Is It Better to Buy or Rent Your Water Softener?

Hard water isn’t easy to live with, and there’s no doubt that  water softeners do an incredible job improving water quality for homeowners. If you’re in the market for a new softening system, you may have wondered if there is an advantage to renting instead of buying. Owning a water softener is an investment that nearly always pays off in the long run. Still, there are a few circumstances that could make renting a water softening system a better value for homeowners.

Finances are the number one factor in deciding whether to rent or buy just about anything. But there are other considerations to take into account. First, the length of time you plan on living in your home. Are you a renter? Are you deciding whether to make a move? Are you jet-setting to Paris in the next six months? Keep in mind, if you own property, the addition of a water softener is likely to increase its value, even if you are planning to eventually sell.

Hard water contains a high concentration of calcium and magnesium minerals. These minerals leave crusty residue behind. Over time, these deposits can 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. If at some point 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.

The average cost of a whole home water softening system varies 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 mean extra water needed for laundering, bathing, and drinking. These homes 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.

Pros and Cons of Renting vs. Buying

The benefit of renting is that there’s little commitment if you relocate, or you dislike the type of system that’s been installed. Also, maintenance and repair costs are typically covered by contractual obligation, so the supplier will send a technician for anything that may go wrong. On the other hand, newer water softening systems are sturdy, well-built machines. Therefore, manufacturers are happy to demonstrate their confidence in an outstanding product by offering long warranties. If you shop around, you will find some sweet deals on a new system along with a warranty that spans a lifetime for your tank and a decade or more on parts.

When you choose to rent, it goes without saying that you’ll pay a higher total cost over an extended period of time. You’ll spend much more than you would have if you had purchased outright, and in the end you still don’t own that system. 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. Keep in mind that the system you receive if you rent is likely used equipment and you won’t know where it came from or what problems may arise with it once it’s in your space.

If you’re thinking that you’d like to rent a water softening system because you’re just not sure if you will like it, or how your home will benefit, remember that your choices in rentals will be limited. The water softener you are hoping to test out could very well be unavailable to you, and what you end up with is older technology, or not the best suited for your household. When you rent, you take what the rental company has on-hand, instead of choosing from an extensive selection provided by an online water treatment company or local dealer.

The drawback of buying a new water softener is the initial cost. But once you purchase a water treatment system, it’s yours. For those who can’t afford to put down the necessary cash, financing options are similar to renting, only you will eventually be the proud owner of a spectacular filtration device once your payments are complete. You’ll have hundreds of softening systems to choose from, and knowledgeable water professionals to guide you through the buying process. You can rest assured that your new system will be the perfect solution for your home’s hard water.

Why Buy?

Water softeners are investments that add value to your property for potential buyers. The best part is, as long as you’re living in your home, you never again have to deal with hard water. Disgusting stains in toilets, embarrassing spots on your dishes, and crusty junk on your faucets will disappear. Water-using appliances will run smoothly and efficiently. And when it comes to clogged pipes or mineral deposits, your plumber will be on hold indefinitely.

Households that have suffered through hard water woes will celebrate the cost-effectiveness of a new water softener installation. When it comes to renting vs. buying a water softener, the longer you use your system, the more money you save. If you need a softener for only a short period of time, renting can be a good alternative. Otherwise, to protect your home and appliances, invest in the right system, and don’t pay for something that will never be yours.