Water Softener Installation in San Marcos, TX

Cost of Water Softener Installations in San Marcos

Factors that affect the cost of water softener installation:

1. Water softener system type

The type of water softener system you wish to install influences pricing. The five main types and their best uses include:

• Ion exchangers— The most common type of water softener, ion exchangers pass water through a mineral tank that pulls out calcium and magnesium, then washes the water with salt. Maintenance for these units includes refilling them with salt as needed.
• Water distiller— These water softener units utilize water vapor to separate heavy metals from water. Less common than ion exchangers, water distillers work best for providing drinking water rather than softening water in your entire home.
• Salt-free— These water softener systems work like ion exchangers, but instead of salt, they use potassium to neutralize minerals and trap them in the tank. The main advantage of salt-free water softeners is that they're easier on septic systems and may be better for people with sodium issues in their diets.
• Reverse osmosis— These systems not only soften your water, but they also remove chemicals, heavy metals, and other toxins. These units can be whole house systems or strictly for drinking water, and they also work well with other elements in your home water softener installation.
• Magnetic— A newer entry into the water softener field, magnetic units neutralize mineral ions by using magnets in the pipes. These systems work best for homes with less intensive hard water buildup, but they usually cost less than other units.

2. Size of your home

The bigger your home and the more bathrooms you have, the more your water softener installation will typically cost. Also, the number of people in your home influences the type of capacity you need. To determine how much capacity you need, multiply the number of people in your home by 90, the usual amount of water used per person per day. For instance, if four people live in your home, you need a unit that can treat at least 360 gallons of water per day.

3. Utility accessibility

Whole home water softener installation costs more than installing a system underneath your kitchen sink. Likewise, your unit must be near the water main, or you may have to trench new plumbing pipes, which can drive up costs. Access to electricity is also important, so if no plugin is handy, you may need an outlet installed at an additional charge.

4. Permits and maintenance 

Whole home water softener installation typically requires a permit from the city or county, which comes at an extra cost. Additionally, there are maintenance costs to consider. For instance, ion exchangers and salt-free systems require regular refills with sodium and potassium, respectively, and most systems require regular cleaning at 3- to 4-month intervals to prevent potentially damaging buildup.