A lot of homeowners are confused about what a softener does for their water. How are water softeners different from filtration systems? And what good is a softener if you have a drinking water filter already set up? This week, we’re breaking down the Do’s and Don’ts of each system—that is, what do water softeners and water filters actually do anyway?

Water Softeners

These systems combat the hard water problems in your home. Our tap water around Indy tends to have high levels of dissolved minerals in it, but a softener works to remove those “hard” minerals before they wreak havoc around your home. Hard water is hard to clean with. It leaves those annoying spots on your clean dishes, creates soap scum around your bathtub and sinks, and makes that crusty mineral scale on your faucets and shower head. These are just a few reasons why homeowners opt for their own softening system:

• Takes care of hard water—removes the “hard” minerals calcium and magnesium
• Makes your home’s water “soft”
• Gives you water that’s easier to clean with (no water spots/soap scum)
• Gives you water that makes soap lather better
• Helps protect your appliances and pipes from mineral buildup

Water softeners are a great first step for making sure your home has cleaner, clearer utility water. Even if your city claims to pre-soften your water, it’s always a good idea to check into getting a softening system of your own. That way you’ll know your soft water truly stays “soft” all year round.

Water Filters

A home water filter removes contaminants from your drinking water. Bacteria, metals, sediments, parasites, and other nasties that are still in your water can get trapped and removed in an effective home filtration system. Strong water filters can even remove the chlorine in tap water. There are lots of different water filters to choose from—like powerful reverse osmosis filters, or strong and compact 5-step filters that can fit under your kitchen sink. Some homes use special filters to treat well water or to remove iron. A filtration system helps ensure your home’s water is safe and clean:

• Removes contaminants in your home’s water
• Takes care of chlorine—removes chlorine and its odor from your water
• Improves your water’s taste
• Improves taste of coffee, tea, and better for baby formula
• Helps protect your appliances from chlorine damage (with a whole home filter)

Filtering your home’s water helps ensure that your water quality meets your standards. Although our city treats drinking water, many homeowners appreciate having a water filter that can remove the chlorine (and even fluoride) in their tap water. We typically recommend a combination of these two types of systems for homeowners looking to bump up their water quality. Systems that use filters with softeners give you the best of both worlds—soft water that’s filtered and chlorine-free! Of course, every home is different, and your needs might be better suited to a different water system. Contact your local soft water or water filtrationt company to discover the best systems for your needs.