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How to Pay for a Tankless Water Softener

How to · Home

How to Pay for a Tankless Water Softener

Hard water ruins appliances and dries out your skin. Here is how to budget $1400 for a system that fixes it.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $93.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,400 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Hard water is a slow tax on your house. It builds up in your pipes, kills your dishwasher, and makes your skin feel like sandpaper. A tankless system is smaller than the old-school salt tanks and works instantly. Most plumbers can swap one in during a single afternoon.

Spring is the busiest time for home repairs, so try booking in late winter to catch a lower rate. You want to aim for a total cost around $1400, which covers the unit and the labor. Using the Discover it® Cash Back card gives you a way to spread that cost out without immediate interest charges.

The 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers is a tool, not a gift. If you still have a balance when those 15 months are up, the standard variable APR will apply to whatever is left. Pay it off on time to keep the deal clean.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get three quotes

    Never hire the first plumber who picks up the phone. Ask for a flat rate that includes both the unit and the install. Make sure they check your existing pipe diameter so there are no surprises once they start cutting.

  2. 02

    Check your flow rate

    Tankless systems are rated by how many gallons they handle per minute. If you have three showers running at once, you need a beefier unit. Buy the one that fits your peak usage, not just the cheapest one on the shelf.

  3. 03

    Use the 15-month window

    Put the $1400 on your Discover it® Cash Back. You get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. This lets you pay for the system while you use it, rather than draining your savings all at once.

  4. 04

    Set up the $94 autopay

    To clear the balance before the interest kicks in, you need to pay $93.33 every month. Round it up to $94 to be safe. Set this to happen automatically the day after your paycheck hits so you do not spend it elsewhere.

  5. 05

    Clear the salt space

    Since you are going tankless, you will have extra floor space where the old brine tank used to sit. Use that room for storage or just enjoy the lack of clutter. You also will not have to lug heavy bags of salt down the stairs anymore.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Is a tankless system better than salt?

It takes up less room and does not require monthly salt refills. It is generally lower maintenance but can cost more upfront for the hardware.

How long does the installation take?

Most pros can finish the job in three to five hours. It involves cutting into your main water line, so expect the water to be off for that window.

Will this fix my low water pressure?

No, it might actually drop it slightly if the unit is too small. That is why you need to match the unit's flow rate to your home's needs.

Do I need a permit for this?

It depends on your city's local codes. A good plumber will handle the paperwork and should include the permit fee in your initial $1400 quote.