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 Clearwater homeowners wonder which is best—a water filter or a water softener? Discover the key differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the perks 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 filters water as it comes 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 it moves into 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 cleansed at a water treatment plant. The problem is, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may be contaminated with impurities between the treatment plant and your home. Here’s how setting up a water filter can assist you:

Healthier water: Water filters take away unsafe 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, safeguarding them from wear and tear.
No plastic waste: Inline water filters cut back on the need for bottled water, helping create a greener environment.
Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra your hard-earned cash on bottled water and minimizesthe 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 signals that you should use 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 adding a filter for your health and well-being.
Constant plumbing problems: A whole-house water filter helps alleviate blocked pipes, low water pressure and other issues.
Skin irritability: If you notice anyone in your household suffering from redness, rashes or other skin issues connected to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be useful.
Past history: Does your local water supply have a record of possible contamination? Getting a whole-house water filter can give you peace of mind against potential problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener eliminates calcium and magnesium from the water entering your home. A process called ion exchange operates 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 is what you’ll observe once you set up a water softener:

Longer plumbing life span: Soft water decreases scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, prolonging their life span and improving their appearance.
Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t cause a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, which helps keep your pipes and faucets flowing smoothly.
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 run effectively for lower energy bills.

How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener

Most water reserves in North America are characterized as moderately hard, hard or very hard. You can learn about the quality of your local water by reading your city’s water quality report. In the meantime, here are some indicators that you could benefit from a water softener:

Scale buildup: A white, chalky substance 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 often become significantly 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 properly, causing irritated skin and brittle hair.
Repeated appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops working frequently due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile investment.

Do You Need Both a Water Filter and a Water Softener?

Inline water filters and water softeners each offer valuable benefits, but they perform different operations. An inline water filter eliminates contaminants and boosts overall water quality, while a water softener specifically targets hard minerals. In some cases, using a water filter and a water softener is necessary. Evaluate your specific needs and water quality to determine the best solution for your household.

Schedule Water Filter and Water Softener Installation in Clearwater

Midway Services is a trustworthy provider of water treatment remedies in Clearwater, such as water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our team can help you decide if one or both solutions are necessary to help you enjoy the best water quality in your Clearwater home.