Need help dialing in your water hardness? Use this handy DIY guide on how to set a water softener to save money and get the best results possible.
Thomas M.
Very well. Have already used them again to fix hot water heater
Service OlympiansIs Your Home Ready for a Water Softener?
Pre-plumb your home for a water softening system
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A water softener loop is a horseshoe-shaped pipe setup near your main water supply that connects your interior plumbing to a softening system.
Installing a new soft water loop costs $600 to $2,000, depending on how much rerouting your plumber needs to complete and the distance involved.
Check your garage, utility closet, or mechanical room for an existing loop before you schedule installation to confirm whether your home is already pre-plumbed.
Hiring a local water softener installation professional keeps the loop connection secure and handles cutting existing lines plus installing new connections to your main supply.
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Hard water can cause a lot of problems in your home. In addition to drying out skin and hair, it can clog and shorten the life spans of water-using appliances like dishwashers, washers, water heaters, toilets, and faucets. You can install a water softener to remove or neutralize the minerals in your water. Before doing so, though, make sure your house is pre-plumbed for a water softener. Read on to learn what’s involved.
What a Pre-Plumbed Home Requires
A water softener works by removing minerals from the water circulating inside your home. To separate out and only soften water coming into your home, you’ll need to install a water softener loop, plus a drain (for pipe discharge) and an electrical outlet.
This pre-plumbed pipe setup must be near your main water supply line and eventually connect your interior water distribution pipes to your water softening system. Once you install this loop, you’ll be able to put in a softener to improve the longevity of your appliances and protect your interior faucets and water lines.
See if You Have a Loop Setup
If you built your home recently, there’s a good chance your builder installed a soft water loop setup. If you’re building a home currently, make sure your plumber installs such a loop. To determine whether your home has this feature, check your garage, mechanical room or utility closet, and your home’s exterior walls.
Then, look for a horseshoe-shaped tube, which should come out of the pipes in the wall or arise from the pipes under the floor. The loop might be covered and taped in black insulation. Underneath, you should see a pipe stub emerging from the wall and an electrical outlet nearby.
Pre-Plumb Your Home
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If you don’t already have a loop, install one near your main water supply line. If you have a whole-home water filter, the loop for the filter should usually appear before the filtration system. The job should cost $600 to $2,000 on average, depending on whether any pipes need to be re-routed and how far the loop will sit from your existing plumbing.
Install a Water Softening System
Once your home is pre-plumbed, you can install a water softening system. If installing such a system for the first time, you’ll need to hire a plumber to cut existing lines and install new connections.
The cost to install a water softener is around $1,500 on average including installation. On the lowest end, you might be able to spend as little as $500. For a larger system, you could invest as much as $6,000 or more. While it can be expensive, it’s always worthwhile to call in a water softener installer near you to get the job done correctly.
Water softeners last between 10 and 25 years in most cases, so expect to see repeating installation costs every few decades. Other ongoing costs include refilling the salt as your water softener regenerates and consumes salt to flush the system, as well as water softener repair costs from time to time.
Water softener services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
5.0★ avg. • 6 total reviews
- Mike Z.
As usual with ECO, tech Jordan was outstanding, very professional, very knowledgeable, and very thorough with repairs made to tankless water heaters. Very highly recommend ECO!!!
Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians - Michael S.
Did a great job replacing the ice maker and water regulator on my refrigerator. He was quick and thorough, very friendly and professional. If I needed a heart transplant I'd want him to do it!!!
- Maria C.
We had a gutter blockage that was causing water to sheet down the side of the house and ultimately it started to come in at a window (need mortar people next). Called around 7:30am, and he responded by 8am. He was able to come out the same morning and do a look over and clean out. He also...
- Brad S.
Scott checked our large crawl space for mold and water infiltration and recommended a viable solution. The crew was efficient and they cleaned up well after the job. The job was expensive but I am confident that I won't have to deal with the problem again. Highly recommend.
AdvantaClean of Dublin - Ann S.
They were the most through inspecting the water system in my house. Even going the extra mile to get the water professionally tested for contamination.
Hague Water Conditioning, Inc. - Diane C.
It went very well. The drain is absorbing all the access water. I had other estimates a year earlier and Hughes was right on. I will use them, again.
Hughes Construction Co - Service Olympians
- Mike B.
The Paul Davis team was very professional and went the extra mile to take care of my water damage. The work was very high quality and done in a timely manner. I would highly recommend their services.
Paul Davis Restoration - Gene S.
Honesty is hard to find in business today. GBR met me today at a 3 story building regarding my being told that I needed to tuckpoint the brick because of water leaks. The owners took the time to evaluate the situation and advised me that I did not need their service at all. They pointed me...
GBR Masonry Inc - Stewart W.
They unclogged the drain and sent me a bill for more than 4 times what I paid before. I called the Water Works to ask why the bill was so high and that they should have gotten my authorization before assuming they could make expensive decisions like that on my behalf and for their benefit....
The Waterworks
The homeowners guide to water softener services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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