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 Louisville homeowners consider the question of which is right for them—a water filter or a water softener? Examine the key differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the benefits 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 filters 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 it gets to your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal supplier, you may ask yourself why you could use 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 pick up harmful particles between the treatment plant and your home. Here’s how using a water filter can improve the water in your home:

Healthier water: Water filters take away unsafe microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other potentially harmful particles for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
Reduced sediment: Water filters reduce sediment buildup in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, safeguarding them from harm.
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 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 depend on home treatment systems for top-quality drinking water. Here are some telltale indicators that you should use a whole-house water filter:

Discoloration, strange taste or nasty 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 health and well-being.
Frequent plumbing problems: A whole-house water filter helps decrease clogged pipes, low water pressure and other troubles.
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 possible contamination? Getting a whole-house water filter can give you peace of mind against potential 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, this is what you’ll notice once you set up a water softener:

Longer plumbing life span: Soft water minimizes scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, extending their life span and bettering 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, generating 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 run effectively for lower power charges.

How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener

Most water resources in North America are deemed moderately hard, hard or very hard. Learn more by reading your local government's water quality report. In the meantime, here are some signs that you could see a real difference in the quality of water in your home by installing 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 you get rid of this unsightly issue.
Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators frequently 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 stops soap from rinsing correctly, causing 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 Buy Both a Water Filter and a Water Softener?

Inline water filters and water softeners are two tools that supply valuable benefits, but they perform different operations. An inline water filter removes contaminants and elevates overall water quality, while a water softener specifically removes hard minerals. In some circumstances, 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 Louisville

Becht/Givens Service Experts is a trustworthy provider of water treatment products and solutions in Louisville, including water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our skilled specialists can help you decide if one or both solutions are necessary to help you achieve the best water quality in your Louisville home.