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

Everyone needs clean water for everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many the U.S. homeowners consider the question of which is better—a water filter or a water softener? Discover the key 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 treats water as it enters your home. It’s installed on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other contaminants 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 cleaned at a water treatment plant. However, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may pick up harmful particles 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 take away harmful microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other impurities for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
Reduced sediment: Water filters reduce sediment buildup in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, shielding them from harm.
No plastic waste: Inline water filters diminish 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 use home treatment systems for quality drinking water. Here are some signs that you need a whole-house water filter:

Discoloration, unusual taste or unpleasant smell: If your tap water is anything but absolutely clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Consider installing a filter for your health and well-being.
Constant plumbing concerns: A whole-house water filter helps decrease clogged pipes, low water pressure and other issues.
Skin discomfort: If you experience 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 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 your water supply. A process called ion exchange operates similar to 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 observe once you install a water softener:

Longer plumbing life span: Soft water decreases scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, prolonging 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 helps keep your pipes and faucets flowing effortlessly.
Better soap lathering: Soft water is a good way to make sure 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 operate efficiently for lower power charges.

How to Know if You Need a Water Softener

Most water resources 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 signs that you could use a water softener:

Scale buildup: A white, chalky substance 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 a result of hard water.
Dry skin and hair: Hard water hinders soap from rinsing thoroughly, contributing to irritated skin and brittle hair.
Continual appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater fails often due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile acquisition.

Do You Need Both a Water Filter and a Water Softener?

Inline water filters and water softeners both supply valuable benefits, but they perform different functions. An inline water filter takes away contaminants and improves overall water quality, while a water softener specifically removes hard minerals. In some circumstances, using 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 the U.S.

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