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 Nashville homeowners wonder which is right for them—a water filter or a water softener? Explore 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 filters water as it comes into your home. It’s installed right on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other contaminants from the municipal water supply before entering your plumbing fixtures and appliances.
Benefits of Water Filters
If your water comes from a municipal provider, you may wonder why you could use an inline water filter. After all, the water has already been cleaned at a water treatment plant. The problem is, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may pick up impurities between the treatment plant and your residence. Here’s how setting up a water filter can assist you:
- Healthier water: Water filters take away unhealthy microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other debris for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
- Reduced sediment: Water filters minimize sediment collection in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, defending them from damage.
- No plastic waste: Inline water filters reduce 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 strain 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 quality drinking water. Here are some signs that you should use a whole-house water filter:
- Discoloration, unusual taste or undesirable smell: If your tap water is anything but crystal-clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Consider adding a filter for your safety.
- Frequent plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps decrease clogged pipes, low water pressure and other troubles.
- Skin discomfort: 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? Using 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 the water entering your home. A process called ion exchange acts 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 discover 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 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 is a good way to make sure cleaning products lather more effectively, generating cleaner dishes, brighter laundry, and softer skin and hair, even if you use a smaller amount of soap and detergent.
- Energy savings: A water softener helps your plumbing appliances work effectively for lower electricity bills.
How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener
Most water reserves in North America are characterized as moderately hard, hard or very hard. Learn more by reading your local government's water quality report. In the meantime, here are some indicators 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 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 a result of hard water.
- Dry skin and hair: Hard water prevents soap from rinsing completely, contributing to irritated skin and brittle hair.
- Frequent appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops working regularly due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile purchase.
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 operations. An inline water filter removes contaminants and improves overall water quality, while a water softener specifically removes 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 Nashville
Donelson Air Service Experts is a trusted provider of water treatment products and solutions in Nashville, such as water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our skilled specialists can help you determine if one or both solutions are necessary to help you enjoy the best water quality in your Nashville home.
