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

We all need clean water for everyday activities like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many the U.S. homeowners wonder which is best—a water filter or a water softener? Explore the important differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the perks 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 filters 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 gets to your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal supplier, you may question why you might need an inline water filter. After all, the water is already cleansed at a water treatment plant. Unfortunately, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may pick up pollutants 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 unhealthy microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other potentially harmful particles for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
• Reduced sediment: Water filters decrease sediment collection in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, defending them from harm.
• No plastic waste: Inline water filters cut back on the need for bottled water, helping create a greener environment.
• Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra your hard-earned 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 signs that you need a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, odd taste or undesirable smell: If your tap water is anything but totally clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Think about putting in a filter for your health and well-being.
• Repeated plumbing problems: A whole-house water filter helps decrease 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 contamination? Using a whole-house water filter offers peace of mind against long-term 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 acts 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 is what you’ll find once you set up a water softener:

• Longer plumbing life span: Soft water decreases scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, lengthening their life span and bettering their appearance.
• Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t create a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, keeping your pipes and faucets flowing smoothly.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water ensures 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 work properly for lower electricity bills.

How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener

Most water resources in North America are deemed moderately hard, hard or very hard. Learn more by reading your local municipality’s water quality report. In the meantime, here are some indicators that you could benefit from 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 commonly become badly obstructed 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 thoroughly, resulting in irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Frequent appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops working often due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile purchase.

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

Inline water filters and water softeners are two tools that supply valuable benefits, but they perform different operations. An inline water filter removes contaminants and improves overall water quality, while a water softener specifically addresses the problem of hard minerals. In some cases, having a water filter and a water softener is required in order to make sure you have high-quality water. 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., such as water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our team can help you evaluate if one or both solutions are necessary to help you get the best water quality in your the U.S. home.