Costco Water Softener Installation Cost

Curious about the cost of installing a water softener from Costco?

If you’re seeking clarity on the factors influencing this expense, you’re in the right place.

From the size of the system to water quality and installation intricacies, we’ll delve into the details that shape the overall cost.

Costco Water Softener Installation Cost

The cost of installing a water softener system from Costco in small homes with easy access can range from $1,750 to $3,300. Larger homes facing challenges might see costs between $3,300 and $5,000. These estimates cover system, installation, and maintenance expenses.

Factors Influencing Costco Water Softener Installation Cost

The cost of installing a Costco water softener depends on several factors, such as:

• The type and size of the water softener system.
• The hardness level and quality of the water source.
• The location and accessibility of the installation site.
• The availability and rates of local contractors.
• The additional materials and equipment required for installation.
• The maintenance and operating costs of the water softener system.

Let’s look at each factor in more detail.

The type and size of the water softener system

Costco offers different types and sizes of EcoWater water softeners, ranging from single-tank to dual-tank systems, and from small to large capacities.

The type and size of the water softener system you need depends on your household size, water usage, and water hardness level.

According to Costco’s website, EcoWater water softeners have four main models:

ECR 3500 Series

A single-tank system that can handle up to 70 grains per gallon (gpg) of hardness, and has a capacity of 32,000 to 42,000 grains. It costs around $1,500 to $2,000.

ECR 3700 Series

A single-tank system that can handle up to 100 gpg of hardness, and has a capacity of 32,000 to 60,000 grains. It costs around $2,000 to $2,500.

ECR 3750 Series

A dual-tank system that can handle up to 100 gpg of hardness, and has a capacity of 32,000 to 60,000 grains. It costs around $2,500 to $3,000.

ERR 3500 Series

A dual-tank system that can handle up to 70 gpg of hardness, and has a capacity of 32,000 to 42,000 grains. It also features an alkaline filter that raises the pH level of the water. It costs around $3,000 to $3,500.

The prices above are for the system only, and do not include installation or other fees.

The hardness level and quality of the water source

The hardness level and quality of the water source affect the performance and efficiency of the water softener system.

The harder the water is, the more frequently the system needs to regenerate, which consumes more salt, water, and electricity.

The quality of the water also determines if there are any other contaminants or impurities that need to be removed or reduced by the system.

To measure the hardness level of your water source, you can use a test kit or contact your local water utility.

The hardness level is usually expressed in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm).

One gpg is equivalent to 17.1 ppm. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, water hardness can be classified as follows:

• Soft: Less than 1 gpg (17.1 ppm).
• Slightly hard: 1 to 3.5 gpg (17.1 to 60 ppm).
• Moderately hard: 3.5 to 7 gpg (60 to 120 ppm).
• Hard: 7 to 10.5 gpg (120 to 180 ppm).
• Very hard: More than 10.5 gpg (180 ppm).

The quality of your water source can be affected by various factors such as pollution, sedimentation, corrosion, bacteria, chlorine, iron, sulfur, nitrates, arsenic, lead, and other contaminants.

Some of these contaminants can cause health issues or damage your appliances and plumbing.

To test the quality of your water source, you can use a comprehensive test kit or contact a certified laboratory.

Depending on the hardness level and quality of your water source, you may need to choose a water softener system that can handle the specific challenges of your water.

For example, if you have very hard water, you may need a larger capacity or a dual-tank system.

If you have high levels of iron or sulfur, you may need a system that has a special filter or media to remove or reduce them.

If you have low pH or acidic water, you may need a system that has an alkaline filter or media to raise the pH level.

The location and accessibility of the installation site

The location and accessibility of the installation site affect the complexity and duration of the installation process.

The installation site is usually where the main water supply line enters your home, and where there is enough space and drainage for the water softener system.

The installation site should also be close to an electrical outlet and a salt storage area.

Some of the factors that can make the installation site more difficult or inaccessible are:

• The main water supply line is buried underground or behind walls.

• The main water supply line is too small or too large for the water softener system.

• The main water supply line is made of galvanized steel, copper, or PVC, which require different fittings and tools.

• The installation site is in a cramped or hard-to-reach area, such as a crawl space, basement, attic, or closet.

• The installation site is far from an electrical outlet or a drain.

• The installation site is subject to freezing temperatures or high humidity.

These factors can increase the labor and material costs of the installation, as well as the risk of damage or leakage.

The availability and rates of local contractors

The availability and rates of local contractors affect the cost and quality of the installation service.

Costco does not install water softeners itself, but rather refers its customers to EcoWater dealers or other authorized contractors.

These contractors are responsible for providing free in-home consultations, estimates, installations, warranties, and maintenance services.

The availability and rates of local contractors depend on various factors such as:

• The demand and supply of water softener installation services in your area.
• The reputation and experience of the contractors.
• The licensing and insurance requirements of the contractors.
• The overhead and profit margins of the contractors.

The average labor cost to install a water softener system ranges from $150 to $1,000, depending on the complexity of the installation.

However, some contractors may charge more or less depending on their availability and rates.

To find a reliable and affordable contractor for your water softener installation, you can:

• Contact Costco or EcoWater to request a referral.
• Compare quotes from multiple contractors in your area.
• Check the reviews and ratings of the contractors online.
• Ask for references and credentials from the contractors.
• Negotiate the terms and conditions of the service contract.

The additional materials and equipment required for installation

The additional materials and equipment required for installation affect the cost and quality of the installation service.

Depending on the type and size of the water softener system, and the location and accessibility of the installation site, you may need to purchase or rent some additional materials and equipment for installation, such as:

• Pipes and fittings.
• Valves and bypasses.
• Clamps and brackets.
• Hoses and tubing.
• Drains and vents.
• Electrical cords and outlets.
• Salt or potassium.
• Test kits and tools.

