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

You need clean water for everyday activities like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many Dayton homeowners wonder which is best—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 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 filters water as it comes into your residence. It’s installed directly on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other pollutants from the municipal water supply before it moves into your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal company, you may ask yourself why you might need an inline water filter. After all, the water is already 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 installing a water filter can improve the water in your home:

Healthier water: Water filters get rid of unsafe microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other impurities for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
Reduced sediment: Water filters decrease sediment buildup in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, shielding them from wear and tear.
No plastic waste: Inline water filters diminish 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 use home treatment systems for top-quality drinking water. Here are some telltale indicators that you need a whole-house water filter:

Discoloration, odd taste or nasty smell: If your tap water is anything but crystal-clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Consider putting in a filter for your safety.
Frequent plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps reduce clogged pipes, low water pressure and other problems.
Skin irritation: If you experience redness, rashes or other skin issues attributed to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be beneficial.
Past history: Does your local water supply have a record of pollution? Getting a whole-house water filter offers peace of mind against future problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener eliminates calcium and magnesium from water. A process called ion exchange operates sort of 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 observe once you put in a water softener:

Longer plumbing life span: Soft water decreases scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, prolonging 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, generating cleaner dishes, brighter laundry, and softer skin and hair, even with less soap and detergent.
Energy savings: A water softener helps your plumbing appliances work properly for lower power expenses.

How to Know if You Need a Water Softener

Most water reserves 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 city’s water quality report. In the meantime, here are some clues 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 frequently become badly blocked 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 stops soap from rinsing properly, contributing to irritated skin and brittle hair.
Repeated 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 Buy Both a Water Filter and a Water Softener?

Inline water filters and water softeners both provide valuable benefits, but they perform different jobs. An inline water filter eliminates contaminants and improves overall water quality, while a water softener specifically targets hard minerals. In some circumstances, using 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 Dayton

Stevenson Service Experts is a respected provider of water treatment remedies in Dayton, including water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our experienced professionals can help you determine if one or both solutions are necessary to help you get the best water quality in your Dayton home.