In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on the differences between water filters and water softeners. While both these items speak to the general theme of purifying water and ridding it of any potential contaminants, they do so in very different ways and are targeted and different concerns.
At City Creek Plumbing, we offer both water filters and water softeners to clients around Layton and other parts of Utah, plus expertise on which of these is ideal for your needs. Today’s part two will look at a few additional factors to consider when thinking about purchasing one or both of these items for installation in your home.
Solving Separate Problems
As we touched on above, water filters and water softeners are used to solve very different problems. Water filters, as the name implies, work to filter out impurities such as sediments or particles in the water by using a mechanical filtration system. This helps ensure that your drinking water is free of contaminants and safe for consumption.
Water softeners, however, have a different task: they work to reduce the amount of calcium and magnesium in the water, both of which can cause mineral buildup on surfaces, dishes, showers and more. By using a process called ion exchange, this helps make sure that spots caused by hard water won’t form on your fixtures, providing you with cleaner items for use throughout your home.
For those choosing between the two, it is important to consider which of these issues you are looking to address. While both filtration and softening can play a role in providing your home with clean water and avoiding damage caused by hard water, their primary functions are very different.
Installation and Maintenance
When evaluating the cost associated with either water filter or water softener installation, it is important to consider both the initial cost of purchase and installation, as well as the long-term upkeep involved in having either in your home.
For water filters, for instance, periodic filter replacements are required to keep the unit functioning properly. This means that you will have to replace your filter every few months (depending on usage) to keep it running optimally. On the other hand, water softeners require regular maintenance in the form of salt replenishment and adjustments to ensure that they are functioning properly.
Some Homes Use Both
Now, it’s important to be aware that this is not an either-or situation and you don’t have to choose between the two. Many homes utilize both water filters and water softeners, depending on their individual needs. That said, it is important to ensure your filter does not interfere with the functioning of your softener or vice versa. If done properly, having both in a home can provide you with clean water for drinking and showering, as well as minimize the damage caused by hard water.
At City Creek Plumbing, we’re experts in both water filters and water softeners and can help you determine which is best for your home. To learn more, or to schedule an installation, contact us today!