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

We all need clean water for daily routines like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many Edmonton homeowners ask themselves 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 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 filters water as it comes into your home. It’s installed right on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other pollutants from the municipal water supply before it gets to your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal company, you may ask yourself why you should get an inline water filter. After all, the water is treated at a water treatment plant. Unfortunately, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may be contaminated with harmful particles between the treatment plant and your home. Here’s how installing a water filter can benefit you:

• Healthier water: Water filters get rid of unsafe 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, defending 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 cash on bottled water and decreases the pressure 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 signs that you might need to get a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, unusual taste or undesirable smell: If your tap water is anything but absolutely clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Think about putting in a filter for your protection.
• Repeated plumbing concerns: A whole-house water filter helps reduce blocked pipes, low water pressure and other troubles.
• Skin irritability: If you have 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? Getting a whole-house water filter can give you peace of mind against future problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener eliminates 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 notice once you put in a water softener:

• Longer plumbing life span: Soft water reduces scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, prolonging their life span and enhancing their appearance.
• Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t create a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, keeping your pipes and faucets flowing effortlessly.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water is a good way to make sure cleaning products lather more effectively, which results in 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 properly for lower energy charges.

How to Tell if You Need a Water Softener

Most water resources in North America are categorized as moderately hard, hard or very hard. Learn more 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 residue on your fixtures and appliances is a sign of hard water, as are the white spots on your dishes, glass shower door and coffee maker. A water softener can help.
• Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators frequently become significantly 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 prevents soap from rinsing properly, contributing to irritated skin and brittle hair.
• Repeated appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater fails frequently due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile investment.

Should You Use Both a Water Filter and a Water Softener?

Inline water filters and water softeners each supply valuable benefits, but they perform different operations. An inline water filter takes away contaminants and elevates overall water quality, while a water softener specifically targets hard minerals. In some circumstances, having a water filter and a water softener is necessary. Assess your specific needs and water quality to determine the best solution for your household.

Schedule Water Filter and Water Softener Installation in Edmonton

Rob's Albertan Service Experts is a trustworthy provider of water treatment solutions in Edmonton, such as water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our experienced professionals can help you determine if one or both solutions are necessary to help you achieve the best water quality in your Edmonton home.