Do you want to know how much a water softener costs?
The cost of a water softener varies depending on the type of softener you buy, the size of your home, and the hardness of your water. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3,000 for a complete system, including installation. There are also other factors that affect the price such as where you live, your home’s plumbing configuration, and the options and features you select. Large homes with hard water may need a commercial water softener which can cost as much as $6,000.
Continue reading to learn about how much a water softener costs.
Related articles:
Ultimate Guide to Water Softeners: Everything You Need to Know
Water Softener Costs
A residential water softener typically costs from $600 to $1,500, not including installation.
The price of a water softener can vary depending on the size and type of unit you buy, as well as the features it includes.
Some whole-house systems cost more than $2,000.
Point-of-use systems are typically less expensive, starting at around $150.
There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of a water softener, including:
- The type and size of the unit
- The features included
- Where you live
- The brand you purchase
Before making a purchase, it’s important to compare different brands and models to find the best system for your needs and budget.
Ion exchange water softener costs
The cost of an ion exchange water softener is related to its treatment capacity. That is, the greater the softening capacity of the resin bed in cubic feet, the more expensive the system.
Resin beds are usually rated in grains per gallon (gpg). A typical water softener might have a resin bed that can soften up to 60,000 gpg. The cost for such a system might be around $600 but could sell for as much as $2,100.
Salt-free water softener costs
Salt-free water conditioners do not use salt but work in one of two ways – a physical process called chelation and water conditioning through Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC). Read my detailed article on salt free water conditioners.
The cost of such a system might be around $300 but could sell for as much as $800.
Installation costs will be about the same as those for a conventional water softener.
Dual tank system costs
A nice feature to have in your water softener is dual tanks. This configuration has two resin vessels instead of one. One tank is in service, treating your water and the other tank is being regenerated. This setup ensures your system can meet peak demand and deliver soft water.
The cost for this type of system will be higher than for a single tank water softener, but it’s worth the investment. You can expect to pay an additional $800 on average for a dual tank system.
Installation costs will also be higher, since the tanks and control valves must be placed in a specific sequence for the system to work properly.
If you’re looking for a water softener that can handle peak demand, a dual tank system is your best option. The cost of this type of system will be higher than for a
Digital versus mechanical controls
Water softeners must be regenerated periodically. You can opt for a basic mechanical timer that will regenerate the system at preset intervals, or you can choose a digital timer.
Digital timers are more expensive, but they are more convenient to adjust. The digital display will let you know when the next regeneration event is and other useful information.
You can also get a unit that initiates the regeneration cycle based on the volume of water treated. This ensures your system is always working at its best.
If you want the convenience of digital controls, be prepared to pay a little extra. The cost for a digital timer will be around $90 more than for a mechanical timer. The flow-based control system might cost an additional $400.
Water softener capacity and cost
The treatment capacity of water softeners is measured in grains per gallon (gpg). The higher the capacity, the more expensive the system.
A water softener that can soften up to 30,000 gpg will cost around $600. If you need a unit with a greater capacity, say 60,000 gpg, expect to pay closer to $1,000.
| Water Softener Size |
Capacity |
Cost Range |
| 24,000 grains |
0 – 3,500 gpg |
$300 – $500 |
| 32,000 grains |
3,501 – 4,500 gpg |
$400 – $600 |
| 48,000 grains |
4,501 – 6,850 gpg |
$500 – $800 |
| 64,000 grains |
6,851 – 9,150 gpg |
$600 – $1,200 |
| 80,000 grains |
9,151 – 11,500 gpg |
$1,300 – $2,000 |
Home water softener cost by brand
Not all water softener brands are created equal. Some are more expensive than others.
A Culligan system with a capacity of 30,000 gpg will cost around $850. A comparable unit from Morton costs around $950.
Generally speaking, brands that are known for high quality tend to be more expensive than those that are not. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line system, expect to pay a premium.
If you want to stick with a well-known brand, expect to pay more than if you purchase a unit from a lesser-known manufacturer. However, it’s important to do your research to make sure you’re getting a quality product.
