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

We all need clean water for everyday routines like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many Philadelphia homeowners ask themselves which is right for them—a water filter or a water softener? Explore 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 filters water as it goes into your house. It’s installed right on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other contaminants 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 could use an inline water filter. After all, the water is already treated 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 faucets. Here’s how installing a water filter can improve the water in your home:

Healthier water: Water filters take away unsafe microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other debris for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
Reduced sediment: Water filters minimize sediment collection in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, safeguarding them from harm.
No plastic waste: Inline water filters reduce the need for bottled water, helping create a greener environment.
Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra money on bottled water and minimizesthe pressure 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 should use a whole-house water filter:

Discoloration, odd taste or nasty smell: If your tap water is anything but crystal-clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Think about putting in a filter for your protection.
Constant plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps alleviate plugged pipes, low water pressure and other problems.
Skin irritation: If you have 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 pollution? Getting a whole-house water filter can give you peace of mind against future problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener takes away 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 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 cause 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, producing 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 effectively for lower power charges.

How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener

Most water resources in North America are deemed 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 see a real difference in the quality of water in your home by installing a water softener:

Scale buildup: A white, chalky film on your fixtures and appliances is a sign 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 often become badly clogged 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 prevents soap from rinsing thoroughly, contributing to irritated skin and brittle hair.
Repeated appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater fails 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 both provide valuable benefits, but they perform different functions. 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, using 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 Philadelphia

Stallion Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning is a trusted provider of water treatment products and solutions in Philadelphia, such as 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 Philadelphia home.