Is a Rental Water Purifier Worth It? Honest Pros and Cons

Did you finally decide you need a water purifier? Good call. With heavy pollution mixing with tap water, everybody needs a water purifier. The real question is do you buy one or rent one on a monthly basis?

Water purifiers on rent are becoming more popular, especially in cities where many people move often. Here’s an honest look at what you get and what you give up.

How Rental Water Purifiers Work

When you rent a water purifier, you pay a minimum security deposit, which is usually refundable. You choose a monthly plan depending on what you need. You need to pay the rental every month to keep your subscription running. The monthly plan usually includes free delivery, installation, maintenance, and relocation (if needed).

During maintenance, your purifier’s health is checked, along with changing filters, if necessary. You get the water without owning the device nor worrying about its maintenance.

The details vary a lot between providers, so what’s included in one plan may cost extra in another.

The Pros

1. Little or no upfront cost
Buying a good purifier can mean a large one-off payment. Renting spreads that cost out, which is a relief if money is tight or you’d rather keep your savings free. This upfront cost is usually refundable.

2. Maintenance is taken care of
Filters and membranes wear out, and a neglected purifier can give you worse water than you started with. With most rentals, servicing and filter changes are handled for you, so you don’t have to remember the schedule or hunt for spare parts.

3. Repairs are usually covered
When a purchased purifier breaks after the warranty ends, the bill is yours. With a rental, repairs are typically part of the plan, so there are fewer surprise costs.

4. Flexibility if you move
Tenants and people who relocate for work often find owning a purifier awkward. Many rental plans let you move the unit, switch plans, or cancel, depending on the terms.

5. Predictable monthly spending
One regular payment is easier to budget for than a mix of service contracts, filter costs, and repairs.

The Cons

1. It can cost more in the long run
This is the biggest catch. If you keep renting for many years, the total can exceed the price of buying a purifier and maintaining it.

2. You never own it
Stop paying and the purifier goes back. There’s no resale value and nothing to take with you for free.

3. You depend on the provider
Prices, service speed, and policies are in the provider’s hands. If service is slow or the fee rises, your options may be limited by your contract.

4. Terms can be tricky
Security deposits, lock-in periods, cancellation fees, and relocation charges differ from one provider to the next. A low monthly fee can look very different once you read the fine print.

A closer look: how DrinkPrime does it

DrinkPrime, a Bengaluru-based service, is one example of this subscription model. Instead of selling you a purifier, it offers one on a monthly subscription. The company handles installation and maintenance, and its purifiers are customised to the water quality in your area. They are also connected to a mobile app, so you can keep an eye on the purifier’s health and your household’s water use, and request a service without making a phone call. I

Rent or Buy? A Quick Comparison

	Renting	Buying
Upfront cost	Low or none	High
Maintenance	Usually included	Your responsibility
Repairs	Usually included	Paid after warranty
Flexibility	High	Low
Long-term cost	Often higher	Often lower
Ownership	None	Yours to keep

So, Is It Worth It?

For many people, yes. For others, no. It depends on your situation.

Renting is probably worth it if:

You live in a rented home or expect to move within a few years
You’d rather not pay a large amount upfront
You don’t want to track filter changes and book servicing
You like having one number to call when something goes wrong

Buying is probably the better choice if:

You own your home and plan to stay for the long term
You’re happy to manage maintenance, or have a service provider you trust
You want a specific model or technology
You want to avoid ongoing monthly payments

Questions to Ask Before You Sign Up

What exactly does the fee cover, and what costs extra?
Is there a security deposit, and how is it refunded?
How long is the minimum commitment, and what are the cancellation charges?
Can I move the purifier if I relocate, and is there a fee?
How quickly does the provider respond to service requests?
Is the purifier suited to my water? (Water with high dissolved salts usually needs different treatment from water that’s already fairly soft.)

Final Thoughts

A rental water purifier works when you don’t want to pay a hefty upfront fee and an annual maintenance fee. Rental purifiers work on the monthly plans which cover delivery, installation, maintenance, and relocation. Since you don’t own the purifier, you also don’t own its problems. The company takes care of its service and upkeep.

If you can afford to own a purifier and pay for its maintenance every year, then buying is the option for you.

Bengaluru-based DrinkPrime offers a range of products on a rental basis. Spread across seven cities in India, DrinkPrime’s purifiers are customised for your city’s water. The company’s plans include the device, delivery, installation, maintenance and relocation. There is a minimum security deposit which is refundable once you return the purifier.

FAQs

Is renting a water purifier cheaper than buying?
It’s cheaper at the start, but buying can work out cheaper over many years. Compare five-year costs before deciding.

Does the rental fee include servicing and repairs?
Usually, but plans differ. Check what’s covered before you commit.

Can I take a rented purifier with me if I move?
Many providers allow it, sometimes for a fee. Confirm before signing.

What happens if I cancel?
You return the purifier, and you may face cancellation charges or a refund process for your deposit, depending on the plan.

Author Profile

Adam Regan: Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 7 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com