Water Softener Installation Cost

Some households struggle with the difficulty of their water supply, which causes dry skin and hair, along with a range of maintenance issues such as limescale buildup. A water softener is a device designed to reduce the hardness of this water by removing minerals, most notably calcium and magnesium, which are responsible for water hardness.

The average cost of installing a water softener system is about £1250.

The education and awareness around water hardness and the availability of water softeners have made this a very common installation across the UK, particularly in those areas that suffer worse with water hardness. Of course, the main question everyone has is - how much does a water softener cost?

Well, this can range based on a wide variety of factors, mainly the type of unit you opt for, but it can also be affected by things like your location and current water supply system. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about water softeners, how much they cost to install, how to find the tradesperson and everything in between.

How Much Does Water Softener Installation Cost?

So, we’ve established that water softeners are a popular choice for addressing the challenges of hard water, but how much are you likely to pay?

On average, installing a water softener costs anywhere between £50 and £3,000, which is a wide range, but this can be broken down into a few different categories.

Basic units cost between £400-£800, mid-range units between £800-£1,500, and high-end units cost anywhere from £1,500 to £2,500. So, what’s the difference between each of them? Typically, brand plays a big part in deciphering which end of the scale a water softener lies, along with features and capacity, not to mention the technology that it uses.

As with any product, there are certain products that are just too advanced for the needs of the user, and as such, the majority of households wouldn’t require a high-end water softening unit.

You can add installation to the price of the unit, along with additional costs for any complex installations, plumbing modifications and generally regional inflation. You will likely pay different rates for tradespeople across the country due to location, but again, you will find this with any trade-related work.

Water Softener Installation Prices

Below, there is a helpful table to illustrate each of the prices.

Supply Costs for Water Softener Installation

The supply costs will make up the bulk of the overall price of having a water softener installed in your home. Here, we will outline the different types of water softeners and explain how size and capacity can impact the cost.

Now, within the ranges above, the price may shift depending on a number of factors. Firstly, the brand always has quite a large impact on the price of units, although most brands will have units at either end of the scale.

Next, size and capacity play a massive role in the price, with large and higher capacity units costing more, but you should let your chosen contractor help you with the specifications to ensure that you have a unit appropriately sized for the water system it will be installed on. Last, additional components will add to the cost. Things like bypass valves, plumbing connectors, and brine tanks may be necessary and will slightly increase the overall price.

The key here is to take advice and guidance from the tradesperson you employ, as they will be able to offer the best information on what is required for your needs and home.

Additional Costs

Plumbing Modifications

If your existing plumbing system is older or there is a requirement to have it adapted to have a water softener installed, you will incur extra charges for the service. Now, plumbers are typically priced around £30-£50 per hour, mainly depending on location and complexity of the job. Unfortunately, this cost may be unavoidable if your plumbing system requires work, but you can find more guidance on plumbing work and associated costs here.

Pre-Filter Installation

The contractor you employ may test the water at your home and find that you have an extremely high sediment content. If this, there may be a requirement to install a pre-filter, which would syphon out those larger sediments before reaching your new water softener. Overall, this will increase the lifespan of your unit and reduce maintenance and repair costs in the long term, so it is a worthwhile investment.

Disposal of Old Equipment

If you have an existing water softener or water conditioning unit, you may need to pay to have this removed if this isn't included in the quote for installation of the new unit.

Now, typically, you can have general labourers perform removal work; however, in this instance, it would be better to have your main contractor perform the task as it is very likely to be complex and require someone with experience with these units. Plus, it is likely the area where your new unit will be installed, so this may be a much quicker job all done at once.

Maintenance Supplies: There may be some ongoing costs for crucial items such as filters, salts and descaling agents that will protect your unit in the long term. These are usually nominal costs and shouldn't be too much of a hassle. For example, a bag of water-softening salt is between £5-£10.

Labour Costs and Timescales for Water Softener Installation

The cost of labour for the installation of water softeners can vary based on location, installation complexity and plumber rates. Here’s a breakdown to help you visualise how the costs can differ.

