How Much Do Water Softeners Cost to Install? 

Water softeners are a great way to cut costs on your water bill. They are also helpful in preventing scale buildup on your drinking glasses. However, the cost of installing and maintaining a water softener can vary depending on your location and the size of your home. In addition, you may need to get a permit from your local municipality before you can install one. 

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Typically, the cost of installation depends on the type of system you have. There are a few different types of systems, including ion exchange, salt-free, and potassium-based systems. A salt-free system uses potassium to remove minerals from the water, similar to an ion exchange system. Ion exchange systems require power. 

In addition to the cost of the unit, you will also need to consider the labor costs associated with installation. If you plan to hire a general contractor, you can expect to pay up to 20 percent more for the entire project. The amount of work involved in an installation can vary widely, and will depend on the size and complexity of your system. 

If you have a large, multi-story home, you may need to get a commercial-grade water softener. These systems are capable of handling a huge volume of water. If your home is not located in an area with high rates of hard water, you might consider a lower capacity model to save money. Smaller home models are usually less expensive and can be installed under your sink. 

For larger homes, you will need to estimate how much water you will need treated each day. Some water softener systems have digital timers, which regenerate the softener at preset intervals. These systems are more expensive than those that use a mechanical timer. 

Adding new piping or structural changes can add to the overall installation cost. In some areas, you will need to get a permit for piping and other changes. You may need to hire a professional plumber or general contractor for this kind of work. A plumbing company can help you get the necessary permits. 

A water treatment specialist can test your water to determine the level of hardness. If you do not have a water softener yet, you can purchase test strips that change color when dipped into your water. In many cases, you will be able to purchase this testing kit for less than $50. You can find them in hardware stores and online. If you are unsure of how to use the test strip, you can hire a local plumber to take care of the job. 

The labor cost for an installation of a water softener can vary greatly, and can even be significantly higher than the initial price of the system. If you plan on hiring a general contractor to do the installation, you can expect to pay $200 to $1,500 for the job. 

You should also factor in additional expenses for testing the water. A simple water test kit can be purchased for less than $50. Buying a carbon filter and resin beads for a water softener can add to the overall cost.