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How Much Does a Water Softener Cost in Ontario?
A water softener in Ontario costs about $500 to $3,000 for the unit alone, with professional installation adding around $100 to $1,000 more. Since Ontario has notoriously hard water, many homeowners invest in a water softener to protect their plumbing, appliances, and even their skin and hair.
However, figuring out the right water softener price can be tricky. Unlike other household purchases where you can simply compare brands and features, water purification systems require careful consideration of your home’s:
- water hardness level
- plumbing system setup
- household size
- water usage patterns
All these factors influence the total cost and the best system for your home. So, how much can you expect to pay for water softeners? Keep reading, we’ll break down the costs, system types, and common factors that affect your pricing!
Water Softener System Price
The main contributor to the water softener price is the system unit cost. There are several kinds, and they vary in:
- Technology (how they soften water)
- Capacity (how much water they can treat)
- Features (controls, efficiency, etc.)
Basic models with lower capacities and limited features come with a lower price tag, but may require more maintenance and be less effective for Ontario’s hard water conditions. On the other hand, high-efficiency systems with smart technology and larger capacities cost more upfront.
That said, depending on your home’s water usage, you may not necessarily need premium features. If you live alone or in a small household with moderate water consumption, a single-tank salt-based system ($500 to $1,000) could be perfectly adequate. When in doubt, consult a water purification company like LG Home Comfort to determine the best water softener unit for your needs.
Here’s a quick look at the different types of water softeners and how much they cost in Ontario:
| Average Water Softener System Cost | |||
| Types of Water Softeners | Water Softener Price | How it Works | Best For |
| Salt-Based Systems (Ion Exchange Water Softeners) | $500 to $2,000+ | Removes hardness minerals using salt brine | Most Ontario homeowners (especially in hard water areas like Waterloo and Guelph) |
| Salt-Free Water Softener | $300 to $1,000+ | Alters minerals to reduce scaling (but doesn’t remove them) | Renters or homeowners in areas with mild hardness levels |
| Dual Tank Systems | $800 to $2,500+ | Uses two tanks for cleaning and softening for non-stop soft water supply | Large families or homes with heavy water use |
| Magnetic Water Softener | $200 to $600+ | Temporarily uses electromagnetic waves to alter minerals and prevent scale (minimal effect) | Short-term fixes (not a permanent solution) |
| Reverse Osmosis Systems | $150 to $4,800+ | Forces water through a semipermeable membrane, removing impurities | Under-sink drinking water only |
Image Source: Shutterstock
Water Softener Installation Cost
A quality water softener is only as good as its installation. Unlike refrigerators and other household appliances, it isn’t “plug and play.” Most Ontario homeowners need expert installation to:
- Avoid leaks;
- Maximize efficiency;
- Keep warranties valid (DIY often voids it); and
- Meet local codes.
But don’t let this deter you: most water softener systems can be installed within a day or two. HVAC professionals in Ontario generally charge rates ranging from $100 to $1,000 or fixed rates for each installation.
Basic installation usually only takes two to four hours, so assuming you hire a team of two, you can expect labour costs to set you back around $200 or more. If you have an old home or a complicated plumbing system, you may incur additional charges for procedures like bypass valves, custom drainage, or full optimization. It ultimately depends on the level and complexity of work required.
Image Source: Canva
Additional Factors Affecting the Cost of Water Softener
Generally speaking, the price of a water softener isn’t a one-and-done affair. A few extra costs can sneak up on you if you’re not prepared or working with a transparent water purification contractor. Here’s what else to factor into your budget:
Water Testing
Before you can even think of water softener pricing, you’ll need to know how hard your water is. Some areas in Ontario—like Hamilton and London—have relatively higher mineral levels than others, like Ottawa, for example. But even within cities and towns, mineral content may vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.
Testing your water before installing a water softener helps determine the following:
- The system you need
- The effective size
- Whether extra filtration will be necessary.
This can save you from overpaying for an oversized system—or under-buying your needs. Professional testing costs around $50 to $300, but many companies include it for free with your estimate.
Maintenance
Water softeners aren’t completely hands-off after installation. While some models—like high-efficiency or smart systems—can run longer between maintenance, all systems need a bit of TLC. Add these costs to your overall water softener pricing consideration:
- Salt refill (for salt-based systems)
- Filter replacements
- System cleaning
- Annual check-ups or tune-ups
Mineral Buildup Removal
Got hard water damage already? You might need to remove existing limescale or calcium deposits in your plumbing before installing a water softener.
You can often take care of mild hard water stains yourself with store-bought descalers and some elbow grease. But if you’re dealing with heavy buildup or plumbing blockages, you may need to call professionals. Depending on the scale of the job, your plumber may suggest:
- Pipe Flushing ($100 to $500)
- Full System Descaling ($1,000 to $4,000)
- Pipe Replacement ($455 to $2,603+)
Good thing most Ontario homes only need simple treatments before their new water softener installation. Our team at LG Home Comfort will also help assess your needs and guide you through any necessary steps to ensure your water softener works at its best from day one!
Fix Your Hard Water Problems with LG Home Comfort
Done looking at water softener price lists? Time to get expert help from Ontario’s trusted water treatment specialists!
LG Home Comfort installs, maintains, and repairs water softener systems anywhere in Ontario. Our expert team helps assess your water softening needs and offers customized solutions so you can enjoy soft, clean water without the hassle.
And if you’re tired of owning rented equipment, we’ve got your back. You can own a complete water treatment system for less than most rental plans with us. Our Ultimate Water Solution Bundle gives you the Combi-Boiler, Water Softener, and Reverse Osmosis System for only $99/month—installation and warranty included.
Ready to ditch hard water for good? Contact us today!
1-866-438-5442Terms and Conditions
- Once an initial service has been completed, the customer will be on a one-year commitment
- After the initial 12 months, the contract will be renewed on a month-to-month cadence
- If a service is completed for the next year, it automatically renews the commitment for an additional year
- Customers can cancel at any time after the 12-month initial commitment as long as the following year’s service has not been completed.
- Customers need to provide 30 days written notice in order to cancel their plan