How much a water softener costs depends on your home’s size, and the system’s type and capacity. Our expert guide explores all the price factors.
Thomas M.
Very well. Have already used them again to fix hot water heater
Service OlympiansWho Installs Water Softeners? Here’s Who to Call
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Get quotes from water softener pros near you
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Need Help With a Project? Connect With a Pro
Professionals who install water softeners include licensed plumbers and water softener technicians who test your water hardness and help you choose the right system.
Expect to pay $1,500 on average for water softener installation including the unit, with total costs ranging from $200 to $6,000 depending on system type.
Your pro will determine proper placement, connect all components to your water supply line, and run a backwash cycle to ensure everything works correctly.
Hiring a local plumbing professional keeps your home safe from leaks and flooding while ensuring correct installation that protects your unit's warranty and complies with local codes.
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If you’re tired of limescale buildup on everything water touches in your home, frequent appliance issues, and dry skin and hair, it may be time to invest in a water softener. But who installs water softeners? Water softener installation is best handled by a licensed plumber near you or a local water softener technician. They can help you select the right system for your home and avoid potentially costly mistakes.
Benefits of Hiring a Plumber or Water Softener Technician for Water Softener Installation
Like the many benefits of water softeners themselves, hiring a pro also comes with plenty of perks. While you could install your own water softener, you run the risk of a plumbing mishap. In addition to keeping your home (and wallet) safe, your pro will:
Perform water hardness tests and calculations to determine the optimal size and type of water softener for your home
Determine where to install your water softener
Make sure your installation complies with local building codes
Uphold your unit’s warranty
Can I Hire an HVAC Technician to Install a Water Softener?
While an HVAC technician may have some overlapping skills with plumbers and water softener technicians, they aren’t the ideal pros for this project. They lack expertise in both plumbing and water treatment systems, so they likely won’t test your water or be able to help you pick the best unit for your home.
How Do Plumbers and Technicians Install Water Softeners?
Installing a water softener is an expert-level project requiring precision and attention to detail to ensure everything works correctly. Your pro will likely:
Test your water hardiness (if you haven’t already)
Help you select the optimal unit and deliver it to your home
Determine proper placement and positioning
Turn off the water supply
Drain the faucets
Connect the unit to the water supply line and connect all other components, including flex lines, the brine tank, mineral tank, and drain tubing
Turn the water supply back on
Start the softener
Run a backwash cycle
How Much Does Installing a Water Softener Cost?
The average cost to install a water softener—including the unit's price—is $1,500, but can run as low as $200 or as high as $6,000. Your total cost will depend on several factors, including the type and size of your system, the complexity of the installation, and local labor rates. We recommend getting quotes from at least three companies before making a final decision.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
While it might be tempting to consider a DIY water softener system installation, going it alone presents many obstacles, such as a lack of tools and expertise, the risk of leaks from improper installation, and potentially voiding your unit’s warranty.
On the flip side, when you work with a pro, you’re guaranteed correct placement, warranty protection, and the peace of mind that you won’t come home to a flooded basement. Professional installation can cost as little as $150, but plan to set aside up to $1,000 for the work. If you decide to DIY, keep in mind that you may need to purchase tools or equipment that may make going it alone simply not worth it.
Unless you’re completely confident you can install a water softener successfully, you should hire a professional plumber or water softener technician.
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.
Who repairs water softeners? You should be able to hire water softener repair and installation companies or plumbers to fix issues with these appliances.
Need to soften the water coming into your home? Use this guide to check if your house is pre-plumbed for a water softener to make the process a little easier.
Ready to install a new water softener? Check out this guide to help you hire a qualified water softener professional.
You can install a water softener in a few common spots. However, not all homes are the same, so read on and learn the best spots for this addition.
Water softeners remove minerals from hard water in your home and make your water more pleasant to use. Learn more about how they work here.