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

Everyone needs clean water for everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many San Antonio homeowners ask themselves which is right for them—a water filter or a water softener? Examine the key differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the advantages 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 filters water as it goes into your home. It’s installed 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 provider, you may ask yourself why you could use an inline water filter. After all, the water is already cleaned at a water treatment plant. However, 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 assist you:

Healthier water: Water filters get rid of harmful microorganisms, carcinogenic materials and other potentially harmful particles for safer, better-tasting drinking water.
Reduced sediment: Water filters decrease sediment collection in your pipes, appliances and fixtures, safeguarding them from wear and tear.
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 cash on bottled water and reducesthe 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 safe and healthy drinking water. Here are some signs that you might need to get a whole-house water filter:

Discoloration, unusual taste or nasty smell: If your tap water is anything but totally clear, clean-tasting and odor-free, it may be contaminated. Think about installing a filter for your protection.
Constant plumbing issues: 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 connected to poor water quality, a whole-house water filter may be useful.
Past history: Does your local water supply have a record of possible contamination? Using a whole-house water filter offers 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 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, 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, prolonging 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, keeping your pipes and faucets flowing efficiently.
Better soap lathering: Soft water helps 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 energy charges.

How to Tell if You Need a Water Softener

Most water resources in North America are considered moderately hard, hard or very hard. A good way to find out about the quality of water in your home is by reading your local government's water quality report. In the meantime, here are some indicators that you could use a water softener:

Scale buildup: A white, chalky substance 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 correctly, resulting in irritated skin and brittle hair.
Repeated appliance repairs: If your dishwasher or water heater stops working frequently due to scale buildup, a water softener may be a worthwhile purchase.

Should You Use 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 takes away contaminants and elevates overall water quality, while a water softener specifically removes hard minerals. In some instances, using a water filter and a water softener is required in order to make sure you have high-quality water. Consider your specific needs and water quality to determine the best solution for your household.

Schedule Water Filter and Water Softener Installation in San Antonio

San Antonio Air Service Experts is a trustworthy provider of water treatment solutions in San Antonio, 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 San Antonio home.