On average, water softener cost ranges from $600 to $3,000, depending on the quality and size of the softener.
Discover everything you need to know about water softener cost by clicking on the following linked sections.
1. Water softener cost in Canada
2. Water softener installation costs
If you’re looking for immediate expert advice about water softener cost, contact the experts at WaterSmart.
2022 Water Softener Cost
You will find that different areas have different water hardness levels. The Kitchener-Waterloo area, for example, has some of the hardest water in Canada.
If you have hard water, you need a softener that is able to handle the high amounts of minerals found in your water.
1. Water softener cost in Canada
On average, a water softener can cost anywhere from $600 to $3,000 or more depending on the quality and size of the softener.
Our Canadian-made water softener selection begins as low as $1395 (plus HST) with installation included.
However, the cheapest water softener isn't always your best bet. You want a water softener that is going to be able to soften your water over a long period of time.
Additionally, the more water you use, the larger the capacity of water softener you will need. To help you determine what size of water softener you would need for your home, check out this previous blog post, "What Size Water Softener?”
If up-front costs are prohibitive when it comes to investing in the best water softener for your home, our financing option allows you to purchase your water softener at 12 equal payments with zero interest.
Our Water Softeners are Made in Canada
2. Water softener installation costs
There are a few ways to approach this section.
If you’re looking for a new water softener, you could:
Purchase your new water softener at a big box store and
attempt to install your new water softener yourself
pay a plumber to install it
Or find a company that offers free installation with the purchase of a water softener.
Purchasing a water softener and installing it yourself is certainly an option. But you must make sure you have the knowledge, skills, and tools to do the job right.
If you make a mistake, you may have to pay more than the original installation cost in order to get the job done right.
On average, most plumbers in Canada will charge an hourly rate ranging from $58 to $260 per hour. You can expect to pay an even higher rate for a licensed professional plumber, who will cost anywhere from $104 to $170 per hour.
Your plumber might offer a flat rate, which will typically run somewhere between $130 to $520 for simple service calls.
Water softener installation cost will therefore vary depending on the type of water softener you choose and how easily it connects to your water supply. The simpler the installation, the less a plumber will charge.
If you purchase your water softener from a company like WaterSmart, your basic installation is free and is done by our factory-trained technicians.
The main advantages of a professional water softener installation vs. DIY
3. Renting a water softener
Water softener rentals don’t require much cash upfront. There’s usually a fee for the initial installation, but you submit monthly payments for usage.
You spend less upfront to get a water softener, but you actually end up paying much more for it over time compared to investing in your own unit.
Let’s say you rent your water softener for $40/month and the original price was $1,000. After only 3 years of renting you would have already spent $1,440. After 5 years, you would have spent $2,400, and after 10 years you would have spent $4,800.
A good quality water softener that’s well maintained can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Over a ten-year period of renting your water softener, you will have paid almost 5 times more than if you had purchased it in the first place.
Water softener cost: renting vs. owning
4. Repairs and maintenance
In general, if you have a good quality water softener, it will require few repairs and it will probably last between 10 to 20 years before you need to replace it.
However, from time to time, you may need to repair your softener to keep it working at its maximum efficiency.
According to HomeGuide, water softener repairs cost $150 to $600 on average, depending on the size and complexity of the system.
Keep in mind a water softener service call and inspection costs $40 to $100 to begin with, not including repair parts.
Smaller systems installed under the sink are more cost-effective to fix than larger whole-house units that are typically placed in the basement.
An all-inclusive maintenance contract costs $100 to $250 per year and covers repairs, cleaning, salt refills, water testing, and annual inspections.
Come check out our high-quality water softener selection
Get the best Water Softener Cost at WaterSmart
If you need water softener installation in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, you can trust WaterSmart.
We'd be happy to help at a reasonable rate, and we even have financing options to get you started.
Our expert, experienced plumbers will install your new water softener efficiently and at a price that you can afford.
If you purchase a water softener from us, your installation is free!
Contact WaterSmart today for a free quote.
“I purchased a water softener through Watersmart and I was very pleased with the whole process. I did not know much about water softeners but the salesman helped inform me how they work and which unit would work best for me. The install went great without any surprises and the unit works great. Would recommend to anyone.”
