Water softener systems can cost between $200–$6,000, depending on the system type, where you live, and the brand you choose. Water softening systems help remove hard minerals—such as calcium—in your home’s tap water, which can be useful if you experience frequent dish spotting, mineral buildup, pipe clogging, or dry skin after bathing or taking a shower.
We’ll break down the cost of a water softener system, types of water softeners, and money-saving tips below.
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Cost data in this article was sourced from Angi unless otherwise specified.
Water Softener Cost
Through our research, we found that a water softener system costs an average of $3,100. If you’re in the market for one, how much you pay depends on various factors, such as system capacity. The table below shows the unit costs of several common types of water softener systems. Note that prices can vary based on your location and the size of your home. We recommend requesting quotes from a water softener brand for accurate pricing.
| Water Softener Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Magnetic systems | $200–$600 |
| Single-tank ion exchange systems | $500–$1,700 |
| Dual-tank ion exchange systems | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Salt-free systems | $800–$4,000 |
| Water distiller systems | $1,200–$4,000 |
| Reverse osmosis systems | $1,500–$11,000 |
Cost figures are from Angi.
What Factors Affect Water Softener Cost?
Before buying a water softener system, know which factors affect total system costs so you can make an informed purchasing decision. Below, we outline the main factors to consider when shopping for a water softener system.
Water Hardness Level
The harder your water, the more robust your system needs to be. A higher mineral concentration requires a larger or more efficient system to handle the workload. Water hardness is measured in either parts per million (PPM), milligrams per liter (mg/L), or grains per gallon (GPG) of calcium and magnesium. The GPG figure is a number between 0 and 20, and anything at seven or above is considered hard water. PPM and mg/L are two ways of saying the same thing, and one GPG equals about 17.1 PPM or mg/L.
If you don’t already know your water’s hardness, a water test (often provided for free by local companies) can help you determine it. From there, you can choose the correct system that will effectively remove the mineral content from your water.
System Type
The type of water softener you select has a significant impact on cost. For example, dual-tank systems will generally cost more because they provide continuous soft water and have more complex internals. Magnetic systems, however, are typically cheaper because they don’t require salt refills, need less maintenance, and are generally a simpler design.
However, you must choose the right type of water softener based on the hardness of your water. Robust systems, such as dual-tank softeners, work well for homes with high levels of limescale buildup.
System Size
Water softeners are sized based on the number of people in your home and your water usage. Larger systems are more expensive because they handle higher volumes of water and last longer between regeneration cycles. If you’re a family of four, you’ll likely need a system with a higher grain capacity than someone living alone. Choosing the right size ensures efficiency and avoids wasting money on a system that’s too small or large.
Brand
The brand you choose matters. High-quality systems from reputable brands tend to cost more upfront but are more reliable and durable in the long run. Investing in a well-reviewed system might prevent unexpected repairs or replacements later.
What Are Additional Water Softener Costs?
Like any home improvement project, installing a water softener system has additional costs. For instance, the complexity of your home’s plumbing system will affect how much you pay for a new water softener. Below are the additional factors that can raise or lower your water softener system costs:
- Additional features: Some water softeners have advanced features like programmable timers, Wi-Fi connectivity, or self-cleaning functions. While these can make the system more convenient, they often come with a higher price tag.
- Installation: Installation costs vary depending on your home’s plumbing setup. If your home already has plumbing for a water softener, installation will likely be straightforward and less expensive. However, if your home needs additional plumbing or electrical work, installation costs can add up quickly. It’s also worth considering whether you want to hire a professional installer or attempt a DIY installation. The latter can save you between $150 and $1,000 in labor costs but may be challenging if you lack experience.
- Inspections and permits: Your city or county may require an inspection or permit to install a whole-home system. Before starting your project, contact your local permit office for costs and guidelines.
- Maintenance and upkeep: Owning a water softener has ongoing costs. Salt-based systems require regular salt purchases. Over time, you might need to replace water filters, clean the resin tank, or perform other routine maintenance. Salt-free and magnetic systems usually have lower ongoing costs, but they may not last as long or work as effectively in hard water conditions.
