The Long-Term Cost Savings of Softened Water

While it can be all too easy to sweep the effects of hard water under the rug, eventually, living in a home with hard water will become much more costly than the upfront cost of a softening system.

How much does it cost to install a water softener?

The cost of a water softener can vary depending on your household size and the level of water hardness in your area. The average cost of a water softener is typically around $500-$1000 for a leading brand-name system. With DIY installation guides ready to help, water softeners from EcoPureHome make installation easy for those who enjoy the challenge of a home improvement project. The purchase of a softener includes a bypass valve and a thorough set of instructions on how to connect your system to your plumbing. Should you require a plumber, you’ll need to factor in that cost as well.

The other costs associated with water softeners are related to the upkeep of the system. You’ll need to add salt as part of the recharging process about every 6-8 weeks. You can find bags of salt pellets or nuggets for under $10, so the upkeep of water softeners isn’t too costly.

Another way to keep your system running efficiently is by adding cleaner to it. Consistently adding water softener cleaner to your system every four months will keep your appliance running at its best and give you the greatest value for your purchase.

Can water softeners save you money?

Yes—by installing a water softener, you’ll be reducing several costly symptoms around the home. Some of these costs may seem insignificant but will add up over time, while other issues can result in expensive appliance repairs or even replacements.

Below, you’ll find all the ways soft water can save you money in the long term.

Besides personal care products, you may have noticed spots on your dishware even after they’ve been through the dishwasher. Residue from hard water minerals stick to dishes and glasses, meaning you’ll need even more soap (and water) to remove the mineral buildup.

Installing a water softener reduces the level of mineral content in your water, which in turn will ensure your soaps will activate and produce suds normally. You won’t have to burn through bars or bottles of soap as you would with hard water.

Fewer appliance repairs and replacements

While many of the costs associated with hard water accumulate over time, one of the biggest potential one-time costs of living with hard water can be appliance repair or even replacement costs. Hard water minerals leave buildup in pipes and drains, which can often result in clogging. Over time, your water-using appliances, especially your water heater, will become less and less efficient and could eventually break down due to the buildup of minerals.

Calling the plumber for appliance repair when your water pressure is lower is essentially treating a symptom of a much larger problem. If your hard water is left untreated, it will continue to place extra strain on your appliances, shortening their lifespan and leaving you with expensive bills.

With a water softener to reduce the mineral content in your water, your appliances will work at optimal performance for much longer—meaning you can save the money you’d be spending treating the symptoms of hard water.

How much money will a water softener save a family?

This is the big question. Take a moment to add it up. If a water softener costs you $1000 and you install it yourself, that’s your main expense. Any other expenses over time will be related to maintenance and cleaning, which you can ballpark (based on the above info) at around $100 annually. Now calculate your estimated savings. You’ll be saving money on everything from appliance repair and utility bills to soap, shampoo and new clothes.

As you can see, the total amount saved with soft water makes the initial investment worth it, especially when you consider the 10-15 year lifespan of the average system. If you’re ready to make an investment that will not only improve your home’s water but also save you money in the long run, it may be time for a water softener system.