Rent Or Buy Water Softener: How to Decide
Whenever our clients plan to get a water softener the most important question they ask is “Whether rent or buy a water softener” and the decision is not always straightforward.
See, it involves many factors including your budget, cost of water softener, amount of water required, and most importantly how long you need a water softener.
For long-term use, buying a softener is always a good option. However, if you are unaware of the process of figuring out your requirements, here’s our complete step-by-step guide. Whenever you are in a fix on whether to rent or buy a water softener and want to know how to decide make a few calculations before final decision. Here is the roadmap to renting water softener vs buying.
Rent Or Buy Water Softener: Which Option Is Best?
A water softener is a huge investment surely. Depending upon your lifestyle, you need to figure out carefully whether to rent or buy a water softener. As a thumb-rule, if you have shifted to a place of hard water for a shorter period of time, rent a water softener, look around, and see the companies that offer rented softeners
But, on the other hand, if you have bought a new property in a hard water area, and you are planning to live there for the rest of your life, or at least permanent residence, we suggest you choose a water softener that fits your needs and own it to avoid overly spending in terms of the rental amount.
At Watermart, we help our customers estimate their needs and install high-technology Water Filter Systems including water softeners of all capacities. We ensure quality water filters that keep you healthy and hydrated while being economical for your budget. Before, you plan to buy a water softener or rent, let’s discuss all the pros and cons of each of them respectively.
When Renting Might Be Right for You
Our advice is to go for rented water softeners in case you need a short-term solution for hard water. Or if you want to test a water softener, before making a purchase, rent it and use it for some months. It can save you money and help you decide whether to make a long-term investment or not.
Budget-Friendly
Rented softeners are budget-friendly and don’t cost you an arm and a leg. You can get a rental service at $25-$50 per month.
When You’re Renting Your Home or Plan to Move Soon
If you plan to move or rent out your permanent residence, you may get a water softener for rent. It will help you save money and you can discontinue the agreement as soon as you leave your property.
Short-Term Commitment
Rented softeners work better for people who want temporary solutions. If you travel around a lot and rarely use your space, rented softeners will suffice. It will also help if your area has soft water naturally.
Low-Maintenance Solution
Rental agreements often include maintenance and repair services. This eliminates the hassle of upkeep and ensures your system stays functional, saving time and effort. It ends up saving you unexpected costs.
Testing the Waters
For first-time users, renting allows you to evaluate the system’s performance. It helps determine whether investing in a water softener suits your household needs before committing to a purchase. It ensures you test a functional system without additional effort.
Upgrade Flexibility
Whenever newer or more advanced water softener systems get introduced, rental plans allow easy upgrades. This adaptability allows for upgrades as your needs evolve. You can switch to newer models or higher-capacity systems without bearing the cost of purchasing entirely new equipment.
When Buying Might Be Right for You
Owning a water softener is ideal for homeowners seeking long-term reliability. The truth about rented systems is that they can cost more. Buying a new water softener system provides greater control and customization. Unlike renting, where costs accumulate, owning becomes more economical over time.
Long-Term Investment
Buying is cost-effective for extended use. For instance, a renting unit costing $40 per month will add up to $1,440 after three years. This amount will keep increasing. Buying a system is an asset. It adds value to your property and ensures consistent water quality. Over time, it pays for itself, saving on rental fees.
Customization
With ownership, you have the flexibility to choose. Furthermore, there are various types of water softeners on the market. When renting, you often have to choose from the options provided by your rental company which is limited. A new system means picking the best model (out of dozens) tailored to your household’s specific needs.
Complete Control Over Maintenance:
Owning a water softener gives you control over its care. With us, you can decide on maintenance service schedules, ensuring the system runs efficiently and meets your expectations. It ensures repairs are done promptly without being late or dependent on third parties.
Long-Term Reliability
Unlike rented systems that include repairs and maintenance, the purchase comes with a warranty. This warranty covers parts and labor for a specified period, alleviating concerns about unexpected repairs or issues. Unlike rental units, which may be pre-used or outdated, your purchased unit is brand new, making it a reliable solution for your home.
Tax Incentives
Filtered soft water in houses improves health. Installing a water softener system offers additional benefits, such as being tax-deductible if it meets guidelines. This financial advantage is just one of the many water softener benefits, and we also research local regulations to help you save more.
What Is Included In A Water Softener Rental Agreement?
If you need a budget-friendly water softener solution to health problems, a rental unit is the best solution. Rental agreements typically cover installation, maintenance, and repair costs. Your provider may also let you pick a preferred model and plans customized for your home (even rental!).
