Do I Really Need a Water Softener or Is an Inline Filter Sufficient?
You need clean water for day-to-day routines 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 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 treats water as it comes into your house. It’s installed right on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other pollutants 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 wonder why you should get an inline water filter. After all, the water is cleaned at a water treatment plant. Unfortunately, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may be contaminated with pollutants between the treatment plant and your residence. Here’s how using a water filter can assist you:
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- Healthier water: Water filters take away unsafe microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other potentially harmful particles for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
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- Reduced sediment: Water filters reduce sediment accumulation in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, protecting them from damage.
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- No plastic waste: Inline water filters cut back on the need for bottled water, contributing to a greener environment.
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- Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra your hard-earned 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 depend on 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:
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- Discoloration, odd 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 adding a filter for your health and well-being.
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- Constant plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps alleviate clogged pipes, low water pressure and other issues.
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- Skin irritability: If you have redness, rashes or other skin issues connected to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be beneficial.
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- Past history: Does your local water supply have a record of possible contamination? Getting a whole-house water filter offers peace of mind against future problems.
What Is a Water Softener?
A water softener eliminates 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, this is what you’ll observe once you install a water softener:
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- Longer plumbing life span: Soft water decreases scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, extending their life span and bettering their appearance.
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- Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t create a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, which helps keep your pipes and faucets flowing smoothly.
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- Better soap lathering: Soft water helps cleaning products lather more effectively, producing cleaner dishes, brighter laundry, and softer skin and hair, even when using less soap and detergent.
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- Energy savings: A water softener helps your plumbing appliances run efficiently for lower energy bills.
How to Know if You Need a Water Softener
Most water supplies in North America are categorized as 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 benefit from a water softener:
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- Scale buildup: A white, chalky substance 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.
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- Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators frequently become significantly clogged by mineral deposits within 18 months of use. Watch for this because it is another indication of hard water.
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- Dry skin and hair: Hard water prevents soap from rinsing correctly, contributing to irritated skin and brittle hair.
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- Frequent appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater malfunctions 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 offer valuable benefits, but they perform different jobs. An inline water filter takes away contaminants and improves overall water quality, while a water softener specifically targets hard minerals. Sometimes, having 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 trusted provider of water treatment solutions in the U.S., such as 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.