Installation costs will be about the same for all brands.
The following table lists the water softener purchase cost for 12 of the most popular brands. It includes the cost for a low-end and high-end unit as well as the average cost.
| Brand | Low-Range | Average | High Range |
| Culligan | $400 | $2,700 | $5,000 |
| Kinetico | $500 | $2,750 | $5,000 |
| Pelican | $800 | $1,700 | $2,600 |
| Westinghouse | $900 | $2,700 | $4,500 |
| Alamo | $1,000 | $2,500 | $4,000 |
| Harvey | $1,050 | $1,713 | $2,375 |
| Sterling | $1,200 | $1,450 | $1,700 |
| Avantapure | $1,600 | $4,300 | $7,000 |
| Water Right | $2,000 | $2,500 | $3,000 |
| Rainsoft | $2,750 | $4,375 | $6,000 |
| Dupure | $600 | $800 | $1,000 |
| Hellenbrand | $1,200 | $1,850 | $2,500 |
Read my article on the cost of a Culligan water softener for a detailed discussion of this brand.
Water Softener Installation Costs
When it comes to installation, there are a few things to consider:
- The cost of labor
- The cost of permits, if required
- The cost of materials
Labor costs can vary significantly depending on where you live. For example, in some areas plumbers may charge a flat rate, while in others they may charge by the hour.
The cost of permits also varies depending on your location. Some municipalities don’t require them at all, while others charge a significant fee.
The cost of materials can also vary greatly depending on the brand and type of water softener you choose and the plumbing configuration in your home.
Read my step-by-step guide on how to install a water softener.
Home Depot water softener installation cost
Do you want to know how much it costs to have the Home Depot install your water softener? So did I.
I went down to my local Home Depot and asked. Unfortunately, they don’t provide quotes in the store. You have to make an appointment for one of their contractors to inspect your home. Since I was considering a purchase, I made the appointment and a professional estimator came to my house a week later.
The quote for Home Depot to install my water softener was $2,800. This included delivering the water softener to my house, installing a bypass loop, and running a 12-foot length of pipe to and from the unit.
I checked with other people who have had Home Depot install water softeners. The range of prices for Home Depot to install a water softener is between $1,100 and $3,600.
Home Depot uses contractors to install water softeners. Their contractors have been vetted and carry insurance (workman’s compensation, automobile, and liability). Home Depot provides a service warranty with their installation work.
Read my article Is Home Depot Water Softener Installation Worth the Cost to learn a lot more.
Lowe’s water softener installation cost
Lowe’s provides water softener installation services. The cost to have Lowe’s install your water softener will vary depending on a few factors, but the average cost is $1,450. For a simple installation, Lowe’s may charge you as little as $375. More complex installations may cost more than $3,000.
Variables that can affect the installation cost include:
- Amount of piping work that has to be done
- The type of water softener you purchase
- Availability of 110-volt power near installation spot
- Installing a bypass loop
- Setting up zones to provide treated and untreated water to different parts of your house
Lowe’s doesn’t do the installation work themselves – they use local contractors who are knowledgeable with water softeners. Their contractors are licensed (if required by local regs) and carry insurance. Lowe’s also does a background check to weed out the bad actors.
Lowe’s provides a one-year warranty with installation.
Lowes offers financing to help you afford the purchase and installation of your water softener. They also offer deals with your Lowe’s credit card such as discounts and no interest charges for up to 6 months.
Plumber or contractor softener system cost
Unless you’re comfortable doing the installation yourself, you’ll need to hire a plumber or contractor to install your water softener.
The cost of labor will vary depending on the installer’s rates and the complexity of the installation.
Generally speaking, expect to pay between $100 and $300 per hour for labor. This doesn’t include the cost of materials. Overall costs can vary wildly from one home to the next.
If you’re looking for a good deal on installation, try to find a plumber or contractor who is willing to do the work for a flat rate. This will give you some certainty about how much the entire installation will cost.
