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

You need clean water for everyday routines 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 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 filters water as it goes into your residence. It’s installed right on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other impurities 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 wonder why you could use an inline water filter. After all, the water has already been treated at a water treatment plant. The problem is, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may be contaminated with pollutants between the treatment plant and your home. Here’s how setting up a water filter can improve the water in your home:

• Healthier water: Water filters remove harmful 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, shielding them from harm.
• No plastic waste: Inline water filters reduce the need for bottled water, adding 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 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 safe and healthy 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 crystal clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Think about adding a filter for your safety.
• Frequent plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps reduce plugged pipes, low water pressure and other problems.
• Skin irritation: If you notice anyone in your household is suffering from redness, rashes or other skin issues connected 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? Installing a whole-house water filter offers 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 acts 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, this is 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 bettering their appearance.
• Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t create a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, which keeps the water in your pipes and faucets flowing easily.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water helps cleaning products lather more effectively, resulting in 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 expenses.

How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener

Most water reserves in North America are categorized as moderately hard, hard or very hard. Learn more by reading your city’s water quality report. In the meantime, here are some indicators that you could see a real difference in the quality of water in your home by installing a water softener:

• Scale buildup: A white, chalky residue 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 frequently 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 hinders soap from rinsing completely, causing irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Frequent appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater breaks down often due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile acquisition.

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

Inline water filters and water softeners both offer valuable benefits, but they perform different jobs. An inline water filter takes away contaminants and improves overall water quality, while a water softener specifically addresses the problem of hard minerals. In some circumstances, having 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 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 experienced professionals can help you decide if one or both solutions are necessary to help you achieve the best water quality in your the U.S. home.