You need clean water for daily activities like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many Indianapolis homeowners wonder 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 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 directly 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 company, you may question why you should get an inline water filter. After all, the water is treated at a water treatment plant. However, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may acquire pollutants between the treatment plant and your faucets. Here’s how setting up a water filter can benefit you:
- Healthier water: Water filters remove unsafe microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other impurities for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
- Reduced sediment: Water filters decrease sediment accumulation in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, safeguarding them from harm.
- 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 your hard-earned cash on bottled water and minimizesthe 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 signals that you might need to get a whole-house water filter:
- Discoloration, strange taste or undesirable smell: If your tap water is anything but absolutely clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Give consideration to putting in a filter for your health and well-being.
- Repeated plumbing issues: A whole-house water filter helps reduce clogged pipes, low water pressure and other troubles.
- Skin irritation: If you have redness, rashes or other skin issues attributed to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be useful.
- Past history: Does your local water supply have a background of pollution? Installing a whole-house water filter provides 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 operates 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 observe once you set up a water softener:
- Longer plumbing life span: Soft water reduces scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, lengthening their life span and enhancing their appearance.
- Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t cause a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, keeping your pipes and faucets flowing effortlessly.
- Better soap lathering: Soft water ensures cleaning products lather more effectively, which results 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 operate efficiently for lower power expenses.
How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener
Most water reserves in North America are considered moderately hard, hard or very hard. Learn more by reading your local municipality'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 residue 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 you get rid of this unsightly issue.
- Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators often become severely 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 stops soap from rinsing correctly, resulting in irritated skin and brittle hair.
- Continual appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater breaks down regularly due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile acquisition.
Do You Need Both a Water Filter and a Water Softener?
Inline water filters and water softeners each supply valuable benefits, but they perform different operations. An inline water filter removes contaminants and elevates overall water quality, while a water softener specifically addresses the problem of 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 Indianapolis
Broad Ripple Service Experts is a respected provider of water treatment solutions in Indianapolis, carrying high-quality water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our team can help you determine if one or both solutions are necessary to help you achieve the best water quality in your Indianapolis home.