Top-rated water softener pros

Get matched with top water softener pros in your area

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 3 pros

Matching on Angi

Share some details icon
Share some details about your home project.
Match with local pros icon
Within moments, match with highly-rated local pros.
Compare quotes icon
Compare quotes and choose the best pro for the job.

Water Softener Pros Near You

Water Softeners FAQs

The license requirements for water softener installation depend on your location. Some municipalities require that the installer hold a plumbing license, some require a permit and an inspection, but no license for the installer, and some require a permit and a license for the installer. Regardless of the local laws in your area, it’s always a good idea to hire a licensed plumber or installer. These pros will install your system properly and have the experience to size the system appropriately. Use Angi’s state licensing tool to check your installer’s license status.

The cost to install a water softener system is $1,500 on average, ranging between $200 and $6,000. The labor for water softener work typically costs between $150 and $1,000, so you can add that to your equipment costs to get an accurate total. Your price will depend on many factors, including the following:

  • System capacity 

  • Home size

  • Water hardness levels

  • Type of water softener

  • Presence of electricity in the installation area

  • Local permit costs

Water softeners are worth the money if you live in an area with hard water. Hard water is safe to drink, but it poses serious threats to your plumbing system. The minerals in hard water will gradually build up on the inside walls of your pipes, reducing water flow to your fixtures. The minerals can also gradually corrode your plumbing system, reduce its lifespan, and increase the risk of leaks. Hard water also makes soap and detergent less effective. Water softener systems can solve all these issues, making them a great investment.

It’s possible to install a water softener yourself, but we don’t recommend it. Water softeners require working with copper pipes and electrical wiring, neither are suitable tasks for most DIYers. Plus, working with water and electricity together is dangerous and could pose a risk to your safety. Water softeners also need to be calibrated so that they don’t make your water too soft, as soft water poses just as many risks as hard water. Overall, it’s well worth hiring a local water softener installer to place your water softener system.

Your water softener size is based on your total household water consumption. In most cases, you can assume the average household member will use around 75 gallons per day. Multiply that by the number of people in your home, then multiply by 10 (for the typical grains per gallon). You’ll get a number in grains that should help roughly size your water softener. However, it’s best to hire a professional to install your system and use more exact numbers, like your exact average water consumption per day and starting water hardness.

The homeowners guide to water softener services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A woman washing her face in the sink of her bathroom
May 21, 2024
May 21, 2024
Water softener repair costs can add up, but they’re almost always worthwhile. Use this guide to see what your project is going to cost before you get started.
Woman filling saucepan with tap water
Jul 23, 2024
Jul 23, 2024
On average, a reverse osmosis water filter costs around $2,200, but there are a few variables that impact the total price. Learn about them in this guide.
Water softner system
Jul 23, 2024
Jul 23, 2024
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.
Mother and child loading washing machine
Jun 17, 2024
Jun 17, 2024
Learn the features, advantages, and disadvantages of a salt versus salt-free water softener to see which is the better solution for hard water in your home.
close up of salt pellets in water softener tank
May 22, 2024
May 22, 2024
Many water softeners use salt in order to remove minerals from hard water. But what is water softener salt? Learn how water softener salt works in this guide.
Young girl washing hands in kitchen sink
Jun 19, 2024
Jun 19, 2024
Want to make sure you and your family have perfectly clean drinking water? Installing a whole-house water filter might be your best option.