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

Everyone needs clean water for daily routines 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 primary differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the perks 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 treats water as it enters your residence. It’s installed right on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other pollutants 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 ask yourself why you could use an inline water filter. After all, the water is already cleansed at a water treatment plant. The problem is, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may acquire harmful particles between the treatment plant and your home. Here’s how using 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 minimize sediment buildup in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, safeguarding them from damage.
• 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 strain on your plumbing system.

How to Tell if You Need a Whole-House Water Filter

About one-third of American households rely on home treatment systems for safe and healthy drinking water. Here are some signals that you might need to get a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, strange taste or nasty smell: If your tap water is anything but totally clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Give consideration to adding a filter for your safety.
• Repeated plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps alleviate blocked pipes, low water pressure and other troubles.
• Skin irritability: 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 history of possible contamination? Using a whole-house water filter can give you peace of mind against future problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from the water entering your home. 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’s what you’ll notice once you set up a water softener:

• Longer plumbing life span: Soft water decreases scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, prolonging their life span and enhancing their appearance.
• Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t leave a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, keeping your pipes and faucets flowing easily.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water helps cleaning products lather more effectively, producing 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 efficiently for lower power expenses.

How to Tell if You Need a Water Softener

Most water reserves 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 local government’s water quality report. In the meantime, here are some indicators that you could use a water softener:

• Scale buildup: A white, chalky residue 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 commonly become significantly obstructed 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 hinders soap from rinsing properly, causing irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Repeated appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops functioning regularly due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile investment.

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

Inline water filters and water softeners are two tools that offer valuable benefits, but they perform different operations. An inline water filter takes away contaminants and elevates overall water quality, while a water softener specifically targets hard minerals. In some cases, having a water filter and a water softener is appropriate. Evaluate 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 trusted provider of water treatment solutions in the U.S., including water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our skilled specialists can help you decide if one or both solutions are necessary to help you enjoy the best water quality in your the U.S. home.