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

You need clean water for day-to-day tasks like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many Fort Worth homeowners consider the question of which is right for them—a water filter or a water softener? Discover the important differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the benefits they provide and how to figure out 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 cleans water as it enters your residence. It’s installed right on your main water line, removing sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other pollutants 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 has already been cleansed at a water treatment plant. Unfortunately, many local water supplies barely meet EPA standards, and water may acquire harmful particles between the treatment plant and your home. Here’s how setting up a water filter can assist you:

Healthier water: Water filters take away 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, defending 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 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 top-quality drinking water. Here are some telltale indicators that you should use a whole-house water filter:

Discoloration, odd taste or nasty smell: If your tap water is anything but absolutely clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Think about putting in a filter for your protection.
Frequent plumbing problems: A whole-house water filter helps decrease blocked pipes, low water pressure and other problems.
Skin discomfort: If you notice anyone in your household suffering from redness, rashes or other skin issues connected to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be beneficial.
Past history: Does your local water supply have a background of pollution? Getting a whole-house water filter provides peace of mind against future problems.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from water. A process called ion exchange acts similar to 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 observe once you install a water softener:

Longer plumbing life span: Soft water reduces scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, lengthening their life span and bettering their appearance.
Clog-free plumbing: Soft water doesn’t create a hard mineral coating to adhere to your plumbing system, which helps keep your pipes and faucets flowing efficiently.
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 properly for lower power expenses.

How to Determine if You Need a Water Softener

Most water reserves in North America are deemed moderately hard, hard or very hard. You can learn about the quality of your local water 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 film 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 you get rid of this unsightly issue.
Low water pressure: Showerheads and faucet aerators frequently become severely obstructed by mineral deposits within 18 months of use. Watch for this because it is a sign of hard water.
Dry skin and hair: Hard water stops soap from rinsing thoroughly, causing irritated skin and brittle hair.
Continual appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops working frequently 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 provide valuable benefits, but they perform different jobs. An inline water filter eliminates contaminants and boosts overall water quality, while a water softener specifically addresses the problem of hard minerals. Sometimes, utilizing 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 Fort Worth

Stark Services is a respected provider of water treatment solutions in Fort Worth, such as water filters and water softeners from Excalibur. Our team can help you decide if one or both solutions are necessary to help you enjoy the best water quality in your Fort Worth home.