How Much Does A Water Softener Cost?

Friday 23 December 2022

Cost of installing a water softener

A water softener system plus installation costs on average €1,500 with a typical range between €1,000 and €3,000. Do-it-yourself installations can be as low as €500, while large houses with high consumption and a smart filter system can pay €6,000 or more. The biggest cost issue is the type of system. Whatever the type, labour costs from €150 to €600 or more for complex installations.

Professionals often sell or recommend specific brands that they have more experience with or feel have fewer problems. But you can always buy the one of your choice from a local dealer or DIY store. These systems work by removing or neutralising the minerals that cause hard water. Because you are dealing with plumbing, it is always a good idea to have the installation done by a professional.

Average cost to install a water softener

Average cost €1,500
High cost €6,000
Low cost € 500
Water softener prices per type
Softener type Average price Total installation cost
Ion exchangers (Salt & Brine) €300 - €1,000 €500 - €2,000
Water Distiller €50 - €1,500 €50 - €2,000
Salt-free €500 - €3,000 €800 - €4,000
Reverse Osmosis €100 - €1,800 €1,000 - €2,800
Magnetic € 200 - € 400 € 200 - € 600
*These are indicative prices based on jobs previously carried out. The final costs may differ from the invoice you receive from us.

Ion exchanger price

The most common type, ion exchangers or conventional water softeners, cost between €500 and €2,000 to install. They use salt and an exchange medium to eliminate an ion from the incoming hard water, thus removing the hard minerals from the system. It does not noticeably increase the salt content.

• They have a long history of working well in most homes.
• Cheap to install.
• Requires regular salt refills, increasing the cost of ownership.
• Salt-free Potassium Softener Price
• Salt-free water softeners cost between €800 and €4,000 to install. They use potassium and do not work by removing calcium and magnesium, but rather by neutralising the ions and preventing them from building up as they flow through your pipes. However, this does not stop them from settling where the water is stagnant.

Safer for septic tanks, the environment and people on a low-sodium diet.
Significantly higher operating costs and slightly higher start-up costs.
Potassium costs more than sodium.

Costs of a source water softener

The cost of a water softener system varies depending on the water, but tends to be €500 to €1,500 more than a house on municipal systems. Well water often contains a chemical injector for chlorine and often an iron removal stage. They also contain a pre-sedimentation filter.

Very variable costs due to different needs.

Often has a pre-filter and other fittings that most houses do not need.
Requires a professional well test.