How Much Does it Cost to Install a Water Softener in 2025?
Water Softeners: Why You Need One & What You’ll Pay Hard water can be a nightmare for your home. It can lead to problems that range from shampoo that just...
Average Cost: $375 - $600
Rheem offers some of the most reliable and advanced water softening solutions, with a small range of models to suit different budgets and home sizes. These affordable systems offer durability and efficiency, making them a solid choice for homeowners seeking a premium water treatment solution.
When it comes to water treatment solutions, Rheem is a name that many homeowners trust. In business since 1925, the Atlanta-based brand originally made and sold a range of water heating and cooling products from heaters and boilers and other types of HVAC equipment. These days, they’ve expanded their offerings to include water treatment products, including a handful of water softeners.
In this review, we’ll dive into the key features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of Rheem water softeners, including what you can expect in terms of pricing and performance.
Rheem has a long history in the water treatment industry, with a reputation for producing reliable, energy-efficient products. Founded in 1925 by the Rheem brothers, the company began as a maker of oil and gas products before expanding into water heating and water treatment solutions. By 1941, they were the largest manufacturer of automatic water heaters in the United States. Today, Rheem is one of the leading brands in home water systems, known for its innovative technology and commitment to sustainability. They recently launched a new line of water softeners using Rheem Learning Technology, a smart feature that remembers your usage patterns to optimize performance.
Rheem water softeners are designed to remove minerals such as calcium and magnesium from hard water, preventing scale buildup and improving water quality. The company offers a small suite of water softeners that cater to different needs and home sizes, all of which are traditional salt-based softeners. All of their products are smart, Wi-Fi-enabled systems.
Before choosing a Rheem water softener, it’s helpful to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks of each option. By examining the pros and cons, you can better determine which system aligns with your needs, budget, and long-term goals.
Rheem offers four types of water softener systems, all requiring salt. Their systems vary mostly based on your household size.
The most common type of water softeners, salt-based systems use ion exchange to replace hard minerals with sodium. Rheem’s salt-based models come with features such as automatic regeneration, customizable settings, and smart connectivity for ease of use.
All Rheem water softeners utilize the company’s proprietary smart technology to learn your water usage patterns to provide on-demand soft water. This technology reduces water usage and optimizes salt consumption. In addition, each system has a low salt monitor and lights that flash to indicate certain alerts.
Rheem boasts that their systems will pay for themselves through cost savings in two to three years given their cost-effective technology. In fact, the company estimates that its softeners help households to save up to $558 a year by saving up to 24% in water heater electricity costs by removing build-up, improving the efficiency of all water systems.
In addition, the softeners themselves only use an estimated $5 annually in electricity costs and $10 in annual water costs. On top of that, they use 40% less salt than competing systems.
Rheem prides itself on its industry-leading, extendable warranty. The warranty is 1 year for parts and labor, 3 years for electronics and 10 years for tanks. You can extend the 1-year warranty up to five years when you regularly use the company’s branded water softener cleaner.
The cost of a Rheem water softener depends on the type and size of the system. Rheem offers a range of models to suit different household needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown:
The Rheem® PREFERRED COMPACT™ Water Softener is ideal for small to medium households of up to 4 people. Its space-saving design allows it to fit into tight spaces, and it includes Rheem® Learning Technology for optimized performance.
The Rheem® PREFERRED™ Water Softener is designed for medium-sized households, also accommodating up to 4 people. It features Rheem® Learning Technology and a low salt monitor, ensuring reliable water softening performance.
Costs can vary depending on additional features like smart connectivity, tank size, and installation requirements. For the most accurate pricing, check with authorized Rheem dealers or retailers.
When choosing a water softener, it’s essential to compare brands based on factors such as cost, features, warranties, and reputation. Rheem, a trusted name in the industry, competes with well-known brands like Culligan, Whirlpool, and Fleck. Each brand brings unique strengths to the table, from affordable pricing to advanced features like salt-free options and extended warranties. Below, we break down how Rheem stacks up against its competitors to help you make an informed decision.
Culligan, founded in 1936, has an A BBB rating and a cost range of $500 to $2,500, making it a more premium option compared to Rheem. Unlike Rheem, Culligan offers salt-free water treatment systems, providing flexibility for those seeking alternative solutions. Their warranties range from 1 to 5 years, with extended plans available for up to 10 years, giving customers added peace of mind. While Rheem is more budget-friendly and offers robust warranties, Culligan appeals to those willing to invest in additional features and customization.
Whirlpool, founded in 1911, has an A+ BBB rating and provides water softeners priced between $400 and $1,500. Like Culligan, Whirlpool offers salt-free options for those seeking alternatives to traditional systems. Their warranty typically covers 1 to 3 years, with extended plans reaching up to 10 years. Compared to Rheem, Whirlpool offers more variety in water treatment options but can be pricier depending on the model.
Fleck, a brand introduced in 1950, specializes in high-quality water softeners with prices ranging from $600 to $1,600. While it does not have a BBB rating, Fleck offers salt-free options and durable systems backed by warranties ranging from 5 to 10 years. Rheem, by contrast, provides a broader warranty structure and lower price points, though it lacks salt-free alternatives, making Fleck a better choice for some households.
Rheem water softeners are ideal for homeowners who want a reliable, efficient, and modern water treatment solution. If you’re willing to invest in a high-quality system and want advanced features like smart connectivity, Rheem could be the right brand for you. However, if you’re looking for a more high-tech option with other types of water filtering options, brands such as Whirlpool, Fleck or Culligan might be worth considering.
Rheem’s water softeners provide an excellent balance of performance, durability, and innovative features, making them a top choice for homeowners seeking an effective solution to hard water issues. These affordable systems offer long-term benefits in terms of efficiency, water quality, and appliance lifespan make it a worthwhile investment.
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