How Does a Water Softener Work?
Water softeners remove or neutralize minerals from your home’s water supply. An ion exchange water softener uses a water filtration system with magnetically charged resin beads to attract minerals. Alternatively, some systems use conditioners, magnets, or reverse osmosis to create soft water.
Hardness or softness refers to the concentration of dissolved minerals—namely calcium and magnesium—found in water. Hard water has a high proportion of these minerals. Though they aren’t dangerous to your health, they leave behind a residue called limescale. This material can build up in pipes and leave a film on your hair and skin. Hard water also prevents soap from lathering properly, which can leave you and the clothes you wash feeling less clean.
What Are Signs You Should Replace Your Water Softener System?
Your water softener system plays a crucial role in protecting your plumbing from sediment buildup and ensuring your water supply feels smooth and clean. However, like any home system, it can lose its effectiveness with time. Here are the key signs that it might be time to replace your water softener system:
- Frequent repairs: Regular maintenance is normal, but if your system is constantly breaking down or you’re frequently calling a repair technician, replacement might be more cost-effective. Repairs can add up quickly, and older systems are more likely to experience recurring issues.
- Hard water symptoms: If you notice white, chalky deposits (limescale) on faucets, showerheads, or around your sinks, it’s a sign that your water softener is not effectively removing minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- Older system: According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, most water softener systems last about 20 years. If yours is approaching or past this age, it may no longer operate efficiently, even if you don’t notice immediate problems. Upgrading to a newer model can save money in the long run through improved efficiency and performance.
- Reduced water pressure: Over time, hard water minerals can clog your pipes and the resin beads of your water softener. This blockage can result in reduced water pressure throughout your home. If your showers or faucets are running slower than usual, your water softener could be the culprit.
- Rust or leaks: If you notice rust, cracks, or leaks on the unit itself, it’s time to consider a replacement. Leaks can lead to water damage and higher utility bills, while rust may compromise the system’s overall functionality.
What Are Common Types of Water Softener Systems?
There are various types of water softener systems, each addressing water hardness differently. These include ion exchange, salt-free, water distilling, magnetic, and reverse osmosis systems. Nearly all available water softeners fall into one of these five categories.
Ion Exchange Systems
Ion exchange systems, also called salt-based water softeners, are the most popular. They require sodium or potassium pellets and may have one or two tanks, depending on the system’s capacity. A control valve determines when the resin beads in the first tank are fully saturated with minerals. When this happens, the system backflushes debris from the first tank.
Next, the system releases the salty water from the second tank—called the brine tank—to recharge the resin. The brine tank must always have sodium or potassium pellets, which coats the resin beads and restores their negative charge. A single-tank water softener houses both of these tanks in one cabinet.
Ion exchange systems have some drawbacks. First, they need ongoing maintenance, such as monthly salt refills, to keep their charge. Second, this type of system adds trace amounts of salt to drinking water, which can be a problem for people on low-sodium diets. Potassium pellets are a suitable alternative for ion exchange water softener systems, but they are also somewhat expensive.
Salt-Free Systems
The term “salt-free water softener” usually refers to a type of treatment that doesn’t actually remove calcium and magnesium from water. Instead, these systems use water conditioners to chemically treat the minerals so that they don’t stick to things and form scale. Because of this, salt-free systems aren’t as effective in regions with extremely high levels of mineral content.
Water Distilling Systems
Water distilling systems heat water to a high temperature near its boiling point to create steam. Minerals and other contaminants can’t vaporize along with the steam, which is then cooled and condensed back into clean liquid water. Due to the lengthy heating and cooling process, water distillers are only useful for small-volume tasks like creating drinking water. We don’t recommend these systems if you want to soften your home’s entire water supply.
Magnetic Systems
Magnetic water softeners use electromagnets clamped around water pipes to prevent minerals from forming scale. Similar to salt-free systems, they don’t remove minerals from water but treat the water instead. These systems have a much lower average cost than other systems, and they work well if your home’s water doesn’t have high levels of mineral buildup.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems are the most effective, complex, and expensive. Inside the system, water passes through several prefilters to remove contaminants like chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and sediment. Then, these systems force water at high pressure through a very tight filter called a semi-permeable membrane.