Ask for references and contact them before hiring an installer. This will help you to find someone who does good work.
Hiring a plumber or contractor to install your water softener is a good way to ensure the job is done properly. However, it will cost you. Expect to pay between $200 and $1,500 for installation, depending on the brand and amount of piping work required for your system.
Permit costs for water softener installation
If you live in a municipality that requires permits for water softener installation, the cost of those permits will be added to the overall installation cost.
The average permit fee is around $50, but it can vary significantly depending on your location.
Some municipalities don’t require permits at all, while others charge a significant fee. The highest permit cost I’ve heard about was $450.
DIY costs for water softener installation
If you’re comfortable doing the installation yourself, you can save a significant amount of money.
The cost of materials will be significantly less than if you hire a plumber or contractor to do the work for you.
You’ll also save on labor costs, which can add up to hundreds of dollars.
However, it’s important to note that not all water softener installations are DIY-friendly. If you’re not comfortable doing the work yourself, it’s best to hire a professional.
If you’re confident in your plumbing skills and have the time, installing a water softener can save you some money.
Long-Term Costs of Water Softeners
In addition to the equipment and installation costs, you’ll also need to factor in the cost to operate your water softener and keep it in good working condition. Some of these ongoing costs can be higher than the cost of the softener, so you need to consider them in your purchasing decision.
All of these costs should be taken into account when calculating the total cost of owning a water softener. Over the life of your system, the water softener installation costs aren’t the most significant. The long-term costs can be 10 times what you pay for the softener.
The following table summarizes the major costs associated with water softener maintenance and repair.
| Expense | Cost | Unit |
| Repairs and Maintenance | $150 – $900 | year |
| Professional service | $120 – $500 | year |
| Salt | $5 – $10 | 40-lb bag |
| Potassium Salt | $50 – $70 | 40-lb bag |
| Ion Exchange Resin | $90 – $130 | bag |
| Cleaner | $8 – $20 | container |
| Rust/scale remover | $5 – $10 | container |
1. System maintenance
Like all appliances, a home water softener requires regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently. Most systems need to be cleaned and flushed annually to remove any built-up sediment or deposits. They also require disinfection to ensure harmful bacteria aren’t growing in the resin vessel or brine tank.
This process is relatively simple, but it can be time consuming and may require the help of a professional. The cost of this service will vary depending on where you live and the company you use.
You can also save money by cleaning and sanitizing the system yourself, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
If your water softener isn’t properly maintained, it may not work as well as it should or could eventually stop working altogether. This will increase your long-term costs and may require you to replace the system sooner than you would have otherwise.
Annual maintenance service by a professional can cost between $120 and $500.
If you need to replace the resin in your system, it costs between $90 and $130 per bag.
2. Salt
Salt is used to regenerate the resin beads in the water softener, so it’s an essential part of the system. The price of salt can vary depending on where you live and the type of salt you purchase.
Most water softeners require between 40 and 80 pounds of salt per month, so the cost can add up over time. You may be able to save money by buying in bulk or by switching to a less expensive brand of salt.
If you have a water softener with a built-in grain meter, it will automatically adjust the amount of salt needed each month. This can help you save money on salt and avoid running out.
The cost of sodium chloride salt ranges from $0.125 to $0.70 per pound.
Potassium chloride salt costs approximately $1.25 to $1.75 per pound.
If you have a salt-free water softener, then you won’t incur these costs.
3. Water waste
All ion exchange water softeners waste some amount of water because they have to regenerate the spent resin. The amount of water wasted will vary depending on the size and type of softener, but it’s typically between two and six gallons per regeneration.
If you pay for public water and sewer, this is an added cost. Fortunately, it’s not significant, but you should be aware of this aspect of water conditioners.
4. Water testing
It is important to monitor your water softener to ensure it’s working properly and reducing your water’s hardness. An important way to check how well the softener is working is to test the water hardness.
There are a number of ways to do this, and some testing kits are more accurate than others. You can also have your water tested by a professional to get an accurate reading.
