Water softeners and filters are both helpful in removing contaminants from your water, so what's the difference? Is it something you can put on your Christmas wish list, or do you need to make a decision today? There is some debate about water softeners vs. water filters. Some say they are the same thing, while others consider them different "types" of systems. Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help you determine which system best suits your needs. It is easy enough for a plumber to proceed with water filter installation. But is that the system best for you? Let’s find out!
Water softeners are a popular option for many homeowners. They're an excellent way to remove the hard minerals like calcium and magnesium that can build up in your pipes, appliances, and fixtures. It's also a great way to reduce or eliminate the need for bottled water.
A water softener is a device that removes the mineral salts that can build up in plumbing systems. This buildup can lead to clogged pipes and other problems. A water softener uses ion exchange to remove these minerals, passing hard water through a tank containing special plastic beads called zeolites. The zeolite beads hold onto the minerals and release them when they are exposed to ion exchange resin beads that are negatively charged.
A water filter is a device that removes impurities from water using one or more methods. Water filters, such as activated carbon filters or sand filters, may use physical barriers to block particles from entering your drinking water. They may also use chemical processes to remove particles from your drinking water, such as reverse osmosis or distillation filters.
Both filters and softeners use ion exchange to perform their functions. However, they do so in different ways:
Softeners use salt or potassium chloride pellets (regenerants) to replace minerals lost during filtration. These minerals can be recycled by adding more regenerants to the system when needed. The main advantage of this method is that it requires very little maintenance on the user's part. The main disadvantage is that you must add more regenerants every few years. In addition, without proper maintenance, these systems can lead to increased levels of sodium in your drinking water – not something everyone wants!
On the other hand, water filters simply filter out the contaminants themselves instead of exchanging them with something else, so there is no accumulation of anything in your system!
Knowing what separates a water filtration system from a water softening system and how each work can help you make the right decision when installing a water treatment system in your home. Water softening has many benefits, but the best course of action is to speak with an expert plumber to find out which would be best for your individual situation. You can count on Mr. Rooter Plumbing to help you get your plumbing questions clarified and determine the best way to protect your family and home from hard water issues.