Replacing a Water Softener: Costs, Fitting and Switching Brands

If you already own a water softener, you know the difference soft water makes. When it’s time for a replacement, the questions are more practical: what will fit, can you change brands, and how much work is involved?

You don’t usually need to buy the same model again. The important thing is choosing a replacement that suits your home and checking the installation before you order.

Already looking at your options? Get free water softener replacement advice from our team.

Can you replace a water softener with a different brand?

Yes, provided the new softener is suitable for your water supply, household and available space. Owning a Harvey, Kinetico or another brand doesn’t mean your next machine has to come from the same manufacturer.

It’s also worth thinking about what has changed since the original was fitted. An extra bathroom, more people at home or higher water use might make a different size or specification a better choice.

What you shouldn’t assume is that a different softener will connect straight onto the existing hoses. Even models from the same brand can have different connections.

Should you repair or replace your old softener?

Age alone isn’t a reason to replace a working machine. If limescale has returned, check the salt level and bypass position against your model’s instructions before assuming the softener has failed.

A hardness test can help, but take the sample from a tap you know receives softened water. A separate drinking water tap may deliberately bypass the softener.

If a fault has been diagnosed, compare the repair quote, availability of parts and remaining warranty with the cost of a replacement. A straightforward repair may make sense. Repeated faults or an expensive repair are good reasons to compare new models.

Will a replacement fit the existing space and plumbing?

Existing pipework may be reusable, but it needs checking. Before choosing a replacement water softener, look at three things:

• Space: measure the available height, width and depth, allowing room for hoses, the bypass assembly and access to refill the salt.
• Connections: check the inlet and outlet positions, pipe sizes, drain and overflow arrangements.
• Power: changing from a non-electric model to an electric one means checking that a suitable power supply is available.

A photograph is a useful starting point, but your installer should confirm compatibility and the condition of the existing fittings before work begins.

How much does replacing a water softener cost?

The models below range from around £550 to £1,500 for the softener itself, before fitting work. Check each product page for current prices and fitting-kit options.

An existing installation may reduce the work as the existing bypass and fittings can often be reused. Disconnecting and removing the old unit is very simple (just like replacing a washing machine).

Which replacement water softener should you choose?

EMS Eco Premier: our premium option

The EMS10 Eco Premier water softener combines meter-controlled regeneration, digital controls and a 10-year parts and labour warranty. It’s worth considering when you want a high quality replacement with straightforward controls, food grade resin and long-term warranty cover.

The same product page includes the larger-capacity EMS15 options. We can help you compare them based on your water use and available space.

EML10: a lower-cost replacement

The EML10 digital water softener offers a compact design and meter-controlled regeneration at a lower purchase price. It’s a useful option to compare when budget matters, provided its capacity suits your household.

Harvey Crown: non-electric block salt

The Harvey Crown water softener is an option for homeowners who prefer block salt and don’t want an electrical connection. Its twin-tank design continues supplying softened water while one tank regenerates.

You can also compare our full water softener range.

Not sure what can replace your current softener?

Send us a photo of your existing unit and its model label, along with the space available and a few details about your home. You don’t need to know all the technical details before getting in touch.

Our water softener replacement advice page lets you request a call or send photographs on WhatsApp. We’ll discuss suitable options and provide a no-obligation quote, with installation and removal arrangements confirmed separately.

Get free advice on replacing your water softener, or call 0116 276 3334.