How hard is St. Louis water
Water in the St. Louis region is generally moderately hard, and hardness varies by supplier and by season depending on river conditions and treatment. Well water in outlying parts of St. Charles County is often harder still.
You can request a current water quality report from your utility or use an inexpensive test kit. Hardness is measured in grains per gallon, and treatment decisions usually start above about seven grains per gallon.
What hard water actually costs you
Scale insulates the heating surface in a water heater, reducing efficiency and shortening tank life. It also narrows the effective diameter of supply lines over decades and clogs fixture aerators, shower heads, and the inlet screens on dishwashers and washing machines.
The practical effects homeowners notice first are spotted glassware, soap that will not lather, dry skin, and a stiff feel to laundry.
Treatment options and pricing
An ion-exchange softener is the proven approach. Installed cost in this market generally runs $1,200 to $3,000 depending on capacity and whether a loop and drain already exist. Salt costs roughly $60 to $150 per year for a typical family.
Salt-free conditioners run about $1,000 to $2,500 installed. They do not remove hardness minerals but can reduce scale adhesion, which appeals to households avoiding sodium or a drain connection. Whole-house filtration for sediment, chlorine, or taste is a separate system typically costing $600 to $2,000.
Maintenance checklist
Check the salt level in the brine tank monthly and keep it about one-third to one-half full. Break up any salt bridge you find crusted along the tank wall.
Clean the brine tank annually, replace the sediment prefilter on schedule, verify the hardness setting after any change in water supply, and have the resin bed and control valve inspected every three to five years.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a plumber to install a water softener?
A licensed plumber is recommended. The job requires cutting into the main supply, adding a bypass, and providing a properly air-gapped drain connection that satisfies local code.
Will a softener fix the taste of my water?
No. Softening removes hardness minerals, not chlorine or organic taste and odor compounds. A carbon filter handles taste concerns.
Should the outdoor hose bib be softened?
No. Outside spigots and irrigation lines are usually left on unsoftened water to avoid wasting salt and sodium on plants.
Sources and further reading
Price ranges in this guide come from quotes and invoices shared with STL Home Pros by St. Louis area homeowners and contractors. Technical and climate references are listed below.
About the author
Nick Cascani is a New York native who has called St. Louis home for the last few years. He believes getting professional home service should be simple and convenient, and he writes these guides to help local homeowners make confident decisions about their HVAC, plumbing, and foundation projects.
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