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 Hillsborough homeowners wonder which is right for them—a water filter or a water softener? Explore the key differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the benefits 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 goes into your house. It’s installed right on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other contaminants from the municipal water supply before flowing to your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal supplier, you may ask yourself why you should get an inline water filter. After all, the water is already cleaned at a water treatment plant. Unfortunately, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may acquire harmful particles between the treatment plant and your residence. Here’s how installing a water filter can assist you:

Healthier water: Water filters remove harmful microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other impurities for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
Reduced sediment: Water filters minimize sediment accumulation in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, shielding them from damage.
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 your hard-earned cash on bottled water and reducesthe 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 might need to get 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. Consider installing a filter for your health and well-being.
Constant plumbing problems: A whole-house water filter helps alleviate clogged pipes, low water pressure and other problems.
Skin irritability: If you experience 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 record of contamination? Installing a whole-house water filter provides peace of mind against potential 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 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 observe once you install a water softener:

Longer plumbing life span: Soft water minimizes 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, keeping your pipes and faucets flowing efficiently.
Better soap lathering: Soft water ensures cleaning products lather more effectively, producing 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 effectively for lower electricity bills.

How to Know if You Need a Water Softener

Most water reserves in North America are considered moderately hard, hard or very hard. You can learn about the quality of your local water by reading your local municipality'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 evidence 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 commonly become badly obstructed 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 prevents soap from rinsing thoroughly, resulting in irritated skin and brittle hair.
Continual appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater malfunctions frequently 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 provide valuable benefits, but they perform different operations. An inline water filter eliminates contaminants and elevates overall water quality, while a water softener specifically addresses the problem of hard minerals. In some circumstances, utilizing 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 Hillsborough

Fras-Air/General Service Experts is a trustworthy provider of water treatment products and solutions in Hillsborough, including water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our experienced professionals can help you determine if one or both solutions are necessary to help you get the best water quality in your Hillsborough home.