water needed by household members. Therefore, before installing a water softener, analyze the water capacity requirement of your home.
Water Hardness | Necessary Capacity | Approximate Water Softener Cost |
6 to 9 GPG | 24,000 | $300 to $600 |
10 to 12 GPG | 32,000 | $400 to $1,000 |
13 to 18 GPG | 48,000 | $500 to $1,200 |
18 to 20 GPG | 64,000 | $1,000 to $1,500 |
20+ GPG | 80,000 | $1,200 to $1,800 |
Some additional features that affect the installation cost of water softener systems
There are a few additional features that also affect how much to install water softener costs that may seem unnecessary. However, these are essential for safety. But these features are up to the homeowner whether they want the features or not. Let’s see the additional features.
Systems for Distilling Water:
For the purpose of producing steam, the water is distilled at a high temperature to almost boiling point. The minerals and the other dirt can’t vaporize along with the steam. After a while, the water will cool and be available for use. Water distillers work well only for small-scale applications.
Wi-Fi Connectivity:
The desire to use Wi-Fi connectivity is up to the homeowners. Therefore, you can use the devices to remotely control the system thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity.
Advanced monitoring systems:
To always be aware of the state of their home water softening system some water systems are designed at an advanced level. So, these systems have the features to monitor cutting-edge sensors and monitoring tools to provide real-time data on water usage, salt levels, system efficiency, and maintenance cleaning.
Self-cleaning mechanisms:
Some water softeners are designed with the facility to a self-cleaning mechanism. So it automatically flushes out the mineral build-up. So, there will be no need for regular maintenance. Also, ensure that it works properly.
Installation Complexity also affects the installation cost of water softener systems
If you use any water softener system you may need to install it. So, some factors that affect the installation complexity. The following features can affect how much installing a water softener will cost you.
Labor Cost: Labor cost depends on the type of water softener system you choose to install. Labor cost also depends on your area and installation material. Labor costs typically range from £150 to $1000.
Permits: Some areas require a permit to install a water softener. So, you can contact your local authorities for cost and guidance before installing it.
Replacement: If you need to replace the water softener system instead of installing a new one. Therefore, you do not need to re-plug it to reduce the overall cost.
Water testing: Water hardness needs to be tested before installing a water softener. so you can test your water hardness using a water test kit which is not very expensive and can cost less than $50.
Plumbing: The plumbing you are using is copper or pex plastic. However, pex is easier to work with and less expensive than copper. If you are using copper you can change them with pax for the water softener installation part.
Maintenance: To maintain performance you need to clean the tank every three to four months to prevent resin build-up. You can contract for annual maintenance or monthly maintenance.
Renting a water softener: You can also rent a water softener instead of buying a new one. However, you will have to pay an installation fee and a monthly usage fee.
Installation of water softener system:
There are generally three ways to install a water softener system that can impact the cost of installing a water softener. Let’s look at them.
Contact a professional:
However, to install the high-capacity water-softening systems you need a professional. The homeowner cannot install it himself easily. So, consult a professional for proper installation to ensure that the system is operating smoothly and that hardness levels have been adjusted.
Do It Yourself:
Some water softener systems are designed to not require a professional to install like a smaller water softener directly under the sink. The homeowner can install it himself. In addition, the homeowner can reduce costs by understanding the installation process over the Internet and installing it yourself.
Help others:
If the homeowner has a relationship with a plumber, they can help install a water softener at a reduced rate. So can getting help from friends that will help in installing it which can reduce the cost.
How much plumbing is involved?
Sometimes the water softener needs to be placed far from the drain connection or the point where water enters the house due to space constraints or installation layout. This may necessitate the installation of additional piping. which typically costs $5 per foot.
Purchase those water softeners online at Stores:
When you are installing a new water softener or replacing a new one, you have the opportunity to buy water softeners from online e-commerce stores. So, you can do-it-yourself water softener installation, and hire a local plumber or a licensed professional.
You can buy water softener systems at online stores such as Amazon, Walmart, eBay.com, Target, Best Buy, Macy’s and others. However, these stores offer water softeners at reasonable prices.
Additional tips to reduce the total cost of installing the water softener system
Here are some tips to save money on installing a water softener:
- Research and find the right price to buy a water softener system.
- Select the capacity size according to the needs of the homes.
- By regular cleaning through maintenance you don’t need to take monthly checking service after maintaining the service, just take annual checking service.
- Think long-term is beneficial.
- Buy only the essential features that are needed.
- Consult a professional to determine which water softener system is best for your home’s needs.
How much to install a water softener?
After reading all the factors that can lower and increase the cost of installing a water softener system. You can see that the average cost is about $1,500. However, a whole-house water softener installation costs between $500 and $6,000.
You can also find the actual price of water softeners at online stores. Also, the labor cost depends on your region, you can consult your regional professionals. Additionally, after identifying all the factors cost according to your area you can estimate the right price.
Saving over time on costs:
It might be looking like a hefty upfront investment. However, with the passage of time after analysis of the beneficent you may forget about the highest cost. The water softener system offers healthier water to use.
As a result, you feel the water will taste, and smell better, and any application of the used water will run more efficiently and last longer. Also, decreases energy consumption, and lowers maintenance and cleaning costs.
In the long term, it can save households money by extending the lifespan of water-using appliances, and your hair, skin, and laundered clothes will make you feel softer.
Conclusion:
If you feel the hardness signs in your home usage water you can install the water softener system. However, you are worried about how much to install water softener costs. So, after understanding the above instructions you know the overall view of the costs.
Therefore, after analyzing that installing the water softener is so costly. So, you may visit your area where the price mentioned above may be higher and your regional cost may be lower. If it is more expensive you look at its benefits.
While your water’s hardness and the minerals like calcium and magnesium don’t harm you, they can make domestic life less pleasant. With a professional’s advice and supervision, you can therefore install a water softening system correctly.