Installation Complexity

Basic Installations:

This is for extremely straightforward connections direct to the main water supply without the need for any major modifications.

• Cost: £150–£250
• Time Required: 1.5 to 3 hours

Moderate Installations:

For those installations requiring a bypass valve, make adjustments to fit a compact or salt-free softener.

• Cost: £200–£400
• Time Required: 2 to 4 hours

Complex Installations:

This is typically for larger systems, dual-tank models, or if the plumbing needs significant modification.

• Cost: £300–£600
• Time Required: 4 to 6 hours, though custom installations may take up to a full day

Location of Installation

Kitchen or Utility Room:

This option is often the easiest and most common installation location. As such, the costs are lower due to easier access to the main water supply and drainage

• Cost: £150–£300

Garage or Loft:

These locations do have some challenges and may require additional piping, insulation (if in a cold area), and structural adjustments in certain homes.

• Cost: £200–£400.

Outdoor Installations:

Any outdoor units may require will require weatherproofing, extra piping, and sometimes custom drainage solutions

• Cost: £300–£500.

Typical Plumber Rates for Water Softener Installation

• Hourly Rates: Plumbers typically charge around £30–£50 per hour, depending on experience, region, and complexity.
• Fixed Rates: Instead of hourly rates, many plumbers offer fixed rates for straightforward installations, typically between £150 and £500, based on system type and location.

Average Installation Times by System Size

• Compact or Portable Systems: 1–2 hours.
• Standard Salt-Based or Salt-Free Systems: 2–4 hours.
• Dual-Tank or High-Capacity Systems: 4–6 hours, sometimes up to a full day for large or custom setups.

Of course, these estimates will vary slightly depending on your location in the UK, as prices tend to be higher in London and the South East compared to the North or rural areas. As always, it is best to request multiple quotes to find the most accurate and competitive pricing for your installation.

Cost Factors for Water Softener Installation

Type of Water Softener

As you can see through the price comparisons of different types of water softener, the prices vary quite dramatically. You should think carefully about which unit suits your home's needs the most and also seek advice from your tradesperson.

Household Water Usage

If you have a large or busy home, the volume of water passing through the unit will be incredibly high compared to single-occupant or small dwellings. As such, opt for a unit that will be able to cope with the capacity of your home, but bear in mind that the larger the size/capacity, the more you will pay.

Plumbing Complexity

If you have old plumbing systems, you may need to budget for some small modifications to enable the installation of your water softener. This will increase the overall price.

Water Hardness Level

Some areas have naturally harder water or additional sediment. For these areas, you may need a unit that has a far greater capacity than you may think you need for the size of your home. Again, speak with your plumber for guidance.

Building Regulations Related to Water Softener Installation

Your water softener must comply with certain building regulations and water bylaws to ensure that it is safe, effective, and compliant in the UK.

Backflow Prevention

Ensure that your water softener has adequate backflow prevention in order to prevent any softened water from flowing back into the system. This will be through a non-return valve or an air gap.

Connection to the Water Main

Be aware that one connection, usually the main kitchen tap, will remain unaffected by the water softener for the supply of drinking water. This is achieved through bypass valves and will be managed by the plumber who completes your installation.

WRAS Approval

Be aware that all water softeners and treatment devices must be WRAS-approved to ensure they comply with UK water quality and safety standards. WRAS-approved products meet requirements for materials, safety, and backflow protection, meaning they won’t compromise the water supply's integrity.

Drainage and Wastewater Management

As part of the water softener’s regeneration process, it will produce wastewater that must be disposed of properly, and the majority of times, this will be through a drain or wastewater system. Ensure that installations follow local regulations for wastewater handling to avoid any contamination risks.

Types of Water Softeners

There are four main types of water softeners in the UK, and each uses a different technology to achieve water softening. Here is a brief overview of each with pros and cons, and again, the price ranges.

