Blog>Cost Guides>Water softener system costs in the UK
Last updated: 30 December 2024
Water softener system costs in the UK
Is hardwater causing limescale deposits and damage to your household appliances? Investing in a water softener system could be the answer. But how much does it cost to install and what factors can affect the price? Read on for all the costs involved.
Fast Facts
Budget, single-cylinder water softener systems start from around £500
Premium, twin-cylinder models can cost as much as £1,600
Installation costs are extra, at around £350
In the UK, over 13 million households are affected by hard water. This can cause limescale deposits and damage to almost every appliance that comes into contact with the hard water – from coffee makers and washing machines to your central heating system.
Hard water can also dry out your skin and hair. It isn’t great for skin conditions like dermatitis, either. But that's where water softener systems can help. It’s been proven that soft water is great for treating and reducing the effects of eczema, which many young children are susceptible to.
But what are the costs of installing and maintaining a water softener system in the UK? Read on for all the information you need, along with handy tips for hiring a specialist installer.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
We spoke to Scott Jenkins of West Sussex-based Scott Jenkins Water Softeners for the prices and information in this guide. Interestingly, Scott initially got into the water softener industry around 10 years ago because his young daughter suffered from eczema. Having installed a water softener in his home, he quickly discovered that the condition completely disappeared. He has since gone on to install thousands of water softeners in homes and businesses across the south of England.
How much does a water softener system cost in the UK?
| Water softener item | Average cost (includes VAT) |
|---|---|
| Water softener installation fee | £350 |
| Budget single cylinder - electric | £500 |
| Budget single cylinder - non-electric | £750 |
| Premium single cylinder electric (EcoWater) | £1,600 |
| Budget twin-cylinder | £875 |
| Premium twin-cylinder (Kinetico Premier Compact Softener) | £1,600 |
| Commercial water softener (large home) | £2,500 |
| Water filters | £45 - £310 |
| Annual servicing (one off) | £99 |
| Annual servicing (subscription) | £65 |
| Rent water softener (per month) | from £30 per month (Installation = £350, can be wrapped up in monthly rental to spread cost) |
| Repair cost for water softener unit | £300 |
| Removal and disposal of old water softener unit | £200 |
| Relocation of an existing unit to a new location in a household | £350 |
| An insulated outdoor cabinet (not including installation) | £200 |
| Average salt cost per month | £15 |
| Last updated: April 2025 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |
The costs above are a good place to start, but the exact cost of your water softener will depend on the type of system you go for. Let's break down the costs:
How much is a water softener (UK)?
Water softeners all have the same job – to create a filtering system that removes calcium and magnesium minerals from your water. But prices vary depending on what system you go for. Different models include:
Budget single-cylinder electric models– Prices start roughly around £500for a standard electric single-cylinder
Premium twin-cylinder models– You're looking at around £1,600for a more high-spec model
Commercial systems– Prepare to spend £2,500plus for this larger model
Water softener installation UK cost
Wondering what the average water softener installation cost in the UK is? Good question. You'll need to budget for an additional £350for a professional installation. This is on top of the system costs above.
However, it's important to know that this cost is a rough guide and how much your installation costs depend on the type of system you have installed. More complex systems might be trickier and, therefore, more expensive to install.
Where you are in the country also affects how much you'll pay, as labour costs are higher if you're based in the South East or London.
Water softener running costs
If you've never had a water softener installed in your home before, you'll want to know the running costs, too.
This will vary depending on the type, size, and brand of water softener used. For instance, some systems will need electricity while others won't.
Don't forget to factor in the cost of water softener salt costs. The average salt costs per month work out at around £15.
Water softener maintenance costs
Like many household appliances, an annual service is important to ensure your water softener system ticks along at its optimal best. A good-quality, well-maintained system could last up to twenty years is well cared for, saving you money in the long run.
For a one-off annual service, you're looking at paying in the region of £99. But if you have an annual service booked as part of a subscription, it could be as little as £65per year.
How much are water softeners to rent?
If the cost of a water softener is working out more than you thought, you could consider renting a water softener. Here's a breakdown of the costs and pros and cons:
Cost:
from £30 per month (Installation = £350, can be wrapped up in monthly rental to spread cost)
Renting vs. buying – which option is better for you?
Renting is better if:
You're not sure if a water softener is right for you and would rather test it out first
You only plan to stay in your current home for a short time
You want low, upfront costs and worry-free maintenance
Buying is better if:
You plan to stay in your home long-term
You want to save money over time
You prefer full ownership and control over your system
Which factors influence water softener costs?
