Repair A Water Softener

How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Water Softener?

ByWITS ZEN Editor's Desk

Water softener systems work like magic when it comes to softening hard water. However, like many other systems and appliances, they also sometimes need repairs. But exactly how much does it cost to repair a water softener? And is the expense worth it?

Common Issues

Firstly, you must know what you are fixing. Water softeners encounter problems too — sometimes minor, other times major.

Common water softener issues include:

  • Clogs or blockages
  • Salt bridges
  • Broken resin beads
  • Dirty or broken filter
  • Motor failure
  • Smelly water
  • Regeneration failure

These are very common, well-documented problems. And you can fix most of them using simple solutions. However, some problems need expert hands to do the job.

Water Softener System Repair Cost

Water softener repairs usually cost between $150 to $735, with the national average at around $422.

For smaller, budget-friendly machines, the cost may be around $65.

But for higher-end systems, you can expect to pay as high as $1500 or even higher.

Factors That Determine Cost

You should consider some factors that determine the cost of the repair you want. Those factors include the following:

System’s Kind And Complexity

This is perhaps the single most important factor you should consider.

Along with the kind of damage on your water softening system, the complexity of the system also influences the repair’s pricing.

That is, smaller systems are usually very cost-effective, depending on the parts that need repair. Logically, larger systems will be much more expensive.

Also, salt-based systems are rather common, so it’s easy to find capable hands to fix them.

Meanwhile, others are using alternative systems to salt-based water softeners. Such systems may require special repairs or expertise.

Service Provider

You will also need to consider who’s providing the repair service.

For starters, you can buy water softeners online, from a brick-and-mortar store, or from a specialty store.

Go to the source. Get the service you need from who sold the product to you in the first place.

Use the following points:

  • What’s the reputation of the vendor or manufacturer?
  • Are they known for quality work?
  • Do you know anyone who’s gotten their services before?
  • What do other customers say about them?

The costs of repair may vary, but getting the service from the manufacturer or seller of the system may let you enjoy some discounts.

Warranty

Warranties are life savers for customers of appliances and equipment.

Generally, manufacturers who are confident in the quality of their products also offer quality warranty. Take advantage of this.

You should read the fine print, especially when you first receive your water softener system.

Then, try to answer the following questions:

  • Are both labor and system parts (for replacement or repair) covered?
  • When does the warranty expire?
  • Under which circumstances is the warranty applicable?

If you get lucky, your warranty will cover the cost of repairs completely.

Note, however, that warranties sometimes do not apply to cases like damages caused by customer mishandling.

To Repair or To Replace?

We’ve been talking about repairs, but what if the cost of water softener repairs exceed the cost of simply buying a new one?

Is it always better to repair than to replace?

One popular advice says you shouldn’t spend more than 50% of the cost of a new product to repair an old one.

To avoid this, you need to look for the prices of the following:

  • New resin
  • New salt tank
  • New filter
  • New head

Then, compare them to the price of repair for the specific part.

If your calculations suggest you’re better off buying a new part and installing it, then go for it.

However, remember that installing a new part into the system sometimes also requires professional hands.
How Much Does a New System Cost?
The cost of buying a whole new system will vary depending on your contractor or dealer, the type of water softener you want to use, and the machine itself.

For instance, according to this GE water softener review, water softeners could differ according to the amount of hard water they can handle.

Full professional installation costs as much as $4000, while regular do-it-yourself installation for homeowners can cost as low as $400.

Take your time and think about your options before you repair or replace your water softener system.

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