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

You need clean water for day-to-day routines like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many Kansas City homeowners wonder 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 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 contaminants 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 provider, you may wonder why you could use an inline water filter. After all, the water is already treated 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 faucets. Here’s how installing a water filter can benefit 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, safeguarding them from wear and tear.
No plastic waste: Inline water filters diminish 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 minimizesthe 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 need 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 health and well-being.
Repeated plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps reduce plugged pipes, low water pressure and other issues.
Skin discomfort: If you have 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 pollution? Getting a whole-house water filter can give you peace of mind against future problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener takes away calcium and magnesium from the water entering your home. 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’s what you’ll notice 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, which helps keep 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 if you use a smaller amount of soap and detergent.
Energy savings: A water softener helps your plumbing appliances run effectively for lower electricity charges.

How to Tell if You Need a Water Softener

Most water supplies in North America are deemed moderately hard, hard or very hard. You can learn about the quality of your local water by reading your local government'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 a sign of hard water, as are the white spots on your dishes, glass shower door and coffee maker. A water softener can help.
Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators often become significantly 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 stops soap from rinsing completely, contributing to irritated skin and brittle hair.
Frequent appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops functioning regularly due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile purchase.

Should You Use 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 improves overall water quality, while a water softener specifically targets hard minerals. In some instances, utilizing a water filter and a water softener is appropriate. Consider your specific needs and water quality to determine the best solution for your household.

Schedule Water Filter and Water Softener Installation in Kansas City

Neal Harris Service Experts is a trustworthy provider of water treatment products and solutions in Kansas City, including water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our team can help you determine if one or both solutions are necessary to help you enjoy the best water quality in your Kansas City home.