How much does a water softener system cost? (2024)

Pricing

• Whole-house water softener system costs typically range from $600 to $800 at major home improvement retailers.

• High-end models can cost as much as $3,200, while under-the-sink units can cost as little as $100.

• Salt-free water softener systems typically cost more but take up less space.

Whole-house water softener system costs typically range from $600 to $800 if you’re shopping at a major home improvement retailer such as Lowe’s. High-end models can cost as much as $3,500, depending on features such as size, type, maximum grain capacity and extras such as carbon filtration, remote monitoring and WiFi capability.

Some water softeners, known as point-of-use systems, are designed for under-the-sink installation and to serve one appliance, such as a dishwasher. These do-it-yourself (DIY)-friendly options can be purchased for as low as $100 at Home Depot or Lowe’s.

The table below shows the average cost of a whole-home water softener system by type.

Water Softener System Type	Salt-based	Salt-free	Dual-tank*	Magnetic**
Average Cost	$400 to $3,502	$140 to $3,210	$412 to $3,502	$140 to $924

How much do water softeners cost by type?

There are two main types of water softener systems: salt-based, including dual-tank systems, and salt-free, including electromagnetic systems. Salt-free systems typically cost more upfront but don’t require routine salt refills to function and generally take up less space. Here’s how the costs of these water softener types stack up.

Salt-based water softeners 

Salt-based softeners are the most common and effective type of water softener systems. A whole-home system will range from $400 to $3,502.

A dual-tank model costs around $412 on the low end and $3,502 on the high end.

Dual-tank models are ion-exchange water softeners with two resin tanks. This ensures one tank is always available for use while the other is in the regeneration cycle. These tend to be more expensive than single-tank models but are generally better for larger households.

Check your system’s salt levels every four to six weeks. If salt levels drop, softened water output decreases while hard water and sediment build back up. Also, remember to check your brine tank’s condition to ensure salt bridges haven’t formed over time.

It’s important to use the right kind of salt for your model. Crystals or cubes are recommended, but read the owner’s guide to confirm.

Salt-based water softeners are restricted in some areas, according to Home Depot, so check your municipality’s codes before installing this type of water filter system.

Those on low-sodium diets might also consider avoiding salt-based systems. 

Salt-free water softeners 

Salt-free water softener systems range from around $140 to $3,210 for a whole-home system and start around $100 for an under-the-sink model at major home improvement stores.

Salt-free systems do not remove mineral deposits from the water. In this sense, they don’t actually soften the water. Instead, they condition the water to prevent deposits from building up on fixtures and appliances. A salt-free water softener tends to cost more than a salt-based system.

Salt-free systems are smaller than salt-based softeners, making them a good fit for homes of most sizes. These systems may not be the best fit for households with significantly hard water or higher-than-average water usage.

Reverse osmosis systems and magnetic water softeners are also typically grouped with salt-free systems.

How much does water softener installation cost?

Water softener installation costs vary based on the type of system you want installed. The cost ranges from around $1,000 to $6,000, with the national average installation costs being about $1,500, according to Evan Berns, a plumber based in Sacramento, California.

Salt-free systems are typically easier to install than salt-based water softeners, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

Professional vs. DIY

Salt-based water softeners usually require professional installation from a licensed plumber, though you could potentially install a salt-free system on your own, according to DOE guidance.

Salt-free electromagnetic models don’t require plumbing and should only take 15 minutes to install. However, If your system requires complex plumbing, consider hiring a qualified professional.

“There are so many nuances to plumbing, and oftentimes, I find myself using tools and techniques that only an experienced plumber would have at their disposal,” Berns said. Most water softener manufacturers typically recommend professional installation to ensure they can warranty their products, he added.

What are the signs you need a water softener system?

It’s important to know what signs to look for that indicate your home needs a water softener.

“We look for symptoms like water stains on fixtures, excessive buildup and clogs inside the fixtures,” Berns said. Issues with the water’s taste and smell can also indicate that your household could benefit from a softener system.

Failure to install a softener system when you need one can shorten the life span of your water heater and negatively affect plumbing fixtures. The average water softener lasts for 10 to 15 years. Systems can last longer with proper maintenance.

“If hard water runs through your system for a prolonged period of time, you’re more likely to have premature failure of your appliances and fixtures such as your water heater, dishwasher, washing machine, shower cartridges, shower head, faucets and more,” Berns said. If you’re worried you’re already headed down this path, consider purchasing a home warranty to protect these appliances and more.

A water testing kit will help you discover the hardness of your water. A level of 1 grain per gallon (gpg) or higher points to some hardness, according to Home Depot. Seven gpg is typically the threshold where a softener system is needed. Pricing for a water testing kit usually starts around $10 at major home improvement retailers.

Who could benefit from a water softener system?

Households with hard water stand to gain the most from a softener system, but any household may see some benefit. Homes using well water are usually great fits for a water filtration system. Since well water comes directly from the ground, it tends to have more mineral deposits. Test your water to confirm its hardness levels.

Hard water occurs when groundwater has high amounts of calcium and magnesium. 

You may notice signs of hard water through spotty dishware and bathtub rings. High water hardness can make shampooing and rinsing your hair more difficult. Soaps and detergents can also become less effective.

What size water softener system do you need?

To determine the best size water softener system for your home, you’ll first need to determine the average number of gallons your household uses daily. Find this number by multiplying the number of people in the home by the average number of gallons each person uses per day — usually about 80 gallons, according to Lowe’s. Multiply that figure by the hardness level (gpg) you got after testing your water.

So, if you have five people in your home using about 80 gallons of water per day, and your water test shows a hardness level of 9 gpg, multiply 5 by 80 by 9 to get a total of 3,600 gpg. Then, you look for water softener systems that can process at least that amount per day.

According to Lowe’s, households with three or fewer people generally require a softener system with a grain capacity of about 20,000. Households with four or more are better suited for a system with a capacity for 30,000 units or more.

Remember that the harder your water, the more grains the system will need to function properly.

What’s next?

Before purchasing a water softener system, decide if you want a salt-based or salt-free model. Salt-free models can be more expensive than salt-based systems and are also smaller, making them adaptable to most homes sizes. However, those with larger-than-average homes or households with above-average water consumption should consider a larger model.

Professional installation is recommended for most water-softening systems, including salt-based models. Some salt-free systems, such as electromagnetic models, and under-the-sink models could be installed without a pro’s help.

Be sure to test your water’s hardness levels and calculate your household’s water usage before purchasing your water softener system.