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

We all need clean water for day-to-day activities like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many the U.S. homeowners wonder which is better—a water filter or a water softener? Examine the important differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the benefits 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 house. It’s installed directly 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 supplier, you may wonder why you could use an inline water filter. After all, the water has already been cleansed at a water treatment plant. However, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may be contaminated with pollutants between the treatment plant and your faucets. Here’s how setting up a water filter can assist you:

• Healthier water: Water filters remove harmful microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other debris for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
• Reduced sediment: Water filters reduce sediment buildup in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, defending them from damage.
• No plastic waste: Inline water filters reduce the need for bottled water, contributing to a greener environment.
• Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra money on bottled water and minimizes 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 signals that you might need to get a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, odd taste or nasty smell: If your tap water is anything but crystal clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Give consideration to installing a filter for your safety.
• Frequent plumbing concerns: A whole-house water filter helps alleviate clogged pipes, low water pressure and other problems.
• Skin irritation: If you have 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? Getting a whole-house water filter can give you 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 acts sort of 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 set up a water softener:

• Longer plumbing life span: Soft water reduces scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, prolonging their life span and bettering their appearance.
• Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t cause a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, which helps keep your pipes and faucets flowing smoothly.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water helps cleaning products lather more effectively, which results in 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 work properly for lower electricity bills.

How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener

Most water resources in North America are categorized as moderately hard, hard or very hard. You can learn about the quality of your local water by reading your city’s water quality report. In the meantime, here are some clues that you could benefit from a water softener:

• Scale buildup: A white, chalky film on your fixtures and appliances is an indication 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 badly blocked 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 prevents soap from rinsing properly, causing 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 acquisition.

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

Inline water filters and water softeners each offer valuable benefits, but they perform different operations. An inline water filter eliminates contaminants and boosts overall water quality, while a water softener specifically targets hard minerals. In some circumstances, using 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 trustworthy provider of water treatment remedies in the U.S., such as 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 the U.S. home.