How much does it cost to install a water softener system?
How much does it cost to install a water softener system?
$200 – $500 installation cost (labor only)
$800 – $2,500 average total cost (softener + installation labor)
Water softener installation cost
Water softener installation costs $800 to $2,500 on average, depending on system size, type, brand, and labor. Water softener prices range from $600 to $2,000 on average, and the labor cost to install is $200 to $500. Water softeners cost $10 to $20 per month to run and refill salt.
High-end brands like Kinetico or Culligan water softener systems cost up to $5,000 to install.
| Type | Average cost installed | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $600 – $1,000 |
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| Average | $1,000 – $2,200 |
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| High End | $2,200 – $3,500+ |
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Average cost to install a water softener
| National average cost | $1,400 |
| Minimum cost | $400 |
| Maximum cost | $5,000 |
| Average range | $800 to $2,500 |
Around 85% of Americans have hard water that contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which cause plumbing and cleaning problems. A water softener:
Removes the minerals (scale) from hard water.
Prevents soap-scum stains, clogged pipes, damages to hot water heaters, and stiff or faded laundry.
Reduces energy bills, plumbing repairs, and saves money.
Adds more lather from less soap. Makes skin and hair feel cleaner and softer.
Lasts for 10 to 15 years.
Water softener cost by type
Whole-house water softeners cost $400 to $2,700 on average for a traditional ion-exchange system. Alternative salt-free water conditioners cost $300 to $4,000, and magnetic or electronic descalers cost $160 to $600, but they don’t soften the water.
| Type | Price range (Unit only) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Ion Exchange | $400 – $2,700 |
|
| Dual Tank Ion Exchange | $1,100 – $2,500 |
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| No-salt Conditioner | $300 – $4,000 |
|
| Magnetic / Electronic | $160 – $600 |
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| Reverse Osmosis (Below Counter) | $150 – $600 |
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| Reverse Osmosis (Whole House) | $4,500 – $7,500 |
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| Portable / RV | $150 – $300 |
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| Commercial | $1,500 – $15,000 |
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Ion exchange water softener prices
An ion exchange water softener system costs $600 to $3,200 installed, depending on the size (grain capacity), brand, and labor costs. Ion exchange softeners remove hard minerals with a mineral tank plus a brine tank using either sodium or potassium salts.
Ion exchangers are the most common type, and the size required depends on the household’s water hardness and water usage.
Dual tank water softener cost
Dual tank water softeners cost $1,400 to $3,500 installed, and are ideal for households with high water usage. Double mineral-tank systems regenerate alternately with no downtime for a continuous 24-hour supply of soft-water.
Twin-tank softeners take up more space and require double the amount of salt and resin, but they last twice as long before needing a refill or resin replacement.
No-salt water conditioner cost
A salt-free water conditioner costs $400 to $4,000 for materials and installation. A no-salt water conditioner temporarily restructures mineral ions into non-clogging micro-crystals to prevent scale buildup in pipes. Salt-free conditioners don't remove hard minerals or soften the water.
No-salt water conditioners or scale-inhibitor systems are referred to as Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) or Nucleation Assisted Crystallization (NAC).
The benefits of this system are:
No additional sodium intake
A good option for areas banning salt-based softeners
Easy installation and low maintenance
No regeneration, salt refilling, and wastewater
Does not require a drain or electricity
Smaller size and environmentally friendly
Only sodium or potassium-based ion-exchange systems provide the full benefits of water softeners.
Magnetic / electronic descaler
Magnetic and electronic descalers cost $160 to $600 and are easy to install. The magnets wrap around the water pipes and temporarily restructure the hard-mineral ions to prevent scale buildup within the pipes.
While these systems are affordable and require no maintenance, the evidence that they work is controversial. While descalers may prevent scale buildup, they do not remove any minerals from the water supply and aren’t true water softeners.
Reverse osmosis filtration system
A reverse osmosis system costs $300 to $950 installed for below-counter models and $4,800 to $8,000 for whole-house systems. Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems remove the extra sodium from softened water, and clean up to 98% of contaminants from drinking water.
| System | Total cost installed |
|---|---|
| Below counter | $300 – $950 |
| Whole house | $4,800 – $8,000 |
Whole-house RO systems are complex to install and maintain. Only severely contaminated water would require an advanced RO system to filter the entire water supply.
While an RO system does soften water, a hardness of more than 7 GPG causes scale buildup on the membrane and reduces its lifespan. Well-maintained under the sink RO water filtration systems last 10 to 15 years.
