Hard water has become a common issue as many people encounter dry skin and hair after using water and notice scale building up in the pipes. The only solution for this issue is buying a water softener system. But how much does it cost and is it really worth the money? Don’t worry because we will help you discover the right answer!
We have discussed the cost of water softener in detail and jotted down everything you need to know about its pricing. From the factors that influence its cost to its benefits and installation techniques, you will discover how everything adds up to the final investment and if you should install one or not. So, let’s look at the comprehensive guide below!
Factors Affecting Water Softener System Cost
You will find water softeners in Toronto for prices from $500 to $6000 while an average rate with installation is between $1500 to $2000. Multiple factors contribute to this water softener cost. The price of a water softener system is not fixed and many things like the type of water softener, its size, capacity, and brand alter its pricing.
In this section, we will be looking at a few major factors that can help you choose the most suitable and affordable water softener for yourself.
Type of Water Softener
There are various types of water softeners, and each comes with a different cost and features. The most widely used is the ion exchange system. It contains a resin tank and a brine tank with salt.
The resin tank attracts calcium and magnesium particles and the salt absorbs it away from the resin beads. A single-tank ion exchange water softener costs between $500 and $1500, whereas a double tank ranges from $1500 to $2500.
Salt-free water softeners are cheaper but do not really remove hardness and just crystalize the particles. They cost around $500 to $2000 but the benefit is that you do not have the hassle to add salt in the tank.
Another type is the reverse osmosis water softener, which costs between $400 and $5000. The pricing is also cheaper if you install a point-of-use water softener and higher for a whole-home water softener.
Size of Water Softener
A larger size of water softener means it can soften more amount of hard water. A double tank ion-exchange water softener is a large-size water softener that takes up much space. It eventually leads to a higher installation and maintenance cost as well.
Water Hardness Levels
Experts measure water hardness levels in different units, but here, we will discuss the hardness according to the grains per gallon. This can be any value between 0 and 20 and if it ever goes above 7, your water is harder than it should be. The higher the hardness level of the water, the greater the water softener capacity required and the higher the price.
If you want to save up water testing money, you can schedule a free water test at Watermart now! Once you fill out this form, we will get back to you soon for proper testing and will also explain the water test results to you properly.
Brand and Quality
Different brands charge different prices for their water softeners. Famous brands use high-quality materials and advanced technology, so they charge more. At Watermart, we manufacture our water softener systems with the highest-quality tools and sophisticated features.
Capacity
The capacity of water softener starts from 24000 grains and goes up to 100,000 grains. This refers to the amount of hard water it can soften until it is replaced or regenerated. The price starts from as low as $500 and reaches up to $2500.
You should find out the capacity required for your household, considering your daily water consumption and the number of family members. It also depends on how much water each person in the house uses. For instance, four members will require a capacity of 24000 grains but if their usage is more than an average human’s, the capacity requirement can increase.
Location
Your house area also decides how hard your water is. You can contact the workers at the water supply plant and inquire about the hardness of your water. Most of the time, water that comes from a well is more hard than any other water provision. If the water supply in your area has a very high hardness level, you will need a greater capacity water softener which ultimately costs more. To understand more about installation and find the optimal location for a water softener in your home, consider reading our comprehensive guide on where to install a water softener.
Home Size
It does not play a major role in the cost development of water softeners, but if you have a home spread over a larger hectare or height, it means it has more pipes and bathrooms and requires a large supply of water.
Since we have discussed the factors, now it’s time to figure out how you can manage the installment charges.
Do I need professional help installing a water softener?
Installing a water softener is easy, especially if you have purchased a small water softener system like a salt-free system or point-of-use reverse osmosis. All you have to do is use the right tools and follow the proper steps carefully until you fix it in place. However, when it comes to installing large-sized water softeners, you certainly need professional help. It costs between $500 and $1500 to hire an expert.
If you are looking for a reliable water system installation service, we are here to help. At Watermart, our installation experts are highly skilled, have good-quality equipment, and ensure a hygienic installation by wearing gloves during the process. Contact us now to book an affordable installation.
