Flipping the faucet to fill a glass of water is a reaction that happens with little conscious thought, but the quality of the water has a huge effect upon your home and your life. Households experience problems such as unusual tastes and odors in the water to hardened deposits in the faucet, and it can be confusing to know what to do for a resolution. Softening and filtration are terms that tend to mean the same thing; however, the processes are entirely different.
The key to resolving the specific water problems you face begins with an understanding of the differences between softened water and filtered water. The purpose of this article is to explain in detail what both systems entail so you can decide if you want to eliminate mineral buildup problems, filter drinking water, or maybe both.
What is Water Softening?
Water softening is a technical procedure aimed specifically at softening hard water. In addition, hard water is characterized by a high mineral content, especially calcium and magnesium. Although calcium and magnesium are not harmful to human health, they cause enormous damage to plumbing and household appliances. Working with whole-home softener systems is based on the ion exchange principle. Water softeners reduce the concentration of the calcium and magnesium ions responsible for water hardness and replace them with sodium or potassium.
Installing a water softener in your home is going to give you the best possible protection for the structure of your home. Scale buildup is what you see as the white stuff on shower heads or in kettles; softened water inhibits the formation of scale. Scale buildup shortens the life span of appliances such as an automatic dishwasher or a washing machine or hot water heater.
Finally, the use of softened water will maximize the power of soaps or detergents. You will use less shampoo or laundry detergent when using softened water than when using the harder stuff in regular domestic use.
What is Water Filtration?
Although water softeners focus on mineral removal, water filtration systems focus on removing contaminants. Filtration is the removal of contaminants that may tend to affect the taste, odor, and quality of water intended for drinking. The contaminants may range from harmless particles such as sediment and chlorine to even more harmful particles such as pesticides, bacteria, and lead.
Depending on the purification level required, different types of filtration processes exist. Activated carbon filters are often seen in water pitchers and refrigerators, which aim to eliminate chlorine and enhance water taste. For greater levels of purification, Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purification systems employ a semipermeable membrane to press water through and eliminate a huge spectrum of particles, including heavy metals and dissolved solids. This leaves water that is fresher and safer to drink, compared to normal tap water found in any home. Filtration is what you need if your biggest concern may be water quality entering your physical being as opposed to water circulating in your plumbing.
Choosing the Right System for You
Whether a water softener or a water filter is what you need will ultimately come down to what issues you are experiencing at home. If you see that you are experiencing issues with dry skin, faded clothing, spotted dishes, or appliances that are on the fritz due to mineral buildup, it is a hard water issue that you are experiencing. A water softener will be the tool that you need.
On the other hand, if everything is working well in your home regarding appliances, but you just cannot bring yourself to drink water from the faucet due to the odor or metallic taste of chemicals, then a filter is the right decision for you. Those worried about possible impurities in their municipal or well water will find reassurance in a strong filter.
One more thing worth keeping in mind is the fact that a lot of people make use of both systems. A whole house water softener can protect your entire house, while the under-sink reverse osmosis system can make sure your drinking water is clean. This provides both worlds, as you can protect your house as well as your health.
Evaluating Your Household’s Water Demand
Water quality is not a generic solution. By recognizing that it is the removal of minerals for softeners and the removal of contaminants for filters that you possess the solution to the specific problem that your home is facing. If it is to protect your home from the scaling effect that you feel is a burden, or a sense that you know that your loved ones have access to the cleanest drinking water possible, the solution is now in your hands. Just start to analyze the water that you have to see the levels of minerals and contaminant levels.
