Your choice of water treatment system will be determined by the problem(s) you’re trying to solve. Some situations necessitate a filter, while others require a softener. It is possible to accomplish both in some cases. The various functions of each unit will be briefly discussed in this article. It should help you choose the best solution for your needs.
The whole house filtration vs water softener quick guide below is a must-read for everyone.
Water Filters for the Whole House
Both city and healthy water can be treated with whole-house filters. Sediment is removed by both types of filters (larger particles of dirt and rust). Chlorine and other pollutants are removed by city water filters using carbon. Carbon may still be used as a filtration medium in well water filters. However, the media is often engineered to extract minerals. Some attempt to handle both problems at once. A scale inhibitor, used in conjunction with a whole-house water filter, is the most effective way to remove hard water minerals besides water softening.
-
Instructions for Use
Most warranties stipulate that a licensed plumber must perform installations. A professional plumber is also required to install whole-house systems in some places. The city may need a professional plumber even if the manufacturer does not.
-
Requirements for Upkeep
Filters need to be replaced regularly.
Softeners for Water
A typical water softener employs an ion-exchange resin to get rid of the minerals in hard water. Hard water minerals are attracted to this resin and “exchanged” for sodium. This method is the only one that can be relied on to remove all of the minerals from hard water. A water softener is your best bet if you deal with hard water problems. Because of this, a water softener is a sole alternative to a whole-house water filtration system.
-
Instructions for Use
While most people can install whole-house filters, water softeners are more complicated. As with whole-house filters, the warranty on most systems is only valid if a qualified plumber fits them. The installation of water softeners in some places requires a professional plumber. If you want to install the system yourself, the manufacturer doesn’t need a certified plumber.
-
Requirements for Upkeep
Filling the brine tank with salt is all that is needed.
Comparing apples to oranges when evaluating a whole-house water filter versus a water softener. Considering that they were built for different purposes, one is likely to perform better than the other. Again, this is dependent on your requirements.
Do Whole House Water Filtration Systems Also Soften Water?
When purchasing a whole house water filter and/or water softener, you should keep a few things in mind.
A multi-stage filtration process certified by NSF is one of the first things to look for in a whole house water filter system. Using city water, the entire plumbing system will usually come before the softener. Before the resins inside the softener may be damaged, chlorine must be removed.
Chlorine isn’t an issue if you have well water in your house. The whole-house filtration system should be used to treat the house after the water softener in this situation. As a result, this order ensures that your home’s water outlets receive healthy, filtered water.
Now that you’ve learned how a water softener works with a home water treatment system let’s speak about whether you need a water softener. Water filtration is used to ensure that the water we drink is as pure as possible. Because sodium is added during the softening process, you aren’t distributing the most sterile water possible in your home. Salt is so concentrated in the water that it can practically be tasted. If you currently have a water softener in your home, you must filter your water before drinking it.
A water softener removes calcium and other “hard” minerals from the water. It is possible to reduce iron and other hardening factors down to microns while retaining healthful minerals in whole house filters. As a result, the effectiveness of your home water filtration system will be reduced, but it will still work in a similar way to a regular water softener. It’s far better for you and your family because there’s no sodium.
Some water softeners may also remove heavy metals and sulfates from the water and extract minerals. A high-quality whole-house filtration system is far superior to these devices. Using whole-house filters, it is possible to remove synthetic chemicals like pesticides and prescription medicines, chlorine ,and other impurities. On the other hand, a water softener doesn’t provide many of the same benefits as a home water filtration system. These include healthful drinking water, filtered showers and baths, and longer-lasting appliances.
Water Softener and Filtration System Advantages
There are benefits to using a water softener and filter system.
1. Supple skin and hair that’s smooth.
The lack of chlorine and harsh water means your skin and hair will feel softer and look silkier. After a bath, your skin won’t be so dry that you’ll need to use a lot of lotion, which means you’ll save money. Soap made with hard form forms a curd, but soap made with soft form forms lather readily.
2. Using Less Soap
Using half, the amount of soap will be possible if people have softened water in their homes. It saves money on soap, which is one of the other side benefits of water softeners.
Scale buildup is one of the primary goals of water softeners. There isn’t much of a need to scrub when it comes to cleaning surfaces like sinks and showers. In turn, this will save money on cleaning supplies. Scale buildup may be cleaned more easily with softened water since it requires less soap or detergent.
3. Reduced Dish Staining
The minerals in hard water leave marks on fixtures, dishes, shower doors, and other items they come into contact with. Afterward, the blemishes will go as well. Soap scum is generally left behind in the bathtub and sink since hard water doesn’t remove it quickly. Soap will be flushed down the drain if the water is softened.
4. Laundry that’s cleaner and more secure
Laundry can become stained and stiff if soap residue is trapped between garments. Chlorine can cause colors to lose their vibrancy. Using water that has been softened and filtered will extend the life of your clothing and linens.
5. Appliances and Pipes That Are Safe
Appliances and pipes can become ineffective or even destroyed if hard minerals collect inside of them. Because chlorine makes rubber parts of devices dry out, they must be replaced more frequently.
6. Improved Water Quality
If you’re looking to improve the flavor of your tap water, installing a water softener and filtration system is a great way to go about doing so. Water softeners and filters can improve the taste of tap water at every faucet in a home. Filtered and softened water enhances the flavor of food and beverage preparation. Bottled water is no longer necessary.