What Is the Cost Of Water Softener Installation?

Have you begun taking a closer look at the cost of having a water softener installed? Are you curious about what the process might entail? The following information will provide the guidance, insights, and tips you need.

The process of softening water entails eliminating excess magnesium and calcium as well as additional metal deposits that find their way into the water supply. This produces water that works much more effectively with soaps and is far less damaging to the household appliances with which it interacts.

Though the cost of having a water softener installed may initially seem somewhat steep, it is important to remember that the equipment is sure to pay for itself and then some with the passage of time. There are water softener options that use salt in their process, but it is also possible to have a salt-free model installed.

How Are Water Softeners Priced?

Those considering water softener installation are surely interested in learning more about pricing. There are a number of elements that go into price determinations, and these include the precise kind of softener chosen. Straightforward, small models meant to purify a single tap are extremely affordable, whereas a whole-house system designed to soften and purify every drop of water that enters the house will cost quite a bit more.

The actual price tag will be determined by the model of softener chosen, the contractor’s own labor costs, and several other variables. A DIY installation job may cost as little as $400, but a full-service professional job could run upwards of $4,000.

Hard water found in homes generally contains large deposits of magnesium and calcium, and as such, water softeners work to eliminate those minerals from the supply so that it is more compatible with daily household use.

Another factor potentially affecting the cost of a water softener installation is the accessibility and general condition of the site where the work needs to be done. The bottom line is that the cost of installation can vary significantly and is a fairly fact-specific, individualized question that a contractor must answer on a case-by-case basis.

Some of the most frequently-chosen water softener options include distillers, reverse-osmosis systems, and whole-house systems. Distillers are systems which utilize steam as a means to achieve water purification. The water that results is pure, but the systems tend to work rather slowly, generating just a few clean gallons each hour. Because distillers are not as rapid in their work as other options, they are best-suited for single-use scenarios such as kitchen tap drinking water sources. These systems have the advantage of being the most affordable, however.

A reverse osmosis system is one that is quite popular, and it works by sending water through two different purification liquids. Not unlike distillers, these systems work more slowly than other alternatives. The process is indeed effective, though the mechanisms involved do require regular, professional maintenance and filter changes, something which bumps up the cost of operation.

Whole-house water softener systems use filter cartridges that are connected to the home’s water distribution pipes. The result is purified water in every part of the house. This option clearly comes with the highest cost, but installation is relatively simple, and the maintenance needs are low.

Choosing a reverse-osmosis system provides greater capacity than a distiller can offer, but their capacity is also somewhat limited. A whole-house system, by contrast, can handle every bit of water that enters the home because its filters are attached directly to the broader plumbing works.

Size Considerations

The water softener’s distinct size parameters will help determine how much the installation process is likely to cost. Homes that are larger in size and those with seriously hard water will demand larger units that have a greater capacity to eliminate excess minerals from the water supply.

Water softener mechanisms are differentiated by capacity, and this is measured by grains per gallon, often shortened to GPG. The amount of grains per gallon of softener required by a given home will determine the capacity of the system that home must have installed. By way of illustration, a top-quality water softener with a 75,000-grain capacity will run a homeowner roughly $1,800.

A key distinction among available water softeners has to do with whether they use potassium or sodium to complete their work. A sodium-based product runs roughly $5 per 40-pound container, whereas potassium products cost about $27 for the same quantity. While sodium products are obviously more cost effective, those who need their drinking water to be free from salt have no choice but to pay the extra price.

Water Supply Matters

If you know that your home’s water supply is excessively hard, a more rigorous softening process will be necessary to get the outcome you want. The harder your water is, the more expensive the softening process is sure to be.

Again, the cost of a water softener and full installation will vary a great deal, depending on the specific needs involved. However, even those who opt for an expensive whole-house system will ultimately realize substantial financial savings over time. With a typical lifespan of roughly 15 years, softeners work to prevent costly damage to household appliances that often necessitate repairs and even replacements. Not only that, softened water is much easier on pipes, halting the corrosion and clogs that might otherwise occur and require the assistance of professional plumbers.

Water softener installation costs may include things such as removal and disposal of existing systems, site preparation, and general labor expenses. The key is to obtain a firm estimate derived from an on-site visit prior to moving forward with installation.

Hiring the Right Professional

Luckily, it is not terribly difficult to locate a qualified, experienced water softener installation and repair professional. By asking friends and family for the names of contractors they trust, you can rest assured that you will receive the quality service and top-notch equipment you deserve.


The team at Water Softener Solutions stands ready to help with any system need, and more information can be found by visiting https://www.watersoftenersolutions.com/

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