Do I Really Need a Water Softener or Is an Inline Filter Sufficient?
You need clean water for day-to-day tasks like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many Orlando homeowners wonder which is right for them—a water filter or a water softener? Discover the key 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 home. It’s installed directly on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other contaminants 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 provider, you may ask yourself why you might need 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 home. Here’s how installing a water filter can assist you:
- Healthier water: Water filters remove harmful microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other debris for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
- Reduced sediment: Water filters minimize sediment buildup in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, protecting them from harm.
- 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 your hard-earned cash on bottled water and decreasesthe 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 safe and healthy drinking water. Here are some signals that you need a whole-house water filter:
- Discoloration, odd taste or unpleasant 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 protection.
- Repeated plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps reduce blocked 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 history of contamination? Installing a whole-house water filter offers peace of mind against future problems.
What Is a Water Softener?
A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from your water supply. A process called ion exchange operates somewhat 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’s what you’ll discover once you put in a water softener:
- Longer plumbing life span: Soft water minimizes scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, lengthening their life span and improving 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 easily.
- Better soap lathering: Soft water helps 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 operate effectively for lower energy bills.
How to Know if You Need a Water Softener
Most water reserves in North America are characterized as 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 use a water softener:
- Scale buildup: A white, chalky film on your fixtures and appliances is evidence 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 frequently become badly obstructed by mineral deposits within 18 months of use. Watch for this because it is another indication of hard water.
- Dry skin and hair: Hard water prevents soap from rinsing completely, causing 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 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 removes contaminants and elevates overall water quality, while a water softener specifically addresses the problem of hard minerals. In some instances, having 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 Orlando
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is a trustworthy provider of water treatment solutions in Orlando, including water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our skilled specialists can help you determine if one or both solutions are necessary to help you achieve the best water quality in your Orlando home.
