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

We all need clean water for daily routines like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many the U.S. homeowners consider the question of which is best—a water filter or a water softener? Discover the key differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the advantages 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 goes into your house. It’s installed right on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other impurities from the municipal water supply before flowing to your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal company, you may ask yourself why you could use 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 acquire pollutants between the treatment plant and your faucets. Here’s how setting up a water filter can benefit you:

• Healthier water: Water filters take away harmful microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other impurities for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
• Reduced sediment: Water filters decrease sediment accumulation in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, protecting them from harm.
• No plastic waste: Inline water filters diminish the need for bottled water, contributing to a greener environment.
• Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra cash 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 use home treatment systems for top-quality drinking water. Here are some telltale indicators that you should use a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, strange taste or undesirable smell: If your tap water is anything but crystal clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Give consideration to putting in a filter for your safety.
• Frequent plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps decrease plugged pipes, low water pressure and other troubles.
• Skin irritability: If you notice anyone in your household is suffering from 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? Getting a whole-house water filter offers peace of mind against potential problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener eliminates calcium and magnesium from water. 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, this is 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 keeps the water in your pipes and faucets flowing easily.
• 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 with less soap and detergent.
• Energy savings: A water softener helps your plumbing appliances work effectively for lower energy charges.

How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener

Most water supplies in North America are considered 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 clues 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 eliminate this problem.
• Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators commonly 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.
• Repeated appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops working often due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile acquisition.

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

Inline water filters and water softeners both provide valuable benefits, but they perform different jobs. An inline water filter eliminates contaminants and elevates overall water quality, while a water softener specifically targets hard minerals. In some cases, utilizing a water filter and a water softener is required in order to make sure you have high-quality water. 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 trustworthy provider of water treatment solutions in the U.S., carrying high-quality water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our experienced professionals can help you determine if one or both solutions are necessary to help you get the best water quality in your the U.S. home.