Water softener system cost factors
Water softener system costs depend on the size, brand, type, labor, and if any modifications are required.
Factors that influence the total cost are:
System size and brand
Accessibility and installation labor
Any necessary inspection and permit fees
Upflow vs. downflow regeneration systems
Timer-based vs. on-demand regeneration system
Upgrades, such as UV-light disinfection and iron filtration
Limited floor space is available to accommodate the tanks.
Any modifications required to existing electrical or plumbing systems.
An electrician costs $50 to $130 per hour.
Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour.
Water softener price comparison
Top brands like Kinetico, Rainsoft, and Culligan water softeners cost $500 to $5,000 without installation.
| Brand | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Culligan | $400 – $5,000 |
| Kinetico | $500 – $5,000 |
| Pelican | $800 – $1,600 |
| Westinghouse | $900 – $4,500 |
| Alamo | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Harvey | $1,050 – $2,375 |
| Sterling | $1,200 – $1,700 |
| Avantapure | $1,600 – $7,000 |
| Water Right | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Rainsoft | $2,750 – $6,000 |
*System cost only, without installation fees. Some dealers offer free system delivery, removal of the old unit, and setup and programming.
Culligan water softener prices may include ongoing maintenance services.
Kinetico water softener costs are higher because they operate without electricity using advanced features.
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified brands are the most efficient.
Labor cost to install water softener
The average labor cost to install a water softener is $200 to $500, depending on the system size and type. The plumber’s estimate typically includes transportation of equipment and personnel, site prep, materials, installation labor, cleanup, and finishing.
| Type | Labor cost |
|---|---|
| Ion exchange salt-based system | $200 – $500 |
| Dual-tank system | $300 – $1,000 |
| No-salt conditioner | $150 – $250 |
| Reverse osmosis system | $150 – $500 |
Water softener loop installation cost
A water softener loop installation costs $600 to $2,000 on average. Soft water loop costs depend on where the loop needs to be and where the existing plumbing is located. A loop is not always required, and some softeners have a softener loop and bypass built-in.
The primary use of a soft water loop is to keep the home’s inside and outside water lines separated, since outdoor grass, trees, and plants don't need softened water.
Installing a loop increases the life of the softener by decreasing the amount of water that needs softening.
The unit's filter lasts longer, which saves energy and costs.
Water softener replacement cost
Replacing a water softener costs $700 to $3,000 on average for a new system and installation labor. Water softener resin or filter tank replacement costs $200 to $500 on average. Most softeners last for 15 years before they need to be replaced, and resin lasts 10 to 20 years.
| Item | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Remove old unit | $50 – $100 |
| Filter tank replacement | $150 – $500 |
| Resin replacement | $200 – $400 |
| New water softener | $400 – $2,700 |
| Labor cost to replace new softener | $150 – $500 |
Cost to move water softener
Moving and reinstalling a water softener costs $200 to $500, depending on the size of the units and the moving distance. Moving a water softener may require plumbing modifications, which add significantly to the total cost.
Before moving a water softener, consider the following:
How old is the system? Unless the system is brand new, moving the softener to another home is typically not worth the cost and lowers the resale value of the previous house.
How hard is the water at the new location? A system with a higher softening capacity may be necessary to treat harder water. Consult with a plumber to verify the system is compatible at the new location.
Are you moving from well water to municipal water supply? If so, ask the installation company if an additional carbon filter is necessary to prevent chlorine from damaging the system.
Water softener cost per month
A water softener costs $10 to $20 per month to run on average, including monthly salt refills and annual maintenance and cleaning. Salt refills are the largest expense, and the extra wastewater for regeneration and electricity fees are insignificant.
| Expense | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Salt / potassium (most softeners) | $5 – $35 |
| Citric acid (some conditioners only) | $5 – $20 |
| Siliphos (some conditioners only) | $10 – $25 |
| Water / sewer / electricity | $1 – $2 |
| Service / maintenance | $8 – $16 |
Water softener salt prices
Water softener salt prices are $5 to $10 per 40-lb. bag for the standard sodium chloride and $25 to $35 per 40-lb. bag for potassium chloride. Most households use 1 to 2 bags per month, depending on the water hardness, household size, tank capacity, and type of salt.
| Type | Price per bag (40 lb.) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium | $5 – $10 |
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| Potassium | $25 – $35 |
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Water softener service and maintenance cost
Water softener repair costs $150 to $600 on average, without a contract.
