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

Everyone needs clean water for everyday activities like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many the U.S. homeowners ask themselves which is better—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 entering your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal provider, you may ask yourself why you should get an inline water filter. After all, the water is already cleansed at a water treatment plant. The problem is, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may pick up impurities between the treatment plant and your home. Here’s how using a water filter can assist 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 minimize sediment buildup in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, safeguarding them from wear and tear.
• No plastic waste: Inline water filters reduce the need for bottled water, helping create a greener environment.
• Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra cash 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 use home treatment systems for safe and healthy drinking water. Here are some telltale indicators that you might need to get a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, strange 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 protection.
• Repeated plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps alleviate blocked pipes, low water pressure and other troubles.
• Skin irritability: If you have 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 contamination? Getting 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 your water supply. A process called ion exchange works 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, this is what you’ll discover once you put in a water softener:

• Longer plumbing life span: Soft water decreases scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, lengthening their life span and enhancing their appearance.
• Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t cause a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, which keeps the water in your pipes and faucets flowing efficiently.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water helps cleaning products lather more effectively, resulting 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 run properly for lower energy expenses.

How to Know if You Need a Water Softener

Most water supplies in North America are considered moderately hard, hard or very hard. Learn more by reading your local government’s water quality report. In the meantime, here are some clues that you could use 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 eliminate this problem.
• Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators often become significantly blocked 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 properly, causing irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Frequent appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater fails frequently 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 each supply valuable benefits, but they perform different functions. An inline water filter removes contaminants and boosts overall water quality, while a water softener specifically removes hard minerals. In some cases, 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., carrying high-quality water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our team can help you determine if one or both solutions are necessary to help you achieve the best water quality in your the U.S. home.