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 the U.S. 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 advantages 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 comes into your residence. It’s installed right on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other pollutants from the municipal water supply before flowing to your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal supplier, you may wonder why you could use an inline water filter. After all, the water has already been treated at a water treatment plant. The problem is, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may pick up pollutants between the treatment plant and your residence. Here’s how installing a water filter can improve the water in your home:

• • Healthier water: Water filters get rid of unhealthy microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other debris for safer, better-tasting drinking water.

• • Reduced sediment: Water filters decrease sediment accumulation in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, defending them from harm.

• • No plastic waste: Inline water filters diminish 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 decreases 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 safe and healthy drinking water. Here are some telltale indicators that you might need to get a whole-house water filter:

• • Discoloration, odd taste or unpleasant smell: If your tap water is anything but crystal clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Think about installing a filter for your safety.

• • Frequent plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps decrease blocked pipes, low water pressure and other troubles.

• • Skin irritability: If you have redness, rashes or other skin issues attributed 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 long-term problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener takes away calcium and magnesium from water. 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 notice once you install a water softener:

• • Longer plumbing life span: Soft water minimizes scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, extending their life span and bettering 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 helps 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 work properly for lower energy expenses.

How to Know if You Need a Water Softener

Most water reserves in North America are considered 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 use 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 you get rid of this unsightly issue.

• • Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators frequently become severely obstructed 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.

• • Repeated appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops working often due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile purchase.

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 jobs. An inline water filter eliminates contaminants and improves overall water quality, while a water softener specifically addresses the problem of hard minerals. In some instances, having 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 the U.S.

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is a trustworthy provider of water treatment solutions in the U.S., including water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our experienced professionals can help you determine if one or both solutions are necessary to help you enjoy the best water quality in your the U.S. home.