Water Filter vs. Water Softener
Bianca Shaw explains the difference between a Water Softener and Water Filtration System.
Water Filter vs Water Softener, what exactly does that mean? Well, water issues are never a “one size fits all” which is why various types of water treatment systems exist. An easy way to categorize the most common water issues is by which ones can be treated with a water filter and those that can be resolved with a water softener.
While these systems may seem similar they serve different purposes. To break this down even further we will explain the difference between water filters vs water softeners, their benefits, and what water concerns they can eliminate. Stay tuned until the end for a new, exciting product that may be able to aid with all your water treatment needs via one system.
What’s in my water?
To better understand the difference between water softeners vs filters, it is important to understand what contaminants can be found in your water. It is also important to understand why they may need extra processing via a water treatment system.
If you live in a city you may be aware that your tap water is generally treated by your utility company however that process is usually very minimal therefore contaminants and water hardness is an issue for many homes.
A few contaminants that are commonly found in water include the following :
- Nitrates
- Arsenic
- Lead
- Manganese
- Sulphur
- Calcium and Magnesium (water hardness)
- Fluoride
- Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms
- Chlorine & Chloramine
- Mercury
- Pharmaceutical drugs
- Volatile Organic compounds (VOCs)
As well as many other harmful pollutants and contaminants.
What is a water filter?
Let’s focus now on the water filter side to better understand the differences between water softeners vs filters. If you’ve ever noticed an unpleasant taste or odor in your water it’s most likely due to unwanted chemicals being present. The only way to remove these chemicals is to filter them out of your water.
How are these unwanted chemicals filtered out? By installing a water filtration system!
A water filtration system filters out undesired chemicals, pollutants, particles, and bacteria from your water. Some examples of what a water filter removes include heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. However that’s not all, a water filter will also remove any traces of pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides, or any disease-carrying microorganisms.
Why do heavy metals need to be filtered?
If heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic aren’t eliminated from your water they can wreak havoc on your health. Some of these harmful effects can include reduced mental and central nervous function as well as cause damage to your lungs, kidneys, and liver. There is evidence that children are more susceptible to heavy metal poisoning and the toxic effects that heavy metal poisoning leads to.
According to water education, children and infants that are exposed to heavy metals can result in learning difficulties, damage to their nervous systems, memory disorders, and behavioral issues.
Sadly, it has also been shown that heavy metal poisoning in children and infants can also end up resulting in brain damage. This is why it is pertinent to stay vigilant and filter these metals out of your water.
The 4 stages of water filtration
Another main difference to note between a water softener vs filter is that a water filtration system uses a process that involves four stages. All of this happens through 4 stages of water filtration which include sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and purification.
The following is a breakdown of how the four stages of water filtration work:
- Stage 1 Sedimentation: During sedimentation, the PP 5 micron filter filters out large particles which then settle at the bottom of the water supply.
- Stage 2 Filtration: Once the particles have settled to the bottom of the water supply, the clear water on top will pass through filters equipped with activated coconut carbon. Activated coconut carbon removes organic chemicals and gases from your water.
- Stage 3 Disinfection: After filtration, a KDF copper filter kills any remaining parasites, bacteria, and viruses to protect your system from scaling and bacterial growth.
- Stage 4 Purification: Lastly, the purification process uses catalytic carbon to eliminate chloramines and hydrogen sulphides from your water.
Why a water filter is so important
- Removes chlorine from your water: Chlorine causes an unpleasant odour and taste in your water. It is also known for reacting with other metals which can lead to forming harmful chemical compounds.
- Removes lead from your water: If lead is ingested it can cause lead poisoning which can lead to brain, kidney, and reproductive health issues.
- Dry skin and hair: Reduce the risk of minor skin irritations and dry brittle hair.
- Eliminates traces of fluoride: Fluoride can be toxic, especially to infants and children. Having excess fluoride in your water can lead to organ damage within the body.
- Removes bacteria: Water-borne bacteria can become hazardous to your health, sometimes leading to infections or increasing the risk of diseases. Once the water filtration process is complete you will have safe, clean water throughout your entire home. You will now notice the difference in taste and smell due to chlorine and chloramines being filtered out. Not only that, but you will also have peace of mind knowing no harmful chemicals are entering your home or affecting your and your family’s health via your drinking water.