An all-inclusive water softener service costs $100 to $250 per year.
Water softener maintenance contracts may include all repairs, cleaning, salt refills, and delivery, water testing, and annual system inspection.
Water, sewer, and electricity expenses
Salt-based water softeners produce 20 to 50 gallons of wastewater per cycle, meaning your water and sewer bill increases slightly. However, homeowners may end up needing less soft water than hard water as it's more efficient.
A water softener uses 70 kWh of electricity per year, about the same as an alarm clock, which costs less than $10 a year.
Water softener rental cost
Water softener rental costs $25 to $50 per month on average, depending on the size and dealer. High-end Culligan water softener rental prices are $80 to $150 per month, which typically includes installation, a reverse osmosis filter, bimonthly salt delivery, and maintenance.
Some dealers offer a rent-to-own option where they refund the rental fees if the unit is purchased in the first 3 to 12 months.
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Rental |
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| Buy |
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What size water softener do I need?
The appropriate size of water softener depends on the number of people in the house, daily water usage, and water hardness rating. The average four-person household needs a 30,000 grains per gallon (GPG) water softener.
Water softener grain capacity
A water softener's grain capacity is how many grains per gallon (GPG) of hard minerals a softener removes before regenerating or cleaning.
Water quality testing shows the amount of hardness in parts-per-million (PPM) measurements. The chart below converts PPM to GPG, which is needed to calculate the right size softener.
| Hardness | Parts per million (PPM) | Grains per gallon (GPG) |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | 0 – 17 | 0.0 – 1.0 |
| Slightly Hard | 17 – 60 | 1.0 – 3.5 |
| Moderately Hard | 60 – 120 | 3.5 – 7.0 |
| Hard | 120 – 180 | 7.0 – 10.5 |
| Very Hard | 180+ | 10.5+ |
*Iron in the water raises the hardness rating. For every 1.0 PPM of iron, add 3 to 5 GPG of hardness to the total value.
To find out a home’s exact water hardness level:
City water supply – Ask the city's water department to provide a report.
Well water – Buy a water-hardness test kit for $10 to $40.
Water softener size calculator
To calculate the water softener size needed:
Multiply the number of people in the home by the gallons of water used each day (average is 90).
Multiply that number by the GPG water hardness rating (average is 8).
Multiply that result by 7 (optimal days between regeneration) to get the grain capacity requirement.
| Hardness (GPG) | People in household | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 2 | 3 – 4 | 5 – 6 | 7 – 8 | |
| 3 | 5,000 | 10,000 | 15,000 | 20,000 |
| 6 | 10,000 | 20,000 | 30,000 | 40,000 |
| 9 | 15,000 | 30,000 | 40,000 | 55,000 |
| 12 | 20,000 | 35,000 | 55,000 | 75,000 |
| 15 | 25,000 | 45,000 | 70,000 | 90,000 |
| 20 | 30,000 | 65,000 | 90,000 | 110,000 |
Why use a water softener?
A water softener removes the minerals (scale) from hard water that causes soap-scum stains, clogged pipes, damages to hot water heaters, and stiff or faded laundry. Installing a water softener reduces energy bills, plumbing repairs, and saves money.
Dishwashing soap use is reduced by 70%
Laundry detergent use is reduced by 50%
Increased efficiency in water heaters by 24% to 48%
Pipes and water-using appliances last longer
Lower utility bills and better energy efficiency
Less plumbing repairs
Signs you need a water softener
Signs you need a water softener include:
Skin and hair feel dry or itchy after showering
Stains on dishes, sinks, and bathtubs
Scale buildup on appliances and bathrooms
Glassware is brittle and easily damaged
Water-heating appliances break down faster
More frequent plumbing repairs
Soap is less effective and doesn’t lather well
Laundry is hard, grey and faded
Decreased water pressure and higher water bill
Pros and cons of water softeners
A water softener’s main benefits are cleaner and softer laundry, soap-scum-free bathrooms, and long-lasting appliances and plumbing pipes.
The disadvantages include a significant initial investment and ongoing salt and maintenance costs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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How does a water softener work?
A water softener removes magnesium and calcium ions from hard water and exchanges them with sodium or potassium ions to create softened water. The main components used in a water softener is a mineral tank that's connected to a brine tank with a control valve.
How an ion-exchange water softener works in 6 steps:
Hard water enters a mineral tank from the home’s main water source and starts the ion-exchange process.
The water flows through negatively charged resin beads.
