Water Softener Installation Cost (Factors & Price Guide)
The average water softener installation cost varies from $500-$1000, but can range from as low as $300 to as high as over $2000. It is essential to select the correctly sized water softener for your home that will mitigate your hard water issues. Hard water negatively impacts human health as it strips away moisture from the skin and hair, and can damage clothing and other household appliances. Installing a water softener is an excellent way to protect against these negative effects of hard water.
Water Softener Installation Cost – [Complete Guide]
The average cost to install a manual water softener is cheaper than the electronic and automatic ones, falling in the $400 to $2000 range. Larger, higher quality water softeners can go up to $10000 (for a large whole house water softener, for instance). Some households may also need to repair plumbing or replace pipes which could increase the cost even further.
Water Softener Installation Cost And Factors That Increase The Price
Size of the Water Softener
Not only does the price of a water softener vary based on size, but larger homes will need bigger units. Therefore, if you have already purchased a large water softener, expect to spend more money installing it.
The amount of water used by a household Water hardness in the water
The hardness of your water is also a cost factor. If you have soft water, it will require less money to soften it. Hard water will need a stronger system and may. Testing the hardness of your well water can be done with kits that cost around $50.
Your home’s plumbing system
If your home is already plumbed for a water softener, the installation will be less complex and therefore cheaper. If you need to run new pipes or make other significant changes, the cost will be higher.
Water Quality
The quality of your water can also affect the price. If you have well water, it may contain high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, that need to be removed. This can add to the cost of installation because these situations may require a more complex system than a typical water softener.
Additional Costs
There are a few other factors that can affect the cost of installing a water softener. These include:
Permits – You may need a permit to install a water softener, depending on your municipality.
Water Analysis – If you have well water, you may need to have it tested before installing a water softener.
Hauling away the old unit – If you are replacing an old water softener, you will need to pay to have it removed and disposed of properly.
Water Softener System Cost can also impact Installation Cost
The four most common types of water softening types are:
Hiring a professional to install your water softener
The cost to install a water softener will also depend on whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. If you decide to hire a professional, you can expect to pay at least several hundred and possibly into the thousands depending on the complexity of the electrical and plumbing issues required. If you decide to install the unit yourself, you can save on the cost of labor. However, if you are not familiar with plumbing, it is best to hire a professional as this may actually save you money in the long run. With that said, if you are able to install the system yourself you may save hundreds or even thousands as you may only need to invest in expensive fittings. However, this again depends on your home’s readiness for a water softener system.
Warranties on water softener installation
Hiring a professional might also include a warranty on the installation of the water softener system. This means that if something goes wrong with the installation, the company will come and fix it for you – usually at no charge. If you decide to install the water softener system yourself, you will not have this option and will have to pay for repairs out of your own pocket if something does go wrong.
Water Softener Maintenance Costs
While a water softener is helpful, it’s important to remember that they come with maintenance costs. The brine tank may cause stains on your floor and, over time, you’ll need to repair the water softener for optimal performance. Before installation, keep in mind that weekly care is required–and this will cost money down the line.
Replacement Salts and Other Disposables
Water softeners use a variety of methods to remove the minerals from water, but they all have one thing in common: they require salt. The type of salt you need depends on the water softener system you have.
The most common type of salt is sodium chloride, which can be found in pool supply stores or hardware stores. Potassium chloride is another type of salt that can be used, but it’s more expensive.
You’ll also need to replace the resin beads inside the water softener unit every few years. These can be found online or in hardware stores. The cost of replacement beads is around $30 for a small unit and $100 for a large unit.
Conclusion
Installing a water softener is a big investment, but it’s one that can save you money in the long run. The cost of installation will vary depending on the type of system you choose, the quality of your water, and the complexity of the installation. Expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $3000 for the entire project. While this may seem like a lot, remember that you’ll save money on soap, detergent, and other cleaning products. You’ll also extend the life of your appliances and plumbing fixtures. In the end, installing a water softener is an investment that will pay for itself many times over.
