If you’re like most homeowners in the US, you likely have a hard water issue. Are you considering installing a water softener yourself? Professional plumbers can be expensive, and installing a softener doesn’t seem especially difficult. So now you’re doing a major DIY project and are looking for the easiest water softener to install.
The five easiest water softeners to install are:
- GE GXSH40V
- Waterboss 36,400-Grain Water Softener System
- Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener
- Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains Water Softener
- Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener
To help you with this slightly daunting task, we are here to help you choose the best and the easiest water softener to install in your home. It is also important to consider a water softener that is easy to install and works efficiently to soften the water in your home.
To prepare this article, we researched many water softeners and evaluated them based on their capacity, effectiveness, and, most importantly, ease of installation. Keep reading to learn which water softener is easiest to install for your DIY project.
Related articles:
Ultimate Guide to Water Softeners: Everything You Need to Know
How to Install a Water Softener: A Step-by-Step Guide
10 Tips for Maintaining Your Water Softener
Table of Contents
1. The GE GXSH40V Water Softener
This grain water softener by GE, which is a salt-based water softener, is perfect for removing iron, grains, and other agents that make your water hard. This is not only very easy to install but compared to other water softeners on the market, this model’s installation only takes between 30 minutes and an hour. With dimensions that do not take up too much space, it can probably fit in your laundry room or bathroom.
The manual guide for installation that comes with it properly explains how to set it up, hence winning it the #1 spot for reviewers as an all-rounded water softener that is not only easy to install but is also very efficient and doesn’t take too much space.
For a better step-by-step guide on how you can install the GE water softener, you can check out the following video:
2. The Waterboss 36,400-Grain Water Softener System
You can use this salt-based water softener for both well water and municipal water because it is very effective at removing iron, grime, and other problematic contaminants. The best part of this softener system is that it has a consumer-friendly digital controller that can easily adjust and control your water’s softness level, as well as for regeneration.
It is praised to be very easy to install and has a simple setup. Moreover, it has a long life span, so it does not need to be replaced for a long time. It also has a DVD that guides you in completing the water softener installation.
3. Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener
This is a salt-based single-tank softener introduced by Whirpool. It can be installed without any complications, as there is a handy digital read-out panel that provides instructions and information about the quantity of salt in the water, the water flow, and the regeneration settings.
It is already preprogrammed with common settings that do not need to be changed. After the simple installation, it comes with other maintenance benefits, such as how its metered system automatically helps in recharging the system.
4. Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains Water Softener
Fine mesh resin is used in Aquasure’s Harmony range of products to trap minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron in this water softener’s newly softened water. It also incorporates a metered regeneration system that lowers the total amount of salt and water consumed.
This water softener is very popular with reviewers, as they describe it to be an easy-to-install system with the right instructions provided with it. They are clear and, for better reference, also provide photos to guide you in installing it properly. However, water softeners of the dual-tank systems can occupy plentiful space.
5. Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener
The Rheem Preferred 32,000 grain water softener provides households of up to 4 people with the highest quality tapwater you can expect for your home. The built in Learning Technology learns usage patterns and optimizes salt levels so that it saves money on energy costs while still providing optimal performance – all without sacrificing anything! This reliable machine is designed right here at our USA plant ensuring top notch manufacturing standards which means better outcomes than other brands out there.
Our Best Pick (Easiest Water Softener with the Best Efficiency)
To best assist you in discovering the easiest water softener to install, we took different measures for authenticity. To ensure that we were considering opinions from a variety of people, we inspected hundreds of reviews from confirmed buyers. Our main task was the water softeners that are easy to install.
Needless to say, GE GXSH40V Water Softener was praised for being the water softener that is the easiest to install. In addition to having a product manual and instructions that are easy to read and follow in a short amount of time, it also saves a lot of money. With a simple programmable setup, the automatic features also proved easy maintenance.
Do I Have a Hard Water Issue?
Hard water running through your home’s pipes and appliances can have some critical consequences, which are quite noticeable. If you are wondering whether you have this issue, the following are some of the indications that you have this issue:
- your skin is unnecessarily dry and itchy.
- you can’t get much lather from your soap or shower gel.
- your dishes and silverware have white areas of residue after washing.
- your clothes aren’t immaculate even after being washed.
Installing a Water Softener
To prevent all of those problems caused by hard water, water softeners prove to be very useful home appliances. Common water issues, including mineral accumulation, scale buildup, chalky films, and dry skin and hair after showering, can all be avoided by using water softener machines.
The greatest water softeners remove heavy minerals from the water through an ion exchange process or neutralize them so they can no longer bond to one another and remain soluble in the water.
Although you might have figured out that you need to install a water softener, installing it could be quite intimidating. Installing your own water softener can be very budget-friendly, as installing it yourself is less costly than a professional installation if you’re willing to do some handiwork. Moreover, it allows you to work at your convenience. You can choose the best appliances, tools, and time to carry out the task with your own comfort. Whether it is a first-time installation or a replacement, it is definitely possible.
We will move on to the relatively easiest water softeners to install, followed by our best pick.
FAQs
Does Home Depot install water softeners?
Home Depot offers a turn-key water softener installation service. They will do everything, including testing the hardness of your water, sizing the water softener, and installing it. They also do a complete system start-up and show you how everything works. Read my article about Home Depot’s water softener installation service.
Does Lowes install water softeners?
Lowes has a comprehensive water softener installation service for homeowners. They take care of everything for you. They sample your water to determine how hard it is. They provide a quote that includes installation, miscellaneous plumbing, start-up, and training. It’s a really great deal. Read my article about Lowe’s water installation program.
How much does it cost to install a water softener?
The cost to install a water softener system ranges between $500 and $600, with an average at 1,500. The type you choose will affect your overall bill as well. However, it’s important not just in what capacity but also how often they need repair or replacement which can be costly depending on location factors and whether the service is planned or an emergency.
Final Takeaway
It is important to note that the first step is always to check whether you really need to install a water softener. You can test it with an at-home test kit. Usually, you will also be notified if you need a whole-house water softener system or for specific locations, such as sinks, shower heads, or water-consuming appliances.
This helps a lot in deciding which water softener is actually required for you to enjoy fresh water, which can also be easier to install.