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

We all need clean water for daily activities like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many the U.S. homeowners consider the question of which is better—a water filter or a water softener? Examine the important differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the advantages they provide and how to determine 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 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 provider, you may question why you might need an inline water filter. After all, the water is cleansed at a water treatment plant. Unfortunately, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may pick up harmful particles between the treatment plant and your residence. Here’s how installing a water filter can improve the water in your home:

• Healthier water: Water filters get rid of harmful 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, shielding them from wear and tear.
• No plastic waste: Inline water filters reduce the need for bottled water, contributing to 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 stress 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 quality drinking water. Here are some signals that you should use a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, odd taste or unpleasant smell: If your tap water is anything but crystal clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Consider installing a filter for your protection.
• Constant plumbing problems: A whole-house water filter helps alleviate plugged pipes, low water pressure and other issues.
• Skin discomfort: If you experience redness, rashes or other skin issues connected to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be beneficial.
• Past history: Does your local water supply have a history of pollution? Installing 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 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 observe once you put in a water softener:

• Longer plumbing life span: Soft water decreases scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, extending 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 smoothly.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water is a good way to make sure cleaning products lather more effectively, resulting in 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 run properly for lower power charges.

How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener

Most water reserves in North America are considered moderately hard, hard or very hard. Learn more by reading your city’s water quality report. In the meantime, here are some signs that you could use a water softener:

• Scale buildup: A white, chalky substance 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 frequently become significantly 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 stops soap from rinsing correctly, contributing to irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Continual appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops working regularly due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile acquisition.

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

Inline water filters and water softeners each supply valuable benefits, but they perform different jobs. An inline water filter eliminates contaminants and improves overall water quality, while a water softener specifically removes hard minerals. In some instances, 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 trustworthy provider of water treatment solutions in the U.S., carrying high-quality water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our team can help you evaluate if one or both solutions are necessary to help you enjoy the best water quality in your the U.S. home.