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

We all need clean water for everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many the U.S. homeowners wonder which is best—a water filter or a water softener? Discover the important differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the benefits 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 cleans 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 it gets to your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal provider, you may question why you might need an inline water filter. After all, the water is cleansed at a water treatment plant. However, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may pick up impurities between the treatment plant and your residence. Here’s how using a water filter can benefit you:

• Healthier water: Water filters remove harmful microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other debris for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
• Reduced sediment: Water filters decrease sediment collection in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, protecting them from damage.
• 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 your hard-earned 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 top-quality drinking water. Here are some telltale indicators that you need a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, odd taste or undesirable smell: If your tap water is anything but crystal clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Consider adding a filter for your safety.
• Frequent plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps reduce blocked pipes, low water pressure and other troubles.
• Skin irritability: If you have redness, rashes or other skin issues linked to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be helpful.
• Past history: Does your local water supply have a history of contamination? Installing a whole-house water filter can give you peace of mind against long-term problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener takes away calcium and magnesium from the water entering your home. A process called ion exchange works 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 put in a water softener:

• Longer plumbing life span: Soft water reduces scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, extending their life span and improving their appearance.
• Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t leave 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 ensures 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 operate efficiently for lower power charges.

How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener

Most water resources in North America are categorized as moderately hard, hard or very hard. Learn more by reading your city’s water quality report. In the meantime, here are some clues that you could use a water softener:

• 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 you get rid of this unsightly issue.
• Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators frequently become severely 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 stops soap from rinsing correctly, causing irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Frequent appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater malfunctions often 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 both offer valuable benefits, but they perform different operations. An inline water filter removes contaminants and improves overall water quality, while a water softener specifically addresses the problem of hard minerals. In some circumstances, utilizing a water filter and a water softener is appropriate. 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 trusted provider of water treatment solutions in the U.S., including water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our experienced professionals can help you evaluate if one or both solutions are necessary to help you enjoy the best water quality in your the U.S. home.