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How to Pay for a Water Softener

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How to Pay for a Water Softener

Hard water ruins appliances and dries out your skin. Here is how to cover a $1,800 install without paying interest for over a year.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $120.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,800 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 leaves spots on your dishes and builds up in your pipes. Once you install a softener, your hair feels cleaner and your appliances last longer. The work usually takes a few hours. Holiday sales at hardware stores are the best time to buy the unit, as retailers drop prices to clear floor space.

You should get at least three quotes from local plumbers. Labor costs vary, and some pros might try to upsell you on features you do not need. We found a way to use the Discover it® Cash Back (Discover) to stretch the cost over 15 months without extra fees.

This plan works as long as you pay the full balance within the 15-month window. If you still owe money after that time, the interest rate will jump to the standard high APR and you will lose the benefit of the deal.

The steps

  1. 01

    Watch the holiday sales

    Big-box hardware stores run deep discounts on water treatment systems during Black Friday or year-end clearances. Buying the unit yourself can save you hundreds over a plumber's marked-up price.

  2. 02

    Get three plumbing quotes

    Ask specifically for the labor-only rate if you are buying the unit separately. Make sure they include the cost of a bypass valve so you can turn the system off without cutting water to the whole house.

  3. 03

    Apply the intro window

    Use the Discover it® Cash Back (Discover) for the purchase. This card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. If your total project hits $1,800, you only need to pay $120 a month to clear it before interest kicks in.

  4. 04

    Set up a salt schedule

    Softeners need bags of salt pellets to work. Buy a few bags upfront and set a calendar reminder to check the brine tank once a month so you never run out and lose your soft water.

  5. 05

    Test your results

    Buy a cheap testing kit before and after the install. It confirms the system is actually working and helps you calibrate the settings for your specific water hardness level.

  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

Do I really need a professional?

You can do it yourself if you are comfortable cutting copper or PEX pipes. Most people hire a pro to avoid leaks and ensure the drain line is vented correctly.

How much does salt cost?

Expect to spend about $5 to $10 per month on salt bags. It is a small recurring cost to keep the resin beads clean and the water soft.

Will this fix the smell of my water?

Standard softeners mostly remove minerals like calcium. If your water smells like rotten eggs, you might need an additional carbon filter or an iron remover.

Does it use a lot of electricity?

No, the control head uses about as much power as a digital alarm clock. The main cost is the water used during the regeneration cycle every few days.