There are a number of factors that can influence the price of your water softener. These include:
Size and capacity
Prices vary greatly depending on what size of water softener system you need, so make sure you accurately judge the amount of water that needs to be softened and the hardness level in your area.
For smaller single-cylinder systems, you could be looking at around £500.However, prices shoot up to£1,600 for a premium double-cylinder model.
If you're unsure, speak to a water softener installer – they'll be able to advise on what type is right for your home.
Type of system
There are lots of different types of water softeners, including ones that don't use any electricity.
However, deciding what type is right for your home can be confusing. Here are some of the key decisions you'll need to decide on:
Non-electric vs electric water softeners?
Non-electric water softeners are powered purely by the incoming water pressure and tend to be more expensive than electric models. You'll pay on average of £750.Meanwhile, you'll pay £500 for an electric model.
We'll look at all the pros and cons of non-electric vs electric water softeners later.
Metered vs time-clock systems?
Metered water softeners:
Only regenerate when a certain volume of softened water has been used, no matter how long that takes
Most economical water softener when it comes to regenerating and using salt
Time clock water softeners:
Generally more basic, functioning on a timed basis
A clock is set so that the water softener regenerates on specific days, often at 2 am. This is regardless of the amount of water used
Additional features
It's not just the size and type influencing a water softener's cost. There are also some additional features which you may or may not need. They include:
Insulated outdoor cabinet
If you don’t have the room or configuration indoors to house a water softener, then opt for a frost-resistant, insulated outdoor cabinet to provide protection and storage for your soft water system – whatever the weather.
An outdoor cabinet will cost in the region of £200. Just bear in mind this is an additional cost on top of the system itself and the installation.
Warranty costs
Most water softeners come with a one to two-year warranty as standard. But if you splash out on more premium brands like Harvey and Kinetico, they sometimes offer warranties of up to ten years for added peace of mind, but this might cost more.
Smart technology
Brands like Culligan and Monarch Water now offer wi-fi enabled systems that allow you to monitor and control the system via a smartphone app. This is handy if you want to check salt levels, schedule regeneration cycles, and view water usage data.
However, the more sophisticated models with smart technology do cost more.
Brand and quality
Generally speaking, water softeners from well-known brands such as Harvey and Kinetico often cost more, but they also tend to be more reliable. That's because they use more premium materials to build the systems, which increases the life span.
Interestingly, non-electric systems often last longer due to there being fewer moving parts. Next, we'll explore the pros and cons of electric vs non-electric systems in more detail.
Still unsure which is the right type for you? A water softener professional will happily run the options with you.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Types of water softeners available
Water softeners all have the same job – to create a filtering system that removes calcium and magnesium minerals from your water. So, why are there so many different types of water softeners available? Good question!
Let's look at the different types of affordable water softeners on the market and how they differ:
Non-electric water softeners
Non-electric water softeners are powered purely by the incoming water pressure and cost on average £750.
Pros:
Easy to install
It won't impact your monthly electricity bills
Generally thought to last longer and are more reliable as there are no internal moving components
A twin-tank version will offer you an unlimited supply of softened water
Cons:
Regular maintenance is required to refill salt or chemicals
Bulkier design
They can be more expensive than electric models
Electric water softeners
Electric water softeners use an electric timer to flush the system once a day and cost on average £500.
Pros:
Less upkeep
Uses minimal electricity to operate
More compact, streamlined designs
Cons:
Can sometimes use more salt than non-electric models
Dependent on power, making it less reliable during outages
Twin-cylinder vs single-cylinder systems
A twin or single cylinder boils down to the volume of water they hold. Here's the difference:
Twin-cylinder:
You'll have an unlimited supply of softened water at all times of the day and night
Better for homes with a larger water usage
You're looking at around £1,600for this more high-spec model
Single-cylinder system
Works fine for smaller households
When the tank needs to regenerate, the process takes time to complete. This means for a period of time, there's no output of soft water
The average cost for a single-cylinder system is £500
How to choose the right water softener
Now we've run through the various options available, you can start deciding what system is right for your home. But before you do, here are a few final factors to consider:
Household size and water usage
As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the house and the more people, the bigger the model you’ll need. Let’s break this down:
Small household (two people, moderately hard water):
Estimated water usage – 140 litres a day
Recommended system – Single-tank
Medium household (four people, hard water):
Estimated water usage – 250 litres a day
Recommended system – Twin-tank or high-capacity single-tank
Large household (six people, very hard water):
Estimated water usage – 360 litres a day
Recommended system – Twin-tank or a commercial water softener
Budget vs long-term savings
As we've explored above, you'll pay more for premium brands like Harvey and Kinetico. But the long-term investment will be worth it as they can last for 15 to 20 years with proper care.