The cost of testing will depend on the method you choose and the company you use. Home test strips are about $25 for 20 test strips. Professional water companies charge $40 or more for a hardness test.
5. Routine inspections and service contract
Having your system inspected and serviced on a regular basis is an important way to keep it running efficiently and prolong its life. Most water softener companies offer a service contract that includes regular inspections and maintenance.
The cost of this service will vary depending on the company you use, but it’s typically less expensive than paying for repairs or replacement parts if something goes wrong with the system.
Annual maintenance contracts range from $100 to $300 per year and include a thorough examination, flushing, and cleaning.
What Affects the Cost of a Water Softener
Having a water softener in your home can be a great way to improve the quality of your water and save money on energy costs. It’s important to note, however, that not all softeners are created equal. The cost of a water softener varies depending on the type of softener you buy, the size of your home, and the hardness of your water.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to more than $6,000 for a complete system, including installation.
There are many factors that will affect the overall cost of your softener. Total softener system cost is affected by the following variables.
1 – System capacity
An important factor in the overall cost of your water softener is the system’s capacity. This is determined by the hardness of your water and how much water you use on a daily basis. A larger system will be more expensive than a smaller one, and it’s important to choose one that can handle all of your needs.
If you have a large family or if you live in a multi-story home, you will need a larger system with a higher capacity. You may also need to buy a commercial-grade water softener if your water is extremely hard.
The good news is that most homeowners only need a standard residential water softener. This type of system typically has a capacity of between 15,000 and 30,000 grains of hardness removal.
If you have a smaller family or live in a single-story home, you may be able to get away with a system that has a lower capacity. In this case, you can save money on the purchase and installation costs of your water softener.
Overall, it’s important to select a system that has the capacity to meet your needs. If you choose one that’s too small, you may end up having to purchase a larger system down the road, which can be costly.
2 – Water hardness
Your water’s hardness is another important factor that will affect the overall cost of your water softener. Hardness is a measure of the amount of calcium and magnesium ions in the water.
The harder your water, the more treatment capacity your softener will need. Water softeners are sold according to their capacity. This is expressed as grain capacity.
Hard water also requires more salt to regenerate the resin.
3 – Your home’s size
The size of your house will also affect the overall cost of your water softener. A larger home will require a larger system to produce sufficient water for your needs. As you would expect, a larger water softener is more expensive.
If you have a large home with multiple stories, you may need to buy a commercial-grade water softener. These systems are designed to handle high volumes of water and can usually accommodate homes with up to 12 bathrooms.
On the other hand, if you live in a small home or apartment, you may be able to get away with a system that has a lower capacity. This will save you money on the purchase and installation costs of your water softener.
It’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. You may need a larger or smaller system depending on your specific needs.
4 – Whole-house versus point-of use system
The cost of a water softener will vary depending on whether you treat all of the water that comes into your house or just some of it. A whole-house water softener is more expensive than a point-of-use system, but it’s also more efficient.
A whole-house water softener treats all of the water that comes into your home before it enters the plumbing system. This means you won’t have to install a separate unit for different zones or individual appliances in your house.
Most people install a whole-house system because it doesn’t require extensive plumbing or purchasing multiple units.
5 – Options and features
Water softeners come with a variety of options and features. These can affect the overall cost of the system.
For example, some water softeners have an automatic regeneration feature that activates when the unit has processed a specific volume of water. This is more expensive than a timer-based system that regenerates the resin on a fixed schedule.
Some units have digital displays that keep track of the volume of water treated, the amount of salt left in your tank, and remind you when it needs maintenance. Other expensive options include the ability to control your water softener through a smart phone app.
Options like a particle filter, carbon filter, and pH adjustment add to your costs.
If you don’t need these extra features, you can save money by choosing a system without them.
In general, the more features and options your water softener has, the more expensive it will be. It’s important to select the system that best meets your needs and budget.
Like every major purchase you make for your home, you’ll need to weigh the convenience of options against their cost.
