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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 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.