How Much Does it Cost to Install a Water Softener?
If you want to learn about the cost of installing a water softener, then you have come to the right place. You need to consider more than just the benefits of water softener to purchase it. Here we have mentioned what factors can impact the installing cost and the cost of different softening systems.
Factors that Decide the Cost of Water Softener
The following are some factors that decide the cost of water softeners.
Size
You might not know, but you use more water on a daily basis if you have a hard water source. In this case, you need a larger water softener, whether its salt based or not. The service flow rate also has a great role in deciding the size of the water softeners. This is because you may have to open the shower and kitchen faucets as well as turn on the washing machine at the same time. Of course, you want high pressure while you are doing any work in your house, which you can get with bigger and good quality water softeners.
Features
Some expensive products also come with a range of features that you need to think about if you want them. You also need to look out for systems that come with a digital control head that offers you easy monitoring and configuration. Moreover, you also need a meter system that takes account of the previous water usage to regenerate instead of using a timer-based mechanism.
A system that does time-based regeneration uses the same quantity of salt and water to recharge the resin bed every time. In other words, if the saturation of your tap water gets changed, the soft water system will still process the water from the last set salt and water amount. You need to purchase a water softener that can minimize the use of both water and salt.
Brand
You can find many brands in the market that offer you different types of water softeners. There are also some brands that charge you significant money for the features that you even don’t need. It’s better to choose the brands that have good reviews and offer cost-effective solutions for hard water.
Generally, you need to understand that not all conditioners and water softeners are the same. Some products have a lower price tag, but they may get wear and tear more quickly. In this case, you will need to spend more on maintenance and repining costs.
Besides that, the prices of the same water softener with the same features can also greatly vary from one brand to another. Lastly, you also need to remember that a durable system that processes water properly will pay for itself. This is because:
- Your heat exchangers will function more accurately.
- It prevents the collection scale, which offers a long lifespan for your home appliances. Plus, you will not have to pay for costly maintenance of the plumbing system and water heater.
- You can save money on detergents, toiletries, and other cleaning items because of the superior lathering.
What Types of Water Softeners are There?
Besides the above-mentioned factors, the type of the water softener also decides the installation cost of the system. This is because not only do you have to pay for the system, but you also have to consider labor costs.
Ion Exchangers
These water softeners cost you between $400 and $1,000. You can also find them under the name tag of salt-based water softeners or conventional water softeners. Additionally, they are the most expensive type of water system. These water softeners also come with salt to use them as an exchange medium.
Salt-Free
As the name suggests, it is a system that doesn’t use salt, or you can say that it’s a conditioner rather than a softener. This type of system uses other mediums, such as potassium to convert hard water into soft water. You also need to know that potassium is best to use in septic tanks, as salt can predict corrosion in the tank. Homeowners who are on a low-sodium diet prioritize salt-free systems over others. Apart from this, these systems are usually available for $300 to $4000.
These softeners also have a different mechanism than the salt-based ones. Unlike others, a salt-free system suspends magnesium and calcium in the water so that they don’t accumulate in your plumbing. However, these minerals get in your tank, causing damages.
Dual Tank
This type of water softener comes with two mineral tanks and has the ability to soften a significant quantity of hard water. This makes them an ideal option for the larger families who need a great amount of water. The price tag of Dual Tank is $1,000 to $2,000.
Because of its two tanks, you will get a good flow rate of water, even when the system is cleaning the water. This way, you will always have access to soft water.
Magnetic or Electronic
Electronic or magnetic water softening systems are a relatively new type of softening system. It comes with an electric device that connects with the house’s pipes. The system then creates a magnetic field that helps in reversing charged mineral ions. Experts believe that it can help to reduce the mineral buildup in plumbing.
Although some people are already using it, some professionals believe that magnetic water systems don’t work. You also need to know they are also pretty cheap and have a price tag of around $30 to $200.
So, now you know that how much budget you should have to purchase a water softener. You also need to keep the budget for the contractor you will hire to install the system. If you are planning to purchase a high-quality water softener, you need to pay less than $1,000 for it. But when it comes to homes with older plumbing, the cost can go up to $3,000. So, before buying the water softening system, make sure to get a quote from a professional. This way, you can set your overall budget more easily.
You can read about our other popular reviews on Culligan, Kinetico, Rayne Water, and waterboss.
Bottom Line
Water softeners are available at different prices, but the cost of installing them greatly depends on a list of factors. It includes the water softener’s size, type, brand, and features. But no matter how much you have to pay, water softeners are totally worth it.
