Everyone needs clean water for day-to-day tasks like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many Columbus homeowners wonder which is right for them—a water filter or a water softener? Examine the important differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the advantages 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 treats water as it goes into your home. It’s installed directly on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other pollutants 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 should get an inline water filter. After all, the water is treated at a water treatment plant. The problem is, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may be contaminated with pollutants between the treatment plant and your home. Here’s how setting up a water filter can assist you:
- Healthier water: Water filters remove harmful microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other impurities 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 diminish the need for bottled water, contributing to a greener environment.
- Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra cash on bottled water and reducesthe stress 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 should use a whole-house water filter:
- Discoloration, strange 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 health and well-being.
- Frequent plumbing concerns: A whole-house water filter helps alleviate blocked pipes, low water pressure and other issues.
- Skin irritability: If you notice anyone in your household suffering from redness, rashes or other skin issues connected to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be useful.
- Past history: Does your local water supply have a history of contamination? Getting a whole-house water filter offers 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 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 notice once you set up a water softener:
- Longer plumbing life span: Soft water decreases scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, lengthening their life span and enhancing 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 efficiently.
- Better soap lathering: Soft water helps 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 efficiently for lower electricity expenses.
How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener
Most water reserves in North America are deemed 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 benefit from a water softener:
- Scale buildup: A white, chalky substance 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 significantly 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 stops soap from rinsing thoroughly, contributing to irritated skin and brittle hair.
- Frequent appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater fails often due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile investment.
Should You Buy Both a Water Filter and a Water Softener?
Inline water filters and water softeners each offer valuable benefits, but they perform different functions. An inline water filter eliminates contaminants and elevates overall water quality, while a water softener specifically targets hard minerals. In some cases, having a water filter and a water softener is necessary. Consider your specific needs and water quality to determine the best solution for your household.
Schedule Water Filter and Water Softener Installation in Columbus
Stevenson Service Experts is a trustworthy provider of water treatment solutions in Columbus, including water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our skilled specialists can help you evaluate if one or both solutions are necessary to help you enjoy the best water quality in your Columbus home.