Water Filter vs. Water Softener: Which One Do You Need?
Everything You Need to Know About Water Filters and Softeners
If you’re looking to improve the quality of your home’s water, you may have heard of water filters and softeners. What’s the difference between them? And which one do you really need? Read on to learn the differences between water filters and water softeners.
What Is a Water Filter?
A water filter is a device that uses physical barriers to remove contaminants from your water. This includes sediment, dirt, sand, rust particles, and even chlorine. Depending on the type of filter you install, it can also remove bacteria and parasites from your drinking water. Most filters are installed directly on your faucet or under your sink.
What Is a Water Softener?
A water softener is designed to reduce hardness in your water by removing calcium and magnesium ions from it. Hardness is caused by these two minerals in the form of dissolved salts in the water supply. The result is “softened” water that feels softer on skin and hair when used for washing and bathing. It also helps reduce scaling (mineral deposits) inside pipes, hot-water tanks, and other appliances exposed to hard water over time. Water softeners use a process called ion exchange to replace calcium with sodium or potassium ions in order for them to be removed from the system.
Which One Do You Need?
Whether you need a water filter or a water softener depends on what kind of issues you are having with your home’s drinking water. If you are dealing with unpleasant odors and tastes, as well as potential health hazards like lead and other contaminants, then a water filter would be the best option for you. On the other hand, if scale buildup is causing problems with your plumbing system, then installing a water softener can help prevent further damage caused by hard minerals.
It is also important to remember that, depending on where you live, municipal regulations may require certain levels of filtration for safety reasons. Always be sure to check local regulations before making any decisions about which device to install in your home.
Contact Professionals Today!
At Marklein Plumbing, we stand behind our promise of 100% satisfaction for all of your plumbing needs. With our team of highly experienced and friendly technicians, we offer top-notch plumbing services, such as water heater repair, drain cleaning, and other types of sewer and plumbing work, to the residents of Ramona and the surrounding areas. Call Marklein Plumbing today to learn more about our services.
