Everyone needs clean water for daily routines like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many Windsor homeowners ask themselves which is best—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 figure out 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 enters your house. It’s installed 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 provider, you may question why you should get an inline water filter. After all, the water has already been cleansed at a water treatment plant. However, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may be contaminated with pollutants between the treatment plant and your faucets. Here’s how setting up a water filter can improve the water in your home:
- Healthier water: Water filters get rid of unhealthy microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other impurities for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
- Reduced sediment: Water filters decrease sediment accumulation in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, defending 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 decreasesthe 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 signs that you might need to get 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. Give consideration to adding a filter for your health and well-being.
- Constant plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps alleviate blocked pipes, low water pressure and other problems.
- Skin irritability: If you notice anyone in your household suffering from redness, rashes or other skin issues linked to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be helpful.
- Past history: Does your local water supply have a track record of contamination? Installing a whole-house water filter can give you peace of mind against long-term problems.
What Is a Water Softener?
A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from your water supply. A process called ion exchange acts 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, this 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, keeping your pipes and faucets flowing smoothly.
- Better soap lathering: Soft water ensures cleaning products lather more effectively, producing 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 effectively for lower electricity expenses.
How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener
Most water reserves in North America are characterized as 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 indicators that you could use a water softener:
- Scale buildup: A white, chalky residue 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 you get rid of this unsightly issue.
- Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators often 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 prevents soap from rinsing properly, causing irritated skin and brittle hair.
- Frequent appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops working often due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile purchase.
Should You Use Both a Water Filter and a Water Softener?
Inline water filters and water softeners are two tools that provide valuable benefits, but they perform different jobs. An inline water filter removes contaminants and elevates overall water quality, while a water softener specifically removes hard minerals. Sometimes, utilizing a water filter and a water softener is appropriate. Consider 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 remedies in Windsor, 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 Windsor home.