Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Water Softener?

Interested in purchasing a water softener for your home? Are the effects of hard water taking a toll on the pipes, fixtures, and appliances in your home?

The solution to these issues is to install a water softener, but there is a lot to consider before taking action. Especially if you're trying to decide whether to BUY or RENT a water softener, you need to understand which system is best for your home's needs, what’s required for ongoing maintenance, and the overall costs.

Buying a water softener is a major investment and not everyone feels like they can afford to invest in a water softener. Fortunately, you can always rent a water softener, so you don’t have to pay a lot of money to enjoy the benefits of a water system.

Is buying or renting the right option for you? If you’re unsure about whether you should buy or rent a water softener, keep reading this blog.

Should you buy or rent a water softener?

Hard water is never easy to live with, and there’s no doubt that water softeners do an incredible job improving water quality for homeowners. Hard water contains a high concentration of calcium and magnesium minerals. These minerals leave residue behind that accumulate and corrode pipes and create plumbing issues. Hard water deposits also build up in water-using appliances, making them less efficient, and more expensive to operate. So, if you’re researching for a new softening system, you may have wondered how to consider whether to buy or rent a softening system.

Here are some questions you should ask yourself:

Do you have the money?

Your finances are the number one factor in deciding whether to rent or buy the softener.

How much does it cost to rent a water softener? The average cost of a whole-home water softening system depends depending on softening capacity. If you own a small home with minimal water usage, it’s possible to purchase a softener for around $500. Larger homes with additional family members will require a higher capacity system that, on average, are priced between $1,000-$2,000. Water softener rental costs also vary, ranging from about $25-$35 monthly, depending on how large of a system is needed and from which supplier.

Are you a homeowner or renter?  

If you're renting your current home, perhaps you're not even allowed to install a water softener. If you do own the property however, the addition of a water softener will actually increase your home's value!

How long will you stay?

What is the length of time you plan on living in your home? Are you planning to move? If you are going to move next year then there is no point in investing in a new softening system. In that case, renting might be a better option until you have made up your mind. If you decide to sell your home, an existing water softener often saves you the hassle of having to repair clogged pipes or replace worn-out major appliances like your dishwasher, washing machine, or water heater.

When should you rent a water softener?

For some homeowners who do not have the financial capability, renting may be a more practical option. Many water treatment dealers will offer this option as an alternative to the upfront cost that purchasing a system brings. Renting appeals to people who will not be living in their owned or rented homes for an extended period of time. As a short-term solution, renting can be the best option

Advantage to renting

The benefit of renting is that there’s little commitment if you move, or you dislike the type of system that’s been installed. Also, maintenance and repair costs are typically covered by the contract. If you can’t put down the cash and don’t want to finance a new water softener, then renting may be a good option.

Disadvantages to renting

When you rent, your choices in rentals will be limited as the softener you receive is what the rental company had left in store. Your ideal softener may be unavailable, and the rented system will likely not be a brand new model that includes the latest technology. In addition, the system you receive is used equipment that you won’t know where it came from nor what problems it previously had. Depending on how old the system is, it might require additional repairs and maintenance during the time of rental. Although these costs are covered in a rental agreement, you may be inconvenienced with scheduling repairs.

In addition, you’ll likely pay a higher total cost over an extended period of time. Meaning, you will spend much more than you would have if you had purchased it in the beginning, and in the end, you still won't own the softener.

The main problem with renting if you don't own your home is obtaining permission from the landlord since a water softener installation will change the entire plumbing system of the home.

When should you buy a water softener?

When you've thoroughly considered the questions aforementioned: you have the financial capability, you own your home, and are planning to stay long term, then purchasing a system is the way to go. Once you purchase a water treatment system, it’s yours for as long as you own your home. For those tight on cash, financing options are similar to renting, only you will eventually be the proud owner of a cutting edge water filtration device once your payments are complete. You’ll have a plethora of softening systems to choose from, and knowledgeable water professionals to guide you through the buying process to make sure that your new system will be the perfect solution for your home’s hard water.

Advantages to Buying

Purchasing and installing a water softener adds value to your house, which is important if you plan on selling it in the future. Additionally, owning a water softener offers you the flexibility to choose a system that works for your specific water problems and allows you to take advantage of additional features that make life easier.  

Owning a water softener can reduce costs throughout your home which means, over time, it will save you more money. For example, dishwashers require up to 70% less soap, and washing machines will use 50% less detergent when cleaning with soft water. Since the average household spends over $500 on cleaning supplies per year, buying and installing a new water softener would save you this annual expense.

Are water softeners worth it?

In conclusion, installing a water softener solves many of the challenges hard water can cause in your home. Over time, it saves you money on appliances, home maintenance, clothing, detergents, and soaps, making it a smart investment that may end up paying for itself over time.

When it comes to renting vs buying a water softener, it's simple: the longer you use your system, the more money you'll save. If you only need the softener temporarily, renting is the best option. Otherwise, invest in the right system and reap the profits for as long as you live in your home.

Interested in purchasing a water softener? Visit Aquatell today, Canada's most reputable water softener specialist.