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

Everyone needs clean water for daily activities like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many the U.S. homeowners ask themselves which is right for them—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 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 cleans water as it enters your house. It’s installed directly on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other pollutants from the municipal water supply before entering your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal company, you may ask yourself why you might need an inline water filter. After all, the water is already cleaned at a water treatment plant. The problem is, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may be contaminated with harmful particles between the treatment plant and your home. Here’s how using a water filter can assist you:

• Healthier water: Water filters take away unsafe microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other potentially harmful particles for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
• Reduced sediment: Water filters decrease sediment accumulation in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, shielding them from harm.
• No plastic waste: Inline water filters diminish the need for bottled water, contributing to a greener environment.
• Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra money on bottled water and decreases the stress 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 safe and healthy drinking water. Here are some signs that you should use a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, odd taste or nasty smell: If your tap water is anything but absolutely clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Give consideration to putting in a filter for your health and well-being.
• Frequent plumbing concerns: A whole-house water filter helps reduce blocked pipes, low water pressure and other problems.
• Skin irritation: If you experience 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? Getting a whole-house water filter provides peace of mind against potential problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener eliminates calcium and magnesium from water. A process called ion exchange operates 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 is what you’ll discover once you put in a water softener:

• Longer plumbing life span: Soft water minimizes 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, which helps keep your pipes and faucets flowing effortlessly.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water ensures cleaning products lather more effectively, resulting in 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 run properly for lower power 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. Learn more by reading your local municipality’s water quality report. In the meantime, here are some clues 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 a sign 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 often become badly clogged 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 prevents soap from rinsing thoroughly, contributing to irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Continual appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater malfunctions often due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile investment.

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

Inline water filters and water softeners each provide valuable benefits, but they perform different functions. An inline water filter eliminates contaminants and elevates overall water quality, while a water softener specifically removes hard minerals. Sometimes, 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 products and solutions in the U.S., carrying high-quality water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our skilled specialists can help you determine if one or both solutions are necessary to help you get the best water quality in your the U.S. home.