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

Everyone needs clean water for daily routines like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many Winnipeg homeowners consider the question of which is best—a water filter or a water softener? Explore the key differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the advantages 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 goes into your residence. It’s installed right on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other contaminants from the municipal water supply before it moves into your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Benefits of Water Filters

If your water comes from a municipal provider, you may question why you might need 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 setting up a water filter can improve the water in your home:

• Healthier water: Water filters get rid of unhealthy microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other potentially harmful particles for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
• Reduced sediment: Water filters reduce sediment collection in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, protecting them from harm.
• No plastic waste: Inline water filters reduce the need for bottled water, helping create a greener environment.
• Cost-effectiveness: Access to clean, safe tap water saves you from spending extra your hard-earned cash on bottled water and minimizes the strain 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 top-quality drinking water. Here are some signs that you need a whole-house water filter:

• Discoloration, odd taste or unpleasant smell: If your tap water is anything but totally clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Give consideration to installing a filter for your health and well-being.
• Frequent plumbing concerns: A whole-house water filter helps alleviate clogged pipes, low water pressure and other troubles.
• Skin irritability: If you experience redness, rashes or other skin issues linked to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be beneficial.
• Past history: Does your local water supply have a background of pollution? Installing a whole-house water filter can give you peace of mind against long-term problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from your water supply. A process called ion exchange works somewhat 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 find once you install a water softener:

• Longer plumbing life span: Soft water decreases scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, prolonging their life span and improving 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 easily.
• Better soap lathering: Soft water ensures cleaning products lather more effectively, producing 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 electricity bills.

How to Tell if You Need a Water Softener

Most water supplies in North America are characterized as 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 film 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 severely 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 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 acquisition.

Should You Use 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 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 appropriate. Evaluate your specific needs and water quality to determine the best solution for your household.

Schedule Water Filter and Water Softener Installation in Winnipeg

Winnipeg Supply Service Experts is a trustworthy provider of water treatment products and solutions in Winnipeg, 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 Winnipeg home.