Some of these materials and equipment may be included in the price of the water softener system or provided by the contractor. However, some of them may need to be purchased or rented separately by you.

The average material cost to install a water softener system ranges from $100 to $500, depending on the type and quantity of materials needed.

The maintenance and operating costs of the water softener system

The maintenance and operating costs of the water softener system affect the long-term cost and performance of the system.

Depending on the type and size of the water softener system, you may need to spend some money on maintaining and operating it regularly, such as:

• Replacing or replenishing salt or potassium for regeneration.
• Replacing filters or media for filtration.
• Cleaning or sanitizing tanks or valves for hygiene.
• Testing or adjusting settings for efficiency.
• Repairing or replacing parts for functionality.

Some of these costs may be covered by warranties or service plans offered by Costco, EcoWater, or other contractors. However, some of them may need to be paid by you out-of-pocket.

The average maintenance cost to operate a water softener system ranges from $10 to $50 per month, depending on the type and frequency of maintenance needed.

Costco Water Softener Installation Cost Estimates

Based on the factors discussed above, we can provide some estimates for Costco water softener installation cost based on different scenarios.

These estimates are for illustrative purposes only, and may not reflect your actual situation.

For a more accurate estimate, you should contact Costco or EcoWater to request a free in-home consultation and quote.

Scenario 1: A small household with soft water and an easy installation site

In this scenario, you have a small household of two people, and your water source has a hardness level of less than 1 gpg (17.1 ppm).

You also have an easy installation site, where the main water supply line is easily accessible, and there is enough space and drainage for the water softener system.

You also have an electrical outlet and a salt storage area nearby.

In this case, you may need a small or medium-sized single-tank water softener system, such as the ECR 3500 Series or the ECR 3700 Series.

These systems can handle up to 70 or 100 gpg of hardness, and have a capacity of 32,000 to 60,000 grains.

They also feature Wi-Fi monitoring, smart regeneration, and alkaline filtration.

The cost of the system may range from $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the model and size you choose.

The cost of installation may range from $150 to $500, depending on the availability and rates of the local contractor.

The cost of materials may range from $100 to $300, depending on the type and quantity of pipes, fittings, valves, hoses, drains, and electrical cords needed.

The total cost of installing a Costco water softener in this scenario may range from $1,750 to $3,300.

The maintenance and operating costs of the system may be low in this scenario, as you have soft water and do not need to regenerate or filter frequently.

You may need to spend around $10 to $20 per month on salt or potassium, and around $5 to $10 per month on electricity.

You may also need to replace filters or media every few months or years, depending on the quality of your water.

The total maintenance and operating costs of the system may range from $15 to $30 per month.

Scenario 2: A large household with hard water and a difficult installation site

In this scenario, you have a large household of six people, and your water source has a hardness level of more than 10.5 gpg (180 ppm).

You also have a difficult installation site, where the main water supply line is buried underground or behind walls, and there is not enough space or drainage for the water softener system.

You also do not have an electrical outlet or a salt storage area nearby.

In this case, you may need a large or extra-large dual-tank water softener system, such as the ECR 3750 Series or the ERR 3500 Series.

These systems can handle up to 100 or 70 gpg of hardness, and have a capacity of 32,000 to 60,000 grains.

They also feature Wi-Fi monitoring, smart regeneration, alkaline filtration, and iron or sulfur removal.

The cost of the system may range from $2,500 to $3,500, depending on the model and size you choose.

The cost of installation may range from $500 to $1,000, depending on the availability and rates of the local contractor.

The cost of materials may range from $300 to $500, depending on the type and quantity of pipes, fittings, valves, hoses, drains, and electrical cords needed.

The total cost of installing a Costco water softener in this scenario may range from $3,300 to $5,000.

The maintenance and operating costs of the system may be high in this scenario, as you have hard water and need to regenerate and filter frequently.

You may need to spend around $50 to $100 per month on salt or potassium, and around $10 to $20 per month on electricity.

You may also need to replace filters or media every few weeks or months, depending on the quality of your water.

The total maintenance and operating costs of the system may range from $60 to $120 per month.

Scenario	System	System Cost	Installation Cost	Material Cost	Total Installation Cost	Maintenance Cost	Operating Cost	Total Maintenance and Operating Cost
1	ECR 3500 or ECR 3700	$1,500 to $2,500	$150 to $500	$100 to $300	$1,750 to $3,300	$10 to $20	$5 to $10	$15 to $30
2	ECR 3750 or ERR 3500	$2,500 to $3,500	$500 to $1,000	$300 to $500	$3,300 to $5,000	$50 to $100	$10 to $20	$60 to $120

FAQs

Final Words

Costco water softener installation cost varies depending on several factors, such as the type and size of the system, the hardness level and quality of the water source, the location and accessibility of the installation site, the availability and rates of local contractors, the additional materials and equipment required for installation, and the maintenance and operating costs of the system.

The cost of installing a Costco water softener can range from $1,750 to $5,000, depending on the scenario.

The cost of maintaining and operating a Costco water softener can range from $15 to $120 per month, depending on the scenario.

To get a more accurate estimate for your specific situation, you should contact Costco or EcoWater to request a free in-home consultation and quote.

They will assess your water needs and preferences, recommend the best water softener system for you, and provide you with a detailed breakdown of the installation cost and service plan.

Costco water softeners are high-quality and efficient systems that can improve the quality and taste of your water, as well as extend the lifespan of your appliances and plumbing.

They are worth considering if you are looking for a reliable and affordable water treatment solution for your home.