What is a water softener?
Now we can move on to the first half of water softener vs filter and focus on what exactly a water softener does. The main issue a water softener addresses are “water hardness.”
In simple terms, water hardness is a negative issue that can wreak havoc on your skin, hair, and home appliances. Hard water is water with an excess amount of calcium and magnesium.
Elevated levels of those chemical compounds in your water can result in a film of residue being left behind if used to wash your hands, body, dishes, or laundry.
Why hard water needs to be addressed
Hard water can interfere with most of your household cleaning tasks, as well as your personal grooming. This in turn can leave your skin and hair dried out, causing itchiness and potentially aggravating minor skin conditions such as eczema flare-ups.
Water hardness reduces the effectiveness of your appliances including your laundry machines. This may lead to your clothes looking dingy due to having to be washed more than once to get rid of residue buildup. This issue can also ruin the efficiency of your appliances which will directly impact your energy costs meaning you will be paying more out of pocket on your energy bills.
Hard water in Canada
Many municipalities in Canada have hard water, some of these cities include Waterloo, Mississauga, Toronto, and Guelph. Hard water is measured by “grains per gallon” also referred to as GPG.
To put this into perspective hard water is considered anything within the range of 7-12 GPG (link under GPG to hard-water-numbers ) and anything higher than that is considered “extremely hard water.” Many cities around the GTA have a GPG range that places them in the category of having hard water, this is why water softeners are important in households across the country.
Can a water softener filter water on its own?
Another common question that comes up when comparing water softeners vs filters is can a water softener filter water on its own?
Water softeners do filter water however they only remove specific contaminants which are different from what water filters remove.
This is why it’s important to understand the difference between a water softener vs a water filter, how they work and what their purposes are.
Is a water filter better than a water softener?
When it comes to water softeners vs filters both water treatment systems have their advantages as they both address different water issues. As was previously mentioned a water filter is best for providing your home with great tasting water and reducing the risk of harmful chemicals. A water softener is a great system that can do wonders for your skin and appliances.
It’s important to keep in mind that a water softener can provide you with many benefits; however, the softened water is no safer for consumption without being processed through a water filter.
It is always an option to have more than one water purification system installed. We will also show you a new product that does everything a water filter does as well as a water softener all in one convenient system.
Enhanced Water Softener
Instead of saying water softener vs filter wouldn’t it be incredible to be able to address all of the aforementioned water issues by only installing one system?
Well good news, that system exists! It is known as a Enhanced Water System.
This system removes water hardness, provides water softness during ion exchange as well as filters out any particles and pollutants found in your water. By including a water filter alongside a water softener you will have chlorine, chemicals, particles, and microorganisms removed while also removing water hardness.
You won’t just have water that smells better. Your body will appreciate you for allowing it to have beautiful, healthy hair and skin and for the chance of minor skin irritations brought on by impurities like ammonia and chlorine, to mention a few. The system softens the water, extending the life of your appliances and pipelines.
A two in one system is the best of both worlds. Instead of a water softener VS filter, we decided to bring them together into one system. This allows your household to have the purest, softest water. To get your hands on one of the enhanced water treatment systems head over to eyehomesolutions.com and start enjoying all the benefits of having healthy, clean water!
Why a Enhanced Water Softener Ideal?
Combine water softening and water filtration systems such as the previously mentioned enhanced treatment system are the most effective way to treat your water supply.
A combined system will address all of your water quality issues. Some issues may include the presence of harmful chemicals, an unpleasant odour in your water, and also water hardness.
By installing a combined water softening and filtration system you will have peace of mind knowing that all the water throughout your home is treated and softened at the same time.
In conclusion, if you’re still trying to decide between a water softener vs filter then it will depend on what issues you find present in your water. If you still have any confusion, having a water test performed by a professional can give you conclusive answers as to what’s in your water.
Afterward, you can decide which water purification system would best suit your needs. If you experience an array of the aforementioned water issues then a combined water softening and water filtration system such as the two in one system will be your best bet in providing you and your whole home with protection.
