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

We all need clean water for everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many the U.S. homeowners ask themselves which is best—a water filter or a water softener? Examine the primary differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the perks they provide and how to figure out 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 cleans water as it goes into your house. It’s installed on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other pollutants from the municipal water supply before it moves into your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal supplier, you may question why you could use an inline water filter. After all, the water is already cleansed at a water treatment plant. Unfortunately, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may acquire harmful particles between the treatment plant and your faucets. Here’s how using a water filter can assist you:

• Healthier water: Water filters take away unsafe microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other debris for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
• Reduced sediment: Water filters decrease sediment buildup in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, shielding them from damage.
• 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 cash on bottled water and reduces the pressure 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 top-quality drinking water. Here are some signs that you might need to get a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, unusual taste or nasty smell: If your tap water is anything but totally clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Consider putting in a filter for your safety.
• Frequent plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps reduce clogged pipes, low water pressure and other problems.
• Skin discomfort: If you notice anyone in your household is suffering from redness, rashes or other skin issues attributed to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be helpful.
• Past history: Does your local water supply have a record of pollution? Using a whole-house water filter can give you peace of mind against long-term problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from the water entering your home. A process called ion exchange acts 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’s what you’ll discover 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 bettering their appearance.
• Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t create a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, which helps keep your pipes and faucets flowing easily.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water helps cleaning products lather more effectively, generating cleaner dishes, brighter laundry, and softer skin and hair, even if you use a smaller amount of soap and detergent.
• Energy savings: A water softener helps your plumbing appliances operate effectively for lower electricity expenses.

How to Know if You Need a Water Softener

Most water resources in North America are deemed moderately hard, hard or very hard. A good way to find out about the quality of water in your home is by reading your city’s water quality report. In the meantime, here are some signs that you could see a real difference in the quality of water in your home by installing 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 you get rid of this unsightly issue.
• Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators often become severely blocked by mineral deposits within 18 months of use. Watch for this because it is another indication of hard water.
• Dry skin and hair: Hard water prevents soap from rinsing thoroughly, contributing to irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Frequent appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater breaks down often due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile purchase.

Do You Need Both a Water Filter and a Water Softener?

Inline water filters and water softeners both provide 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. Sometimes, having a water filter and a water softener is necessary. Assess 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 trustworthy provider of water treatment products and solutions in the U.S., carrying high-quality water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our experienced professionals can help you determine if one or both solutions are necessary to help you achieve the best water quality in your the U.S. home.