The resin attracts positively charged minerals like calcium and magnesium out of the water.
The water absorbs sodium or potassium from the resin.
The now-softened water enters the home’s pipes.
During the regeneration process, the brine tank cleans the hard minerals from the resin beads and flushes the wastewater down the drain.
| Component | Definition | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Tank | Tallest system component that contains positively charged resin beads |
|
| Brine Tank | Smallest system component that stores salt |
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| Control Valve | System monitor box with a timer attached to the top of the tanks |
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Water softener regeneration
During the regeneration process, the brine tank cleans the hard minerals from the resin beads and flushes the wastewater down the drain. Most water softeners regenerate once weekly.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Timer-Based |
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| On-Demand / Electric Metered |
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An upflow regeneration system uses 75% less salt and 65% less water than standard downflow systems.
How long does it take to install a water softener?
Installing a new water softener system takes 3 to 6 hours on average.
Replacing an existing water softener takes 1 to 3 hours.
Time increases if plumbers need to install new pipe connections, if the main water line is not easily accessible, or if there's limited floor space for the tanks.
How much space do you need for a water softener?
A typical water softener needs 3 feet for width, 1.5 feet for depth, and 5 to 6 feet for height. A dual-tank system needs 4 to 7 feet for width, 2 feet for depth, and 5 to 6 feet for height. An additional 1 foot of space is required above the tanks for maintenance.
| Type | Width x length x height |
|---|---|
| Single Tank | 3' x 1.5' x 5-6' |
| Dual Tank | 4-7' x 2' x 5-6' |
Whole-house water softeners are placed near the main water line in a garage, basement, or utility room.
Small softeners are commonly installed underneath a kitchen sink but only soften water for that fixture.
How long do water softeners last?
Most water softeners last between 10 and 15 years, or much longer if well-maintained. The lifespan depends on the brand, quality of installation, maintenance frequency, the hardness rating and iron content of the local water, and daily water use.
Can water softeners be installed outside?
While most water softeners can be installed outside, the sun, rain, and wind shorten its lifespan. Water softeners need protection from the elements and to stay in temperatures between 40° to 100°F. The basement, garage, and utility rooms are the most common places to install a water softener.
Where to install a water softener?
The ideal location to install a whole-house water softener is in the basement, garage, and utility rooms that are:
Near a power outlet
Accessible to a drainage system
Near the main water line
Protected from direct sunlight and rain
On a sturdy, level surface
Ten feet away from a water heater
Some companies install water softeners inside an insulated outdoor cabinet attached to the home to prevent freezing. The company must approve the location; otherwise, the warranty is void.
Does a water softener need a drain?
Most water softeners require a backwash drain and overflow drain. A backwash drain line disposes of the brine discharge after regenerating or cleaning the resin beads. The overflow drain tube connects to the brine tank.
Installation near a floor drain, standpipe, or utility sink is ideal. Alternatively, additional piping can send backwash to a backyard dry well or city storm sewer, if the city regulations allow it.
DIY water softener installation
DIY water softener installation is difficult but possible for no-salt water conditioners or magnetic and electronic descalers. A whole-house ion exchange system requires cutting and resoldering pipes and installing a drainage system for the recharge process.
| System | Difficulty level | Who should install |
|---|---|---|
| Ion Exchange | Hard | Pro |
| No-Salt Conditioners (TAC) | Moderate | Pro / DIY |
| Magnetic / Electrical | Easy | Pro / DIY |
| Reverse Osmosis Filtration | Moderate / Hard | Pro |
Who installs water softeners?
Water softeners are installed by licensed plumbers, water treatment companies, or local retailers like Home Depot.
Always hire a licensed professional to install a water softener to satisfy warranty requirements and avoid faulty installations.
| Service | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Retailer |
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| Water Treatment Dealer |
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| Plumber |
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Tips for hiring a water treatment service
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for longer than five years.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Ask for a full itemized contract in writing in case of a dispute.
Ask for a clear written warranty.
Avoid making large payments upfront. Never pay in full or in cash, and come up with a payment schedule for work completed.
Questions to ask
How much experience do you have installing water softeners?
Can you explain the building code requirements and local drainage laws for discharging salt-laden wastewater?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
Do you include local tax fees in the estimate?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
How do you charge for unforeseen plumbing problems or modifications to accommodate the unit (longer drains or extra piping)?
Can you provide any references?
How long will the work take?
How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
What does your warranty policy include?
What’s your payment schedule?