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

We all need clean water for day-to-day tasks like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many the U.S. homeowners ask themselves which is best—a water filter or a water softener? Discover the primary differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the advantages 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 treats water as it enters your house. It’s installed directly on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other contaminants from the municipal water supply before it gets to your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal company, you may question why you should get an inline water filter. After all, the water is cleansed at a water treatment plant. However, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may acquire pollutants between the treatment plant and your faucets. Here’s how setting up a water filter can assist you:

• Healthier water: Water filters get rid of unsafe microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other debris for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
• Reduced sediment: Water filters reduce sediment accumulation in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, protecting them from harm.
• No plastic waste: Inline water filters reduce 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 depend on home treatment systems for top-quality drinking water. Here are some signals that you should use a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, strange taste or unpleasant smell: If your tap water is anything but crystal clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Consider putting in a filter for your safety.
• Repeated plumbing problems: A whole-house water filter helps decrease plugged pipes, low water pressure and other issues.
• Skin irritation: If you notice anyone in your household is suffering from redness, rashes or other skin issues connected to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be useful.
• Past history: Does your local water supply have a history of contamination? Using a whole-house water filter can give you peace of mind against future problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener eliminates calcium and magnesium from your water supply. A process called ion exchange acts similar to 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 find 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 improving their appearance.
• Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t leave a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, which helps keep your pipes and faucets flowing efficiently.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water helps cleaning products lather more effectively, generating cleaner dishes, brighter laundry, and softer skin and hair, even with less soap and detergent.
• Energy savings: A water softener helps your plumbing appliances run efficiently for lower power charges.

How to Tell if You Need a Water Softener

Most water reserves in North America are categorized as moderately hard, hard or very hard. You can learn about the quality of your local water 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 substance on your fixtures and appliances is evidence 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 frequently become severely blocked by mineral deposits within 18 months of use. Watch for this because it is a sign of hard water.
• Dry skin and hair: Hard water hinders soap from rinsing thoroughly, causing irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Repeated appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater breaks down often due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile investment.

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 removes 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 skilled specialists can help you decide if one or both solutions are necessary to help you achieve the best water quality in your the U.S. home.