What are the signs that you should buy a water softener system?
The usual symptoms are an unpleasant smell or taste coming from the water. However, you can only find out the hardness level of your water by getting it tested. You should consider installing a water softener if the hardness level is above 7 grains per gallon.
Other signs include less lather formation of washing products (soap, shampoo), unusually dry skin or hair, clogging of water pipes, faded color of clothes after washing, and dirty spots on appliances that use water.
When to Consider Buying a Water Softener System?
After analyzing the cost of a water softener system, you must ask yourself: Is water softener really a need for you? We know exactly when one should consider installing it in their house or any commercial building. Here is a breakdown of the circumstances when a water softener becomes a necessity:
- An expert conducted a water test and the test results showed a high calcium and magnesium content in your water. The hardness level was also above the standard level of 7 grains per gallon. In this case, buying a water softener is the only option you have.
- You witnessed a sudden rise in your water bills. Upon checking, you found out that the flow of hard water built up scale in the water lines and required more pressure to pass the water through them. Due to the increased use of pressure, the water bills also got high. You can prevent this by using water softeners to soften the hard water.
- Any dirty water stains on the countertops, sinks, or appliances that use water are a major sign that you have a very hard water supply. To keep everything clean and safe, you need to buy a water softener for your house immediately.
- Spending too much on cleaning products because they only form sufficient lather when used in large volumes is due to using hard water with them. Again, a water softener is essential because soft water elevates the efficiency of these products.
Benefits of Installing a Water Softener System
Water softener systems are best known for removing chemicals like calcium and magnesium from the water. The removal of these chemicals enhances the quality of the water making it fresher and softer to use. A few benefits that these systems offer for their price are:
Softer Skin and Hair
Tired of having dried and damaged hair and skin? Don’t worry because, with the installation of a water softener, this is not an area of worry anymore. Softened water will make your skin and hair feel softer after bathing. It will also increase the volume of your hair and make it healthier.
Efficient Use of Cleaning Products
Secondly, you will not face any wastage of cleaning products because, with softer water, they form a good lather when used even in small quantities. Soaps will also not leave scum (white layer) on the soap dishes or sinks.
Less Scale Buildup
The best part is that there will be no scale build-up in the water pipes. This will prevent clogging in the pipes and also reduce water bills.
Better-Tasting Water
Additionally, you will have a consistent supply of softer water that tastes better, smells nicer, and is healthier than unsoftened water.
Our Suggestion About Buying A Water Softener System
We suggest that you invest in a water softener as soon as your water is tested, as it is very hard. However, we value the needs and budgets of all our customers, and that’s why we advise that before you purchase a water softener, you thoroughly investigate the cost. It is best if you compare the factors mentioned above and choose the one that matches your needs.
You can also consider getting a water softener from Watermart, which is one of the top water filtration services in Toronto. We guarantee that every penny you pay will be worth it with our high-quality and efficient water softeners!
FAQs About Water Softener System Costs
What is the average cost of a whole-house water softener?
The average water softener costs $1500 to $2000, while smaller water softeners start from $600.
What is the downside of a water softener?
A few downsides are that it is a bit expensive and requires maintenance. For example, an ion exchange double tank water softener costs extra for salt refill. Moreover, it elevates sodium levels in water.
Is it worth getting a water softener installed?
Yes, it is a worthy investment if your water is tested to have a very high content of calcium and magnesium because it will filter them out and provide you with good-quality water.
Are all water softeners the same?
No, different types use different methods to remove the calcium and magnesium minerals like ion exchange systems, reverse osmosis water systems, and salt-free water softeners.
Can I install a water softener myself?
Yes, you can install a small set-up of water softener but for large-scale installation like a whole-house water softener, it is better to hire a professional.
Does a water softener ruin a water heater?
Yes, soft water causes damage to the anode rods in the heater, causing a decline in its life.
How much does labor cost to install a water softener?
Labor costs vary depending on the size of the water softener. Installing water softeners at one specific location can cost up to $300, and whole-house installation can go above this and sometimes up to $1500.
