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

You need clean water for daily tasks 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 key 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 treats 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 entering your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal company, you may ask yourself why you should get an inline water filter. After all, the water has already been cleaned at a water treatment plant. However, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may pick up pollutants between the treatment plant and your faucets. Here’s how using a water filter can benefit you:

• Healthier water: Water filters take away unhealthy microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other potentially harmful particles for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
• Reduced sediment: Water filters reduce sediment accumulation in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, shielding them from harm.
• 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 decreases the stress 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 signs that you need a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, unusual taste or unpleasant smell: If your tap water is anything but totally clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Think about adding a filter for your safety.
• Constant plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps alleviate clogged pipes, low water pressure and other troubles.
• Skin irritation: If you experience redness, rashes or other skin issues attributed to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be beneficial.
• Past history: Does your local water supply have a track record 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 takes away calcium and magnesium from your water supply. 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 observe once you put in 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 create a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, which helps keep your pipes and faucets flowing easily.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water ensures cleaning products lather more effectively, generating 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 run efficiently for lower energy charges.

How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener

Most water resources in North America are characterized as 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 municipality’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 an indication of hard water, as are the white spots on your dishes, glass shower door and coffee maker. A water softener can help you get rid of this unsightly issue.
• 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 another indication of hard water.
• Dry skin and hair: Hard water prevents soap from rinsing thoroughly, resulting in irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Frequent appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops working regularly due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile investment.

Should You Buy 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 removes contaminants and boosts overall water quality, while a water softener specifically removes hard minerals. Sometimes, utilizing a water filter and a water softener is appropriate. 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 trusted provider of water treatment products and solutions in the U.S., such as water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our experienced professionals 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.