Hey folks! I'm curious if bidding over $5k for water softener installation is the norm in California. EcoWater quoted me $8k, while Kinetico offered $6,500. I've seen more budget-friendly options like Aquasure for under $700, which I could have installed by a plumber. It's hard to wrap my head around what could justify these high prices. I get that brand names might cost more, but isn't this a bit excessive? Plus, I've noticed a lot of chatter about Kinetico. Is this pricing typical?
4 Answers
I had a Kinetico guy come out once, and he quoted me $9,500 just to install their system! They even suggested cutting into my drywall to install it in the garage. I laughed and ended up just buying a $500 unit from Lowe's. Installed it in about an hour and it's been running perfectly for three years! If you have the plumbing setup ready, DIY is the way to go.
I went for a Rheem softener from Home Depot for around $400. I did the installation myself using Sharkbite fittings, and it was super easy! The water quality test strips show it's working great. Honestly, check out YouTube for installation tips – it's really rewarding to do it yourself!
I used to sell Ecowater, and let me tell you, those prices are often inflated. The quote you get is kinda based on your situation – things like how much you spend on cleaning products and what kind of neighborhood you live in. The actual cost for a unit might be around $1,200, and the rest? That just lines the salespeople's pockets. Honestly, just grab one for $600 at Home Depot and hire a plumber to install it. You’ll save a ton!
Installing a water softener is pretty simple, honestly! I did mine in just one afternoon all by myself. It was mostly a matter of getting it down to the basement – not too tricky!