Water softener replacement
When a softener is past repair, a replacement is a chance to get the size and the settings right, and to use less salt and water doing it.
A replacement is more than a swap if it's done well. The installer should test the water again, ask how many people live in the house now, and look at whether the old unit was ever sized properly. A family that bought a softener years ago for two people may now have five, or the other way around.
When is replacement the better choice?
- The valve is obsolete and parts are hard to find
- The resin tank or brine tank is cracked
- The resin has broken down and the valve is also failing
- The unit regenerates on a timer and uses far more salt and water than it needs
- It was never sized for your household or your hardness
Why does efficiency matter in Cedar Valley?
Cedar City's 2024 water conservation plan says groundwater in Cedar Valley is being used faster than it recharges, with the water table falling about three feet a year. The same plan lists replacing inefficient home water softeners among the steps the city could encourage. A demand-based valve meters the water you actually use and regenerates only when the resin needs it, which typically cuts the number of regeneration cycles compared with a fixed timer. Ask the installer how the new unit will be programmed and how often it should regenerate for your household.
What happens to the old unit?
Ask whether removal and disposal are included in the quote. The new unit usually goes in the same spot, using the existing bypass and drain if they're in good shape. If the drain line runs somewhere that freezes or lacks an air gap, this is a good time to fix it.
What affects the price?
- Unit size and valve type
- Whether the bypass, drain and fittings can be reused
- Removal and haul-away of the old equipment
- Any added filter or drinking water system
The company you're connected with prices the job after testing your water and looking at the install spot. We don't quote prices, and a number given over the phone before anyone has seen your plumbing is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Should I buy a bigger softener than I need?
Not necessarily. The right size depends on your hardness and water use. A unit that's far too large for the household can be less efficient, so ask how the installer sized it.
Can I keep my old brine tank?
Sometimes, if it's in good condition and compatible with the new valve. The installer can tell you.
Related services
- Water softener installation
- Water softener repair
- Whole-house filtration
- Reverse osmosis drinking water
More background: Cedar City hard water guide.
Crusty faucets, spotty dishes or a softener that quit?
Call now and a local water treatment company will help you figure out what your water needs.