Filling a glass with water

What’s the Difference Between Water Filters and Water Softeners?

Some people think that water softeners and filters are the same, but they are not. Water filters remove contaminants from water to make it safer to drink. On the other hand, water softeners remove minerals from the water.

Both play vital roles in your home, and using them provides you with many great benefits including:

  • Improved water quality

  • Better tasting water

  • Water that’s easier on your skin, hair, and appliances

Water Softener

Water that’s loaded with excessive amounts of minerals such as calcium and magnesium is hard on your plumbing and water-using appliances. The buildup of minerals in your plumbing and restrict water flow and damage components in your water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher.

Plus, hard water is rough on your skin and hair and it interferes with soap, so you’ll never get quite as clean as you’d like.

A water softener conditions the water. It removes calcium and magnesium ions and replaces them with sodium or potassium.

Water Filter

Different water filters are designed for specific needs, but most commonly these appliances help remove excess chemicals such as chlorine from your municipal water supply. More advanced systems have UV lights to disinfect the water.

Water filters come in two main types: whole house and point-of-use.

A whole-house water filter treats all the water entering your home. That means your water quality will be consistent in all faucets, showerheads, and appliances.

A point-of-use filter connects to the plumbing directly below the faucet, such as the kitchen or bathroom sink.

Getting Started

Water softeners and water filters each serve a unique purpose in the quality of your water. Water softeners protect your plumbing while water filters improve taste and safeguard your health.

AWS Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is here to help with all your water treatment needs, and we work with you so that you can find what option is right for you and your situation. If you would like to learn more about us and how we can help, contact our team right at (516) 217-2196.

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