Just like distillation, reverse osmosis doesn’t happen at the speed of a faucet. The system prefilters a small volume of water, so reverse osmosis systems are usually only used as a single-point system for creating drinking water. You would only need a whole-home system if your water quality is very poor. Additionally, the process creates a great deal of wastewater that isn’t useful for most household tasks.
What Are Ways To Save on Water Softener System Costs?
Installing a new water treatment system can be a significant investment, but there are ways to keep costs under control without sacrificing quality. We provide some tips down below:
- Choose the right size: A larger system might sound better, but it’s unnecessary if you have a small household. Systems are sized based on water usage and hardness levels. Getting one that matches your specific needs can prevent overspending.
- Install it yourself: Some water softener systems are DIY-friendly, meaning you can install them yourself if you are handy and have the necessary tools. However, we always recommend going with a professional if you aren’t comfortable or lack the skills to do a proper installation.
- Prepare for installation ahead of time: If your home doesn’t have plumbing for a water softener, installation can become expensive. You can save money by doing some prep work yourself, such as clearing the installation area and adding pre-installation plumbing. The latter requires some familiarity with plumbing techniques.
- Sales and rebates: If you aren’t in a hurry to install a new water softener system, we recommend waiting for a discounted price. Water softeners often go on sale during holidays or at the end of the year when retailers are trying to clear inventory. Additionally, local water or utility companies offer rebates for installing high-efficiency water softeners in some areas. We recommend contacting your provider to see if you qualify.
DIY vs. Professional Water Softener Installation
Depending on the size and complexity of the water softener system you choose, this project can be DIY-friendly. Ultimately, the choice depends on your confidence in your DIY skills and your budget. If you feel comfortable handling plumbing tasks, a DIY installation might save you money. However, DIY installation isn’t without risks. If you make a mistake—such as improperly connecting pipes or failing to seal joints—you could face leaks, water damage, or a system that doesn’t function correctly. These errors can lead to costly repairs down the line, potentially negating any savings.
If you value expert assurance and convenience or don’t have the necessary plumbing skills, hiring a professional is likely the better option. Professional plumbers ensure they complete the job correctly and efficiently. A trained technician will know how to handle challenges, such as customizing connections, dealing with older plumbing, or troubleshooting unexpected issues. In addition, professionals often guarantee their work, providing peace of mind that your system will run smoothly without any hiccups.
Is a New Water Softener System Worth It?
If you’ve spotted signs of hard water in your home, on your skin and hair, or from water taste, you’ll likely benefit from softened water. Having minerals like calcium and magnesium in your water won’t harm you, but they can make domestic life less pleasant and could lead to unwanted expenses.
If you’re interested in buying a water softener system or replacing your old one, we suggest researching the type and capacity that’s right for your home. We also recommend hiring a professional to install it properly. Before choosing a brand, request quotes from at least three different companies to compare their options, pricing, and warranty terms.
FAQs About Water Softener System Costs
How much does it cost to put in a water softener system?
Water softener systems cost between $200 and $6,000 to install, depending on the size and type of system you buy, who installs it, and the brand you choose. Another factor to consider is the hardness of your home’s water supply. You’ll need to buy a system that can effectively remove or neutralize the minerals present in your water, which can also increase costs.
What is the downside of a water softener?
The biggest downside of a water softener is its cost. Many systems cost several thousands of dollars to install, which can be difficult to pay upfront. Another downside is that your water supply will likely have increased sodium levels. If you can’t consume much salt for health reasons, consider salt-free systems or using potassium salts for your water softener system.
What are the effects of hard water?
The effects of hard water take several forms. For example, hard water typically leaves scaling on dishes, inside appliances, and in the kitchen sink. Hard water also prevents soap from lathering properly, which can leave your clothes and skin feeling dirty.
How long does a water softener system last?
A standard water softener should last roughly 20 years with proper maintenance and care. However, hard water can cause the system to break down faster or require more frequent maintenance.
