If you live in an area with hard water, you’re not alone. 85 percent of homes in the US have hard water and see the effects on a daily basis.
So how much does a water softener cost?
That depends.
In short, you can pay anywhere from $400 to $10,000 on a water softener. That’s a huge price range! Why the disparity in water softener costs?
You can often get rock-bottom pricing if you purchase an off-the-shelf water softener from a Big Box store. The prices may seem attractive, but the lower price does not include installation and often means lower quality components, very limited warranty, shortened system lifespan, and higher maintenance costs. Many find they often spend more by trying to
“save” money on the purchase price of a water softener from a big box store, but end up with higher maintenance or replacement costs in the long run.
On the other end of the scale, there are some extremely high priced water softeners. Some water treatment professionals charge top dollar because they may have high franchise fees, their systems may have lots of whistles and bells, or they may be just inappropriately pricing their products. Simply put, the most expensive water softeners don’t necessarily mean they are the best water softeners.
A water softener that provides good long-term value will have third party certification, be manufactured by a proven company, uses quality components, offer a long-term inclusive warranty, and be energy efficient.
Five Factors That Affect the Price of a Water Softener
In general there are five factors that a water treatment professional will consider when giving you a quote for a water softening system:
- Size of System: The system size is based on three things, a) How much water needs to be softened, b) The size of the home or number of water fixtures in the home to ensure adequate water pressure, c) The hardness level of the water.
- Quality of Components: There is a wide range in the quality of component used in a water softener. For example there is softening resin that is less durable and resin that is more durable.
- Type of Valve: The valve of a softener is the brains of the system. A quality valve will ensures you have continual soft water when you need it. A very basic valve will operate on a timer, which is more likely to be inefficient and wastes water. Programmable metered valves are much more efficient, more environmentally friendly, and typically offer several benefits for servicing the valve.
- What’s in Your Water: A water specialist will most likely conduct a water test or obtain a water analysis to understand what’s in your water and determine what product(s) will best address your needs. Pre and/or post filtration or treatment may be recommended to adequately treat your water. A water softener installation often includes a pre filter to address chlorine or chloramine concerns and a reverse osmosis under the kitchen sink that provides pristine water for drinking and cooking.
- Installation Costs: Many water treatment specialists include installation with the cost of a softener purchase. The price may be less if your home is pre-plumbed for a softener or more if your home is older and installation will be complicated and time consuming.
Price Isn’t Everything
Before talking to a water professional, educate yourself about water softening so that you can make the best decision possible. Learn about the signs and symptoms of hard water and how your home is affected. You may also want to read up on the common issues associated with municipal water supplies today. The more you know, the better off you’ll be in making the decision that is right for you.
Whether you get a ‘steal of a deal’ or you pay premium pricing for your water softener, find a water treatment professional whom you can trust. A reputable water treatment specialist will be able to determine what size unit is needed and how to adequately treat the water entering your home. You can avoid a lot of wasted water if your unit is sized correctly to your household consumption and is programmed appropriately for your home.
Ask the water treatment professional for referrals, and make sure you are buying a high-quality unit and backed by an outstanding warranty. If all of these factors match up, then you can feel good about your purchase decision.
If you’d like to get a price quote and learn more about WaterTech’s suite of water softeners, including our flagship Reionator water conditioning system, contact a preferred WaterTech Dealer in your area through our Find a Dealer tool today!
WaterTech’s water softeners are built to give you an extraordinary water experience every day, and for years to come. We stand by our quality products. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate in water conditioning, with the Reionator or a sodium-free system with the SaltFreeMAX, WaterTech’s systems are built to last and are backed by an unparalleled warranty.
