Water Filter System Vs Water Softener - What's The Difference?
It can be a common mistake to confuse a water softener with a drinking water filter system or to assume they do the same job. However, these two types of water treatment work to achieve different benefits. So, what is the difference? And which is the best service for you?
Essentially water softening targets limescale deposits and hard water minerals that causes damage to your home, while water filtration targets chemicals and contaminants in tap water that affects taste. Many people believe that by installing a water filter, they will get quality drinking water and also remove limescale, when in fact a water softener is sometimes required. Find out more info below about what the best choice for you is.
Do You Need a Filtration System?
If you are looking to improve drinking water quality and solve bad tasting and smelling water – you need a drinking filter system. By installing a tap/under the sink filter you will be able to:
- Enjoy safe and clean water
- Have great tasting drinks
- Save time and money on bottled water & filter jugs.
How Does Filtration Work?
Bad smelling water is caused by an excess of hard minerals, dissolved metals and other harmful contaminants including:
- Lead
- Iron
- Nitrates,
- Chlorine
- Sulphates
Filtration can remove contaminants through different processes including carbon filtration and reverse osmosis. Carbon filters consist of multiple layers that use adsorption to remove impurities. Reverse osmosis filters work to purify water in a different way. In reverse osmosis, water is forced by pressure, through a semi-permeable membrane, where dissolved impurities and solids are rejected and flushed down the drain.
Do You Need a Water Softener?
Although a water softener may help to make your drinking water taste better, it does not remove harmful contaminants or make it safer drink. Softeners work mainly to protect your home from limescale and the damage of hard water deposits. You need a water softener if you suffer from:
- Limescale in your home
- Eczema/skin irritation
- Stains and deposits
- Stiff or dirty laundry
- Soap Scum
Water softeners are a great way to protect your skin, home, and home investments, while reducing energy bills & time spent cleaning. However, if you also suffer from specific drinking water problems including water chlorination and iron staining, you may need to also consider a drinking water filter system.
How Does a Water Softener Work?
A water softener works mainly to eliminate scale and hard water minerals. They do this by removing calcium and magnesium from your main water supply through salt and ion-exchange resins. As the water passes through the sodium coated resin beads, the hard ions (calcium and magnesium) are attracted and absorbed. The result is soft water that is great for your home, washing & skin.
More Information
Our filter and softener systems are installed quickly and easily inline and under your sink by a fully qualified professional installer. If you need more information about whether you need a water filter or water softener please click here to enquire online or call us on 01429 872 522.