Water softeners and water filters serve two distinct services. It can be easy to confuse the two, or think there is a one-device-does-all solution to your home water needs. The truth is they both serve unique purposes, and whether you need neather, one or both is determined by your local water supply.
Water softeners and water filters serve two distinct services.
Water softeners and water filters serve two distinct services. It can be easy to confuse the two, or think there is a one-device-does-all solution to your home water needs. The truth is they both serve unique purposes, and whether you need neather, one or both is determined by your local water supply.
- FilteringFiltering Water contains small particles like manganese, iron, hydrogen, sulphide or other organic matter. The process of filtering involves separating these small particles. As water passes through a filter, particles are trapped. Consequently, cleaner “filtered” water flows through. Eventually the filter becomes saturated with trapped contaminants. As it traps more and more particles, less and less filtered water is able to pass through. Therefore, substantially reduced water flow is a sign that your filter must be replaced. Thus, an advisable option when installing a filter or a combination of filters is to set up a “filter replacement program” in order to insure that the filters never become completely saturated.
This action will prevent compromising the health of your family, because a clogged filter may allow contaminants through the system. It will also be beneficial for other equipment down line, as it will be kept clean. The filter replacement program must be designed based on the quality of the source of water and an estimated of the gallons used per month.
- SofteningSoftening In the water treatment you may need to remove dissolved minerals like, calcium and magnesium. These foreign ionized substances can’t be trapped by a filter pack, so water needs an “ion exchange” In such case; the process to remove the impurities is softening. This involves a softener that uses polymer resin beads with sodium ions attached to them by an electrical charge. Dissolved calcium and magnesium ions with a similar charge are attracted to the resin as water enters the tank; the resin trades the sodium ions in exchange for the dissolved mineral ions. This ion exchange removes impurities. The resin in the ion exchange process is continually “recharged” with sodium ions, so this resin beads never need to be replaced theoretically.
So for all intents and purposes, the underlying cause for water problems needs to be determined before deciding whether you use a filter or a softener for the treatment of your water. That is subject to whether contaminants are suspended particles or dissolved minerals. So, the first step is to have a home water analysis. Once the cause is correctly determined, an effective method or methods can be implemented to treat the water. Water tested in most homes, has a combination of suspended and dissolved contaminants. What about yours? Have it tested now, no obligation.
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