Installing a Water Softening System: What Does It Cost?

Installing a water softening system costs an average of €2,550.

A water softening unit itself can range from €100 to €5,000.

In regions where water is very hard, investing in a softening system is well worth it in the long run. Hard water not only increases cleaning effort and the use of detergents, but can also lead to damage in household appliances over time.

There are various types of systems for removing lime from water — from simple filter systems to ion exchange and reverse osmosis systems.

The total cost depends heavily on several factors:

Type of system
System capacity
Features and controls
Installation costs
Operating and maintenance costs
Manufacturer

Depending on the model, you can expect total costs ranging between €100 and €5,000.

How Much Does a Water Softening System Cost?

There are three common types of water softening systems:

1. Filter Systems
These are the simplest systems in terms of both design and installation, costing from €100 upward.
They do not actually remove lime from the water; instead, they break down the lime compounds into smaller particles.
This means the overall lime content of the water remains unchanged.

2. Ion Exchange Systems
More complex than simple filters, ion exchange systems cost between €400 and €2,500.
They work by exchanging certain ions — removing calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) ions, which are responsible for water hardness.
The water passes through a resin bed that traps these ions and releases others in exchange, resulting in softened water.

3. Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems are the most comprehensive solution, costing between €1,000 and €5,000.
These systems use multiple filters to remove not only lime but nearly all dissolved substances, producing extremely pure water.
Filtered contaminants are flushed down the drain, requiring additional drinking water.
Because of this high water purity and extra water consumption, reverse osmosis systems are sometimes viewed critically.

Good to know:
Always check for the DVGW certification mark (Deutscher Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches).
Only DVGW-certified systems are approved for installation in drinking water circuits — uncertified devices are not legally allowed and generally not worth the investment.

Installation Costs

Since drinking water is a sensitive resource, installation should always be performed by a qualified professional.
Installation costs usually start at €400, depending on the type of system.

Additional Costs

In addition to the purchase and installation, all systems require operating materials (salt) and regular maintenance.
Annual operating costs typically range from €100 to €200.