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 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 benefits they provide and how to decide 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 cleans water as it comes into your residence. It’s installed directly on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other impurities from the municipal water supply before it moves into your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal provider, you may wonder why you might need 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 be contaminated with impurities between the treatment plant and your faucets. Here’s how setting up a water filter can benefit you:

• Healthier water: Water filters get rid of unhealthy microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other potentially harmful particles for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
• Reduced sediment: Water filters decrease sediment buildup in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, defending 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 decreases the strain 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 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 totally clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Consider installing a filter for your protection.
• Repeated plumbing problems: A whole-house water filter helps decrease clogged pipes, low water pressure and other problems.
• Skin discomfort: 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 track record of pollution? Installing a whole-house water filter can give you peace of mind against future problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from your water supply. A process called ion exchange acts 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, here is what you’ll find once you set up a water softener:

• Longer plumbing life span: Soft water minimizes scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, lengthening 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 keeps the water in your pipes and faucets flowing smoothly.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water is a good way to make sure cleaning products lather more effectively, resulting in cleaner dishes, brighter laundry, and softer skin and hair, even when using less soap and detergent.
• Energy savings: A water softener helps your plumbing appliances run properly for lower electricity expenses.

How to Know 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 local government’s water quality report. In the meantime, here are some signs 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.
• Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators often become severely clogged 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 hinders soap from rinsing thoroughly, causing irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Continual appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops functioning often due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile investment.

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

Inline water filters and water softeners both supply valuable benefits, but they perform different jobs. An inline water filter eliminates contaminants and elevates overall water quality, while a water softener specifically addresses the problem of hard minerals. In some instances, utilizing a water filter and a water softener is necessary. 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 respected provider of water treatment products and solutions in the U.S., carrying high-quality water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our skilled specialists can help you decide if one or both solutions are necessary to help you get the best water quality in your the U.S. home.