Meanwhile, standard budget brands might work out cheaper in the short term, but you'll need to pay to replace them sooner. A budget system has a lifespan of approximately eight to 12 years.
Still not sure whether it's worth the investment? A Checkatrade-approved installer will happily offer some advice.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Is a water softener worth it?
Are you still on the fence about deciding whether a hard water solution is worth the investment? Let's run through the benefits:
Protects your household appliances – No more clogged pipes, decreased water pressure and damaged household appliances
Saves you money in the long run – Professional cleaning costs to battle limescale build-up will be a thing of the past
Reduces energy bills – If you opt for a non-electric model, it will cost virtually nothing to run apart from topping up the salt and maintenance costs
Better laundry results – Your laundry requires less detergent
Kinder on your skin and hair – You might notice your hair is bouncier and your skin less dry
Hot to find approved water softener companies
To find water softener system installers near you, we always suggest first asking friends and friends for recommendations. But for a service this specialist, that might be tricky. That's where we can help.
Just search for a specialist by following these three simple steps:
Use a professional directory
Save time by using a professional directory (like Checkatrade!).
We're so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
Read online reviews
A review from a previous customer is one of the best ways to check a tradesperson's professionalism.
At Checkatrade, we check all online reviews to ensure they're from real people and that trades meet our high standards.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
Compare quotes
Get at least three quotes from experienced water softener installers local to you. That way, you can be sure you're getting the best tradesperson and price for the job. Search your postcode to get started.
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FAQs
What is the average cost of a water softener in the UK?
Prices vary depending on what system you go for. Different models include:
Budget single-cylinder electric models– Prices start roughly around £500for a standard electric single cylinder
Premium twin-cylinder models– You're looking at around £1,600for a more high-spec model
Commercial systems– Prepare to spend £2,500plus for this larger model
How much does it cost to install a water softener?
You'll need to set aside approximately £350 for the installation cost. This is the same price regardless of whether you're installing your own water softener system or renting one.
How much does a water softener cost to run per year?
That's tricky to say, as it all depends on the size of the system and type. For instance, systems using electricity may cost you ever so slightly more to run. Don't forget to factor in the cost of water softener salt. The average cost is around £15 per month.
What are the maintenance costs for a water softener?
An annual service by a specialist is important to ensure your water softener system ticks along at its optimal best. For a one-off annual service, you're looking at paying in the region of £99. But if you have an annual service booked as part of a subscription, it could be as little as £65per year.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy a water softener?
That depends on the type of model you choose. Don't forget, regardless of whether you're renting or buying a water softener, you'll still need to pay for the installation cost of £350. However, if you're renting, this cost can often be wrapped up in the monthly rental to help spread the cost.
How long does a water softener last?
Premium brands like Harvey and Kinetico can last for 15 to 20 years with proper care. Meanwhile, a budget system has a lifespan of approximately eight to 12 years.
Can I install a water softener myself?
While there's nothing stopping you from installing it yourself, we wouldn't recommend it. Many systems need an electrical supply, and if you don't have experience working with electrical wiring, this could be dangerous. It could also invalidate your warranty.
What are the best water softener brands in the UK?
Premium brands include Harvey and Kinetico.
Are water softeners safe for drinking water?
Yes. Although resin beads release sodium into the water to reduce its hardness, this isn't in high levels, so it's perfectly healthy. If you have moderately hard water, for example, you'll usually find that your water softener is adding in less than 2% of your recommended daily intake of sodium - a tiny proportion of what a slice of white bread adds!
What is the difference between salt-based and salt-free systems?
Salt-free water systems don't exist. This is because, without sodium ions, it would be impossible to get rid of the calcium and magnesium ions that make your water hard. However, you can get salt-free water conditioners. These don't remove the calcium and magnesium from your water but alter them so they can't attach to pipes and form scale.
How do I know if I need a water softener?
Lime-scaled appliances are a telltale sign that your area has hard water. Check out our guide to appliance maintenance for more tips on tackling limescale buildup.
How does a water softener work?
Water softeners all have the same job – to create a filtering system that removes calcium and magnesium minerals from your water. Some are powered by electricity, while others (like Kinetico models), are powered solely by the force of water.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
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