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

You need clean water for daily routines like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many San Antonio homeowners ask themselves 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 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 residence. It’s installed directly 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 supplier, you may wonder why you should get an inline water filter. After all, the water has already been cleaned 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 using a water filter can benefit you:

Healthier water: Water filters take away harmful microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other impurities for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
Reduced sediment: Water filters decrease sediment buildup in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, protecting them from damage.
No plastic waste: Inline water filters cut back on 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 minimizesthe 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 safe and healthy drinking water. Here are some signals that you need a whole-house water filter:

Discoloration, odd taste or undesirable smell: If your tap water is anything but totally clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Think about adding a filter for your safety.
Repeated plumbing concerns: A whole-house water filter helps reduce plugged pipes, low water pressure and other problems.
Skin irritability: If you have redness, rashes or other skin issues linked to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be helpful.
Past history: Does your local water supply have a background of pollution? 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 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 discover once you install a water softener:

Longer plumbing life span: Soft water minimizes scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, lengthening their life span and bettering their appearance.
Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t cause a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, which keeps the water in 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 when using less soap and detergent.
Energy savings: A water softener helps your plumbing appliances run effectively for lower power charges.

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 indicators 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 you get rid of this unsightly issue.
Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators often become badly blocked 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 hinders soap from rinsing properly, causing irritated skin and brittle hair.
Continual appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater malfunctions frequently due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile acquisition.

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

Inline water filters and water softeners both offer valuable benefits, but they perform different operations. An inline water filter takes away contaminants and improves overall water quality, while a water softener specifically addresses the problem of hard minerals. In some cases, having a water filter and a water softener is appropriate. Assess your specific needs and water quality to determine the best solution for your household.

Schedule Water Filter and Water Softener Installation in San Antonio

Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air is a respected provider of water treatment solutions in San Antonio, including water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our experienced professionals can help you decide if one or both solutions are necessary to help you get the best water quality in your San Antonio home.