If you have hard water (test it with a kit from the store), the answer is almost always yes. The cost of the system is an investment in not scrubbing your shower door every week.
A good mid-range system costs about $2,000. That covers installation, a first-year supply of salt, and your dignity. It pays for itself in 2 to 4 years from saved soap, energy, and appliance repairs.
Bottom line? You can pay for a water softener now, or you can pay a plumber to replace your water heater later. The choice is yours—but I know which one makes your morning coffee taste better.
Now go forth and soften your life. Your faucets will thank you.
