Should you rent or buy a water softener?
Rental and lease plans are common in the Valley. They suit some households well and cost others more over time. Here's how to tell which you are.
What renting usually includes
- The softener, installed by the company
- Service and repairs during the rental
- Sometimes salt delivery, for an extra charge or included
- Removal at the end of the term
What buying usually includes
- The unit, which you own outright
- Installation, if you hire someone, or none if you do it yourself
- A manufacturer’s warranty on the tank, resin and valve
- Salt and any service, at your own cost
Questions to ask before you rent
- How long is the minimum term, and what does it cost to cancel early?
- Does the price go up after the first year?
- What size is the softener, and does it fit your household? (See the size chart.)
- Is salt included, and how is it delivered?
- Can you buy the unit later, and how much of what you’ve paid counts toward it?
Who each option suits
| Your situation | Usually suits |
|---|---|
| Owner staying for years | Buying |
| Renting your home | Renting, or a portable unit, with landlord approval |
| Moving within a year or two | Renting |
| Want hands-off service | Renting, or buying with a service plan |
| Comfortable with DIY | Buying |
Common questions
- Is it cheaper to rent or buy a water softener?
- Over a long stay, buying usually costs less because rental payments keep going. Over a short stay, renting avoids the upfront cost. Compare the total of the monthly payments over the time you expect to stay with the price of buying and installing.
- Can renters get a water softener?
- Yes, with the landlord's agreement. Rental units, or portable softeners that connect at a single point, are the usual options.
- What should a softener rental include?
- Installation, salt delivery or not, service visits, repairs and removal at the end. Get each in writing.