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 Windsor homeowners wonder which is right for them—a water filter or a water softener? Explore the important 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 cleans water as it goes into your house. It’s installed right 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 wonder why you could use an inline water filter. After all, the water is already treated at a water treatment plant. Unfortunately, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may acquire impurities between the treatment plant and your faucets. Here’s how using a water filter can benefit you:

• Healthier water: Water filters remove unsafe microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other impurities for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
• Reduced sediment: Water filters minimize 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, helping create a greener environment.
• Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra money on bottled water and minimizes 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 telltale indicators that you might need to get a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, odd taste or undesirable smell: If your tap water is anything but totally clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Think about putting in a filter for your safety.
• Repeated plumbing problems: A whole-house water filter helps alleviate plugged pipes, low water pressure and other issues.
• Skin irritability: If you notice anyone in your household is suffering from 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 contamination? Using a whole-house water filter offers peace of mind against potential problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from your water supply. A process called ion exchange works 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, extending their life span and bettering their appearance.
• Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t cause a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, keeping your pipes and faucets flowing smoothly.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water ensures cleaning products lather more effectively, which results 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 operate efficiently for lower power expenses.

How to Know if You Need a Water Softener

Most water reserves in North America are categorized as moderately hard, hard or very hard. You can learn about the quality of your local water by reading your city’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 often become badly 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 completely, contributing to irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Repeated appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater fails regularly 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 are two tools that supply valuable benefits, but they perform different operations. An inline water filter eliminates contaminants and boosts overall water quality, while a water softener specifically targets hard minerals. Sometimes, using 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 Windsor

Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts is a respected provider of water treatment products and solutions in Windsor, such as water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our experienced professionals can help you evaluate if one or both solutions are necessary to help you get the best water quality in your Windsor home.