Okay, let’s talk about the iceberg underneath the tip. Installation can be a wild card. If you’re handy with a wrench, you can save big—but most of us call a plumber.
Expect a plumber to charge $150 to $500 for a basic install. But if your pipes are old or weirdly placed, that could jump to $1,000. Pro tip: get three quotes and don’t let the plumber use your water for coffee tasting until after the job is done.
Also, maintenance is a thing. Besides salt (for salt-based models), you might need to replace filters or resin beads every 5-10 years. That’s about $100 to $300 when it happens. Think of it as a spa day for your softener—it needs little treats too.
