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

You need clean water for daily activities like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many the U.S. homeowners wonder which is right for them—a water filter or a water softener? Explore the primary differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the benefits they provide and how to figure out 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 enters your home. It’s installed directly 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 company, you may wonder why you should get an inline water filter. After all, the water is already cleansed at a water treatment plant. Unfortunately, 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 installing a water filter can improve the water in your home:

• Healthier water: Water filters get rid of unsafe microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other potentially harmful particles for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
• Reduced sediment: Water filters minimize sediment collection in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, shielding 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 cash on bottled water and reduces the pressure on your plumbing system.

How to Tell if You Need a Whole-House Water Filter

About one-third of American households rely on 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. Think about putting in a filter for your protection.
• Frequent plumbing problems: A whole-house water filter helps alleviate clogged pipes, low water pressure and other issues.
• Skin discomfort: If you notice anyone in your household is suffering from redness, rashes or other skin issues attributed to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be helpful.
• Past history: Does your local water supply have a track record of possible contamination? Getting a whole-house water filter can give you 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 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’s what you’ll discover once you install 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 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 ensures cleaning products lather more effectively, which results in cleaner dishes, brighter laundry, and softer skin and hair, even when using less soap and detergent.
• Energy savings: A water softener helps your plumbing appliances run properly for lower electricity charges.

How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener

Most water reserves 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 indicators that you could benefit from 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.
• 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 a sign of hard water.
• Dry skin and hair: Hard water stops soap from rinsing properly, resulting in irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Frequent appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater fails frequently due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile acquisition.

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

Inline water filters and water softeners are two tools that provide valuable benefits, but they perform different operations. An inline water filter eliminates contaminants and elevates overall water quality, while a water softener specifically targets hard minerals. In some circumstances, having 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., 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 the U.S. home.