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

You need clean water for everyday activities like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many the U.S. homeowners ask themselves which is better—a water filter or a water softener? Examine the primary differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the perks 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 filters water as it enters your home. It’s installed right on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other impurities 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 might need an inline water filter. After all, the water is cleansed at a water treatment plant. The problem is, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may be contaminated with harmful particles between the treatment plant and your residence. Here’s how setting up a water filter can benefit you:

Healthier water: Water filters take away unhealthy microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other potentially harmful particles for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
Reduced sediment: Water filters reduce sediment collection in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, shielding them from wear and tear.
No plastic waste: Inline water filters diminish the need for bottled water, adding to a greener environment.
Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra money on bottled water and minimizes 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 signals that you might need to get a whole-house water filter:

Discoloration, unusual taste or nasty smell: If your tap water is anything but crystal clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Consider putting in a filter for your health and well-being.
Repeated plumbing concerns: A whole-house water filter helps decrease blocked pipes, low water pressure and other issues.
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 track record of pollution? Using a whole-house water filter can give you peace of mind against long-term problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener eliminates 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, this is what you’ll notice once you put in a water softener:

Longer plumbing life span: Soft water reduces scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, lengthening 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 efficiently.
Better soap lathering: Soft water ensures cleaning products lather more effectively, resulting in cleaner dishes, brighter laundry, and softer skin and hair, even with less soap and detergent.
Energy savings: A water softener helps your plumbing appliances work effectively for lower energy charges.

How to Know if You Need a Water Softener

Most water reserves in North America are considered moderately hard, hard or very hard. A good way to find out about the quality of water in your home is by reading your local government’s water quality report. In the meantime, here are some clues that you could use a water softener:

Scale buildup: A white, chalky residue 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 commonly become badly clogged by mineral deposits within 18 months of use. Watch for this because it is another indication of hard water.
Dry skin and hair: Hard water stops soap from rinsing completely, contributing to irritated skin and brittle hair.
Repeated appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops working frequently due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile purchase.

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

Inline water filters and water softeners each supply valuable benefits, but they perform different functions. An inline water filter removes contaminants and elevates overall water quality, while a water softener specifically addresses the problem of hard minerals. In some cases, 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 remedies in the U.S., carrying high-quality water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our team can help you determine if one or both solutions are necessary to help you achieve the best water quality in your the U.S. home.