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 best—a water filter or a water softener? Explore the key 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 treats water as it enters your home. It’s installed directly on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other impurities 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 might need an inline water filter. After all, the water is already cleaned 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 faucets. Here’s how installing a water filter can benefit you:

• Healthier water: Water filters remove harmful microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other impurities for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
• Reduced sediment: Water filters minimize sediment buildup in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, protecting them from damage.
• No plastic waste: Inline water filters reduce the need for bottled water, contributing to a greener environment.
• Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra money on bottled water and reduces the strain 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 quality drinking water. Here are some signs that you need 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. Consider installing a filter for your safety.
• Frequent plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps alleviate clogged pipes, low water pressure and other problems.
• Skin irritation: If you experience redness, rashes or other skin issues attributed to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be beneficial.
• Past history: Does your local water supply have a history of contamination? Installing a whole-house water filter provides peace of mind against future problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from your water supply. A process called ion exchange works 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, here’s what you’ll notice once you install a water softener:

• Longer plumbing life span: Soft water reduces scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, prolonging 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, keeping your pipes and faucets flowing smoothly.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water helps 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 run efficiently for lower energy bills.

How to Tell if You Need a Water Softener

Most water supplies in North America are considered moderately hard, hard or very hard. Learn more by reading your city’s water quality report. In the meantime, here are some signs that you could benefit from 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.
• Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators often 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 prevents soap from rinsing properly, causing irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Frequent appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater breaks down 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 each provide valuable benefits, but they perform different functions. An inline water filter removes contaminants and improves overall water quality, while a water softener specifically targets hard minerals. In some cases, 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 trusted provider of water treatment solutions in the U.S., including water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our team can help you decide if one or both solutions are necessary to help you achieve the best water quality in your the U.S. home.