6 – Where you live
The cost of installing a water softener may vary depending on where you live. Labor costs can vary significantly depending on the area, so it’s important to get quotes from several different installers.
Some areas have more stringent plumbing regulations than others, which can drive up the cost of installation. You may also need to factor in the cost of permits and inspections if they are required in your city or town.
The overall cost of a water softener will vary depending on these factors, so it’s important to get an accurate estimate before you make your purchase.
7 – The brand you purchase
There are dozens of water softener brands on the market, and they all have different prices. In general, the more expensive brands are also the most reliable. A low cost water softener may end up costing you more, especially if it can’t keep up with your home’s water softening needs.
If you’re looking for a high-quality water softener that will last for many years, you may want to consider spending a little extra money on a top-of-the-line brand.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, there are many less expensive brands that will get the job done.
It’s important to do your research and compare different brands before making a purchase. Keep an open mind while you’re doing your research. This will help you find the best system for your needs and budget.
Strategies to Save Money on Your Water Softener
If you’re considering buying a water softener, there are a few ways to save money on the cost. Here are a few strategies to get started:
- Shop around. Not all water softeners are created equal, so it’s important to shop around and compare prices before you buy.
- Size it properly. An over- or under-sized softener costs you more. (read my article about properly sizing a water softener).
- Install it correctly. If your softener is installed improperly, you may find it requires more frequent regeneration or maintenance.
- Optimize regeneration cycle. Salt is the biggest ongoing expense. Make sure you’re not wasting it by regenerating too often.
- Test it routinely. Monitor your softener’s performance to keep it operating in the optimum range.
- Include pre-treatment. Installing a water filter upstream of your softener can reduce fouling and increase the life of your softener system.
- Buy a unit with a built-in grain meter. These units regenerate based on hardness removed from the water which minimizes salt usage.
Cost Savings from Having a Water Softener
Water softeners cost money to buy and install. They also save you money in the long run.
Here are some cost savings you can expect from your water softener.
- Appliance life extended
- Plumbing repairs and replacement
- Water heater energy savings
- More efficient use of detergent and soap
Example Costs to Install a Water Softener
Let’s look at a couple examples of the installation cost for a water softener.
Scenario #1: 2-bedroom home with very hard water
In this example, the home has a water softener installed that is sized for a family of three. Their water is very hard – 14 grains per gallon. They use 240 gallons of water per day.
| Parameter | Cost |
| Equipment purchase | $1,600 |
| Professional installation | $450 |
| Salt for one year | $120 |
| Maintenance contract | $200 |
| Other costs | $50 |
| Total costs | $2,420 |
Scenario #2: 5-bedroom home with hard water and public water and sewer
In this scenario, the homeowners install the softener themselves. They purchase a unit with a flow-based, digital controller and dual tanks. They use 400 gallons per day, and their water has a hardness of 9 gpg.
| Parameter | Cost |
| Equipment purchase | $2,860 |
| DIY installation | $175 |
| Potassium chloride salt for one year | $480 |
| Maintenance contract | $310 |
| Other costs | $340 |
| Total costs | $4,165 |
FAQs
How much does it cost to install a water softener in a 5-bedroom house?
A typical cost for installing a water softener in a 5-bedroom house is $1,000 to $3,500. Costs will vary depending on the water hardness, water usage, and options the homeowner chooses. Your softener installation cost can be affected by where you live.
How much does salt cost for a water softener each year?
The typical water softener uses about 60 pounds of salt each month and about 720 pounds each year. The cost for salt for a water softener is between $144 and $504 per year.
How much does a water softener cost to maintain each year?
The average water softener costs between $200 and $800 per year to maintain. This includes salt, maintenance, and miscellaneous costs.
Final Take on Water Softener Costs
So, how much does a water softener cost? This answer can vary greatly depending on the size and type of unit you need, as well as the features that are included. In this article, we gave you some general water softener prices to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that these prices do not include installation costs, which can also vary depending on your location.
We hope this article has been helpful and provided some insight into the cost of water softeners.
