We all need clean water for day-to-day tasks like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many Knoxville homeowners wonder which is best—a water filter or a water softener? Discover the primary differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the benefits 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 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 entering your plumbing fixtures and appliances.
Benefits of Water Filters
If your water comes from a municipal supplier, you may question why you might need an inline water filter. After all, the water is cleaned at a water treatment plant. The problem is, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may acquire harmful particles between the treatment plant and your residence. Here’s how using a water filter can assist 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, defending them from wear and tear.
- No plastic waste: Inline water filters cut back on the need for bottled water, adding to a greener environment.
- Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra your hard-earned cash on bottled water and reducesthe strain 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 quality drinking water. Here are some telltale indicators that you need a whole-house water filter:
- Discoloration, unusual taste or unpleasant smell: If your tap water is anything but totally clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Consider installing a filter for your protection.
- Constant plumbing problems: A whole-house water filter helps reduce plugged pipes, low water pressure and other troubles.
- Skin irritability: If you experience redness, rashes or other skin issues linked to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be useful.
- Past history: Does your local water supply have a background of pollution? Installing a whole-house water filter can give you peace of mind against potential problems.
What Is a Water Softener?
A water softener takes away calcium and magnesium from the water entering your home. A process called ion exchange operates 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 is 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, extending 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 easily.
- Better soap lathering: Soft water is a good way to make sure cleaning products lather more effectively, resulting in 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 properly for lower electricity bills.
How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener
Most water supplies in North America are characterized as moderately hard, hard or very hard. You can learn about the quality of your local water 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 film 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 eliminate this problem.
- Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators frequently become severely blocked 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 hinders soap from rinsing correctly, contributing to irritated skin and brittle hair.
- Frequent appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops working 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 both offer valuable benefits, but they perform different jobs. An inline water filter removes contaminants and improves overall water quality, while a water softener specifically removes hard minerals. In some circumstances, utilizing a water filter and a water softener is necessary. Assess your specific needs and water quality to determine the best solution for your household.
Schedule Water Filter and Water Softener Installation in Knoxville
R & M Climate Control Service Experts is a trusted provider of water treatment products and solutions in Knoxville, including water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our experienced professionals can help you evaluate if one or both solutions are necessary to help you enjoy the best water quality in your Knoxville home.