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

Everyone needs clean water for daily activities like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many Calgary homeowners consider the question of 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 benefits 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 house. It’s installed directly on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other impurities from the municipal water supply before flowing to your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal supplier, you may wonder why you might need an inline water filter. After all, the water is cleaned at a water treatment plant. Unfortunately, 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 setting up a water filter can assist you:

• Healthier water: Water filters get rid of 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, safeguarding them from wear and tear.
• No plastic waste: Inline water filters cut back on the need for bottled water, helping create a greener environment.
• Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra money on bottled water and minimizes the pressure on your plumbing system.

How to Tell if You Need a Whole-House Water Filter

About one-third of American households rely on home treatment systems for quality drinking water. Here are some signs that you need a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, unusual taste or nasty smell: If your tap water is anything but absolutely clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Think about adding a filter for your protection.
• Frequent plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps decrease clogged pipes, low water pressure and other issues.
• Skin irritability: If you notice anyone in your household is suffering from 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 possible contamination? Getting a whole-house water filter can give you 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 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, this is what you’ll observe once you set up a water softener:

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

How to Tell if You Need a Water Softener

Most water reserves in North America are deemed 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 signs that you could use a water softener:

• Scale buildup: A white, chalky residue 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.
• Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators often 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.
• Continual appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater fails 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 are two tools that offer valuable benefits, but they perform different functions. An inline water filter removes contaminants and boosts overall water quality, while a water softener specifically targets hard minerals. Sometimes, using a water filter and a water softener is required in order to make sure you have high-quality water. Evaluate your specific needs and water quality to determine the best solution for your household.

Schedule Water Filter and Water Softener Installation in Calgary

A1 Chesney Service Experts is a trustworthy provider of water treatment remedies in Calgary, carrying high-quality water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our skilled specialists can help you evaluate if one or both solutions are necessary to help you achieve the best water quality in your Calgary home.