How Much Does It Cost to Install a Water Softener?

If you've tried everything to get your clothes clean with no success — or your hair is a tangled mess when you get out of the shower — it might be time to consider using a water softener to prevent problems that hard water can cause.

With roughly 85% of American cities providing hard water to their residents, most people have to deal with hard water on a regular basis. Water softener installation costs can be well worth it to ward off some of these common issues.

Hard water is common in cities across the country, and unfortunately, it can cause real problems for your dishes, clothes and hair when you wash them. If you've ever noticed stains or white spots on your dishes when they come out of the dishwasher, the calcium and magnesium in hard water are likely to blame.

Hard water is a term for the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water, which leads to mineral deposits. Unsightly soap scum and blocked shower spouts are just a few of the problems that hard water causes, which is why many homeowners install a water softener to make the water more useful for their needs.

How Much Does a Water Softener Cost?

A water softener's installation cost can vary depending on how big your home is and what kind of system you install. According to Fixr, on average, you can expect to pay $1,500 to $2,500 for water softener installation. The softener itself costs between $300 and $3,000, based on the selection available sold at The Home Depot. The simpler, smaller models are at the lower end of that price range, while higher-end, larger models will cost you more.

How much you’ll pay can vary based on factors such as how hard your water is, how big your house is and where you live. If your water is fairly soft already, a magnetic system might work for your needs. If you have much harder water, you might need to look at the cost of ion exchangers.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Existing Water Softener?

Replacing an existing water softener can be a little cheaper because you've already got the system connected to your plumbing, making it a little easier for professionals to install your new water softener system. When all you need is the new water softener, you might spend around $1,500 for the machine and labor.

Regardless of whether you're installing or replacing your system, you should always plan on having a professional put it in place so you can ensure a proper connection between your plumbing system and the softener itself.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Water Softener When You Don't Already Have One?

If you install a brand-new water softener, you’ll still need to purchase a unit, but your installation costs might be on the high side because you've got to make sure your water supply connects properly to the water softener apparatus, and that requires an expert's touch.

What Other Factors Can Impact the Price?

The kind of water softener you choose for your home makes a big difference. If you opt for a water distiller or a reverse osmosis system, you may pay several hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars more than you would over a basic system.

The type of water you have at your home also affects the system you need. The harder your water is, the more advanced system you need to get the water quality to where you'd like. If you live in New England, for example, you might get away with a less advanced system than someone in the Midwest might.