At Watermart, our team helps you find the right water softener type (depending on your budget) and size (based on the water’s hardness). We also offer maintenance plans, including salt refills and replacement parts. Since policies may vary, get in contact with us for both new and used units to ensure the perfect water softener size for your needs.
What Are the Cost Differences Between Buying and Renting a Water Softener System
Purchasing a new water softener costs approximately $500 to $2000. The cost increases based on the system’s size and features. For smaller homes with modest water usage, a lower-cost water softener suffices. Likewise, larger households require a more expensive model.
On the other hand, rental prices typically range from $20 to $50 per month. The cost is also based on the required size. Here’s a table to see the difference.
| Type | Initial cost | Installation cost | 2 year | 3 years | 10 years | Maintenance cost | Total over 10 years |
| Rental | $40 | $500 | $960 | $1,440 | $4,800 | $0 | $5,300 ($4,800 + $500) |
| New | $1,500 | $1,000 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $250 (per year) | $5,000 (2,500 + $2,500) |
Note! Based on our calculations, if you want to use a water softener for more than 3 years purchasing a new unit is more cost-effective.
Why Buying a New Water Softening System is the Best Option
The reason homeowners prefer a new water softener is because it’s a long-term solution to hard water problems. We get it that the upfront cost is high but the long-term benefits and reduced costs of maintenance make up for that.
How? Well, a new water softener has been installed to protect appliances, pipes, and fixtures.
It protects by reducing limescale buildup caused by hard water minerals. This extends the lifespan of household systems like water heaters and washing machines. Plus, you don’t need to call plumbers numerous times a year!
Owning a water softener also eliminates recurring rental fees, which can quickly add up.
These monthly payments reduce the chances of cost savings. Overall, purchasing a unit with periodic maintenance saves a lot for homeowners planning to stay in the same property for the long haul.
How To Choose The Right Company To Buy Or Rent a Water Softener
Everyone has different lifestyles. However, everyone needing either a rented or new water softener system requires a high-quality installation service from a company. It’s important to do your research before selecting a company. Here are the important factors you must consider to find the best water softener provider:
- Check for Reputation and Experience
Firstly, look for a company with a solid reputation. Experience matters, so consider how long they’ve been in business and what customers are saying. Check out our client testimonials at WaterMart.
- Compare Pricing and Payment Options
How much to rent a water softener? Surely it depends upon your needs and budget. Evaluate the costs of both renting and buying a water softener. Ensure the company offers clear and transparent pricing without hidden fees. Check if the company provides flexible payment options like rent-to-own plans. It’s a great plan for testing the waters.
- See the Range of Models Available
Every house has different water hardness and different sizes, so choose a company that offers a wide range of water softeners. At WaterMart, we have dozens of options to suit your water needs and home size. We offer budget-friendly as well as advanced models, call us to find the right fit for your specific water quality
- Consider the Maintenance and Support
Make sure the company includes maintenance and repair services in their rental agreements or offers warranties if you decide to buy. Excellent customer service and fast responses are crucial in case of any issues.
- Evaluate the Flexibility of Rental Terms
If you’re renting, check how flexible the terms are. Can you cancel or change your agreement easily? Are there additional costs for moving the unit to a new location? These factors can impact the convenience and affordability of your rental experience. At Watermart, we ensure you get the most suitable water-softening system for maximum benefits. Whether you’re choosing to rent or buy, we offer a wide range of high-quality water softeners. Reach out to us today! We make sure your water needs are met efficiently with our expert installation services and affordably with flexible rental options.
Final Thoughts
Confused about water softener rental vs purchase, go by this rule, renting suits short-term needs, while buying is a long-term investment. But for how long? If you want to use a unit for less than 3 years, a rental unit is the better investment. For more than that, buy the right system tailored to your home with Water Mart. We will assess your budget, duration of use, and household needs to decide and pick the right system.
FAQs
Water softeners involve the risk of a higher amount of sodium in soft water. It also pollutes the environment in the form of salt discharge. There is also corrosion of pipes involved, so always consider the after-math before installing a water softener.
A water softener usually lasts for more than 15-20 years. Careful maintenance can prolong its lifespan by up to 25 years. If your unit is facing unusual wear and tear then consider your maintenance schedule again and establish some KPIs.
Yes, you can always switch from renting the water softener to owning it by purchasing it. If the company is not selling you the same unit you have been renting, simply end your rental contract with the company and buy a new water softener unit that meets your requirements.
Installation may or may not be included in the rental or purchasing price of a water softener. Make sure to check the pricing breakdown first before you make the final decision.
We recommend buying a water softener if you plan to use it for the long term, however, you can get rental services to test the water softener before making a final decision.
