Do I Really Need a Water Softener or Is an Inline Filter Sufficient?
Everyone needs clean water for everyday routines like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many Raleigh homeowners ask themselves which is best—a water filter or a water softener? Discover the important differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the advantages they provide and how to figure out 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 comes into your residence. 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 could use an inline water filter. After all, the water is already treated 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 setting up a water filter can improve the water in your home:
- Healthier water: Water filters take away unsafe 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, protecting them from wear and tear.
- No plastic waste: Inline water filters cut back on 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 reducesthe 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 should use a whole-house water filter:
- Discoloration, strange taste or unpleasant smell: If your tap water is anything but absolutely clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Give consideration to putting in a filter for your protection.
- Constant plumbing problems: A whole-house water filter helps reduce blocked pipes, low water pressure and other troubles.
- Skin irritation: If you experience 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? Using a whole-house water filter provides peace of mind against future problems.
What Is a Water Softener?
A water softener takes away calcium and magnesium from your water supply. A process called ion exchange works 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, here’s what you’ll discover once you put in a water softener:
- Longer plumbing life span: Soft water reduces scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, lengthening their life span and improving their appearance.
- Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t leave a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, which helps keep your pipes and faucets flowing effortlessly.
- Better soap lathering: Soft water is a good way to make sure 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 work efficiently for lower power expenses.
How to Tell if You Need a Water Softener
Most water supplies 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 government's water quality report. In the meantime, here are some indicators that you could benefit from a water softener:
- Scale buildup: A white, chalky film 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 severely 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 stops soap from rinsing correctly, causing irritated skin and brittle hair.
- Continual appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops functioning frequently 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 provide valuable benefits, but they perform different operations. An inline water filter removes contaminants and improves overall water quality, while a water softener specifically targets hard minerals. In some instances, 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 Raleigh
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is a respected provider of water treatment solutions in Raleigh, such as water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our skilled specialists can help you evaluate if one or both solutions are necessary to help you achieve the best water quality in your Raleigh home.
