An expert installation of a whole-home water softener costs, with materials and labor, included, about $1,500. The procedure could cost as little as $500 or as much as $6000, depending on the kind of system you select. For the majority of systems, you'll also need to allocate $10 to $50 per month for maintenance costs.
The type of water softener you select will have the greatest impact on cost. The most popular kind is an ion exchange system, which can have one or two tanks and needs to have its sodium or potassium salts periodically replenished.
There are also whole-house water softeners that don't require salt. Although distillers and reverse osmosis systems are typically only used to produce drinking water, supporters claim they significantly enhance the flavor of tap water.