Salt-Based Water Softeners

These systems use an ion exchange to remove the minerals that cause hardness in the water, typically magnesium and calcium, by replacing them with sodium ions.

Pros:

• ✔ Extremely effective for areas with high hardness levels
• ✔ Provides soft water throughout the home.

Cons:

• ✖ Requires regular salt refills and a regeneration process.

Price range: £400 - £1,500

Salt-Free Water Softeners

Salt-free water softeners use a conditioning process that actually changes the structure of those hardness-causing minerals, ensuring that they cannot attach to surfaces.

Pros:

• ✔ Low maintenance with no salt required

Cons:

• ✖ It will only affect the physical damage of limescale build-up and not any benefit to the hardness of water on the skin

Price range: £500 to £2,000

Dual-Tank Water Softeners

These water softeners actually utilise two tanks to allow for continuous soft water while the other tank regenerates.

Pros:

• ✔ Ideal for large households with high water demand
• ✔ Makes soft water always available

Cons:

• ✖ Higher initial cost
• ✖ Takes up more space

Price range: £1,200 to £3,000

Magnetic and Electronic Water Descalers

These are used more as descalers as they attach to the water pipework system, and magnetic or electronic pulses are used to change the behaviour of the minerals to prevent scale buildup.

Pros:

• ✔ Easy to install
• ✔ Low maintenance
• ✔ More affordable

Cons:

• ✖ Less effective in extremely hard water areas, as they don’t remove minerals

Price range: £50 to £300

Alternative Water Treatment Options

Reverse Osmosis Systems

This system is actually a water filter system that will remove harmful contaminants, including some minerals that contribute towards water hardness. This will not only act as a water softener but will also filter out water impurities in drinking water. These cost between £200-£1,000 and are a great alternative to standalone water softeners for those that want cleaner water as well.

Whole House Filters

These filters are systems that are installed at the main water line to treat every drop of water entering the home. They will filter out everything from heavy metals to chlorine, and while they will clean water, they don’t specifically target calcium and magnesium, which are the minerals that harden water. So, you may not see a big improvement in water hardness. These cost between £300-£1,500.

UV Filters

These systems are purpose-built for the purification of water to kill bacteria and viruses. These are not really required for homes fed by main water networks but are crucial for those that are fed by wells or private supplies. However, again, these filters will not soften water, they are only designed to sterilise it. They cost between £200-£700.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Water Softener Installation

Hiring the right plumber or tradesperson is crucial to the success of any project, and it’s worth investing a fair amount of time in finding the best fit. Here are some key tips for selecting and hiring the right expert:

• Compare Multiple Quotes: Whatever you do, don’t settle for the first estimate you receive. Instead, contact several plumbers for quotes to get a fair price comparison. Not only will this ensure you get a fair price, but it will also allow you to hear a variety of ideas and solutions for your project.
• Check Reviews and Testimonials: Platforms like Google and Checkatrade are purpose-built to find good tradespeople. It has never been easier to see what others have to say about a tradesperson’s work.
• Word of Mouth: Personal recommendations still remain invaluable. Ask around, especially if friends or neighbours have recently completed similar projects.
• Experience with Water Softeners and WRAS Compliance: It is crucial that you pick a plumber who has solid experience in installing these units and who has a sound understanding of WRAS compliance. Working with a home's water system is serious work that needs someone confident to complete.

Removing an Old Water Softener: Considerations and Costs

Removing the old water softener, if there is one, should be carried out carefully. Firstly, if there is any corrosion or rust, you don’t want this spilt into the supply.

Next, you are likely going to be putting the new unit in the place of the old, so it will need to be a tight and compact job. It shouldn't take too long or cost too much, but it's important to have this done carefully and professionally for the safety of the inhabitants of the home and for the performance of the new system.

You can dispose of the unit in any local refuse centre, or many people will collect it for free to salvage scrap metal. You can advertise this on social media platforms and on local community pages.

FAQs

Sources

https://www.uk-water-filters.co.uk/pages/how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-a-water-softener-in-your-house-uk