Do I Really Need a Water Softener or Is an Inline Filter Sufficient?

Everyone needs clean water for day-to-day routines like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many the U.S. homeowners ask themselves which is better—a water filter or a water softener? Examine the important differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the perks they provide and how to decide which one is best for your needs.

What Is an Inline Water Filter?

An inline water filter is a point-of-entry filtration system that filters water as it goes into your house. It’s installed on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other contaminants from the municipal water supply before entering your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal provider, you may wonder why you should get an inline water filter. After all, the water is already treated at a water treatment plant. Unfortunately, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may pick up impurities between the treatment plant and your residence. Here’s how setting up a water filter can benefit you:

• Healthier water: Water filters remove unhealthy microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other potentially harmful particles for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
• Reduced sediment: Water filters minimize sediment buildup in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, shielding them from wear and tear.
• No plastic waste: Inline water filters cut back on the need for bottled water, helping create a greener environment.
• Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra your hard-earned cash on bottled water and decreases the strain on your plumbing system.

How to Tell if You Need a Whole-House Water Filter

About one-third of American households use home treatment systems for quality drinking water. Here are some telltale indicators that you might need to get a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, strange taste or nasty smell: If your tap water is anything but totally clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Think about putting in a filter for your health and well-being.
• Frequent plumbing concerns: A whole-house water filter helps reduce plugged pipes, low water pressure and other issues.
• Skin irritability: If you have redness, rashes or other skin issues linked to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be helpful.
• Past history: Does your local water supply have a record of contamination? Getting a whole-house water filter can give you peace of mind against potential problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from water. A process called ion exchange works somewhat like a chemical magnet, replacing these “hard” minerals with sodium ions to “soften” the water.

Benefits of Water Softeners

If you have hard water, here is what you’ll observe once you install a water softener:

• Longer plumbing life span: Soft water reduces scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, lengthening their life span and enhancing their appearance.
• Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t create a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, keeping your pipes and faucets flowing effortlessly.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water ensures cleaning products lather more effectively, generating cleaner dishes, brighter laundry, and softer skin and hair, even when using less soap and detergent.
• Energy savings: A water softener helps your plumbing appliances work efficiently for lower energy charges.

How to Tell if You Need a Water Softener

Most water reserves in North America are characterized as moderately hard, hard or very hard. A good way to find out about the quality of water in your home is by reading your local municipality’s water quality report. In the meantime, here are some clues that you could benefit from a water softener:

• Scale buildup: A white, chalky residue on your fixtures and appliances is an indication of hard water, as are the white spots on your dishes, glass shower door and coffee maker. A water softener can help eliminate this problem.
• Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators frequently become badly blocked by mineral deposits within 18 months of use. Watch for this because it is a result of hard water.
• Dry skin and hair: Hard water prevents soap from rinsing properly, resulting in irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Frequent appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops functioning often due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile acquisition.

Should You Buy Both a Water Filter and a Water Softener?

Inline water filters and water softeners both offer valuable benefits, but they perform different jobs. An inline water filter removes contaminants and boosts overall water quality, while a water softener specifically targets hard minerals. In some circumstances, using a water filter and a water softener is required in order to make sure you have high-quality water. Consider your specific needs and water quality to determine the best solution for your household.

Schedule Water Filter and Water Softener Installation in the U.S.

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is a respected provider of water treatment solutions in the U.S., such as water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our experienced professionals can help you evaluate if one or both solutions are necessary to help you achieve the best water quality in your the U.S. home.