Water Filter vs. Water Softener: Which One Do You Need?

Activated carbon filters are among the most popular and widely used water filters due to their ability to effectively remove a broad range of contaminants, including chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and unpleasant tastes and odors. These filters use activated carbon, a porous material made from organic materials like wood, coconut shells, or coal, which has a large surface area that attracts and traps contaminants through a process called adsorption. Activated carbon filters are available in different forms, such as faucet-mounted filters, pitcher filters, and whole-house filtration systems. However, they are not as effective in removing heavy metals, fluoride, or microorganisms.

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are highly effective water filtration systems that utilize a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, fluoride, and some microorganisms. RO systems work by forcing water through the membrane under pressure, leaving contaminants behind. The purified water then flows through a separate line, while the contaminants are flushed away as wastewater. These systems are often paired with pre- and post-filters, such as activated carbon filters, to provide comprehensive water filtration. RO systems can be installed under the sink for point-of-use filtration or as whole-house systems for complete home coverage.

Ultraviolet (UV) filters are a unique type of water treatment system that uses UV light to disinfect water by neutralizing harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. UV filters work by exposing water to high-intensity UV-C light, which penetrates the cell walls of microorganisms, disrupting their DNA and rendering them unable to reproduce or cause illness. These systems are highly effective in treating microbiologically contaminated water and are often used in conjunction with other filtration technologies, such as activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems, to provide comprehensive water treatment. UV filters do not remove chemicals, heavy metals, or dissolved minerals and require pre-filtration to ensure optimal performance.

Water softeners use sodium to change the chemical structure of minerals in your water. The transformation allows the softener to remove the calcium from your plumbing.
However, there are “salt-free” alternatives that use potassium. Saltless water softeners chemically transform the scale, allowing it to detach from your plumbing.

You have to refill your water softener’s brine tank every two months. Wet salt means you don’t need a refill. Dry salt means it’s time to swap out the salt.

It’s good practice to check your brine tank more often to ensure it isn’t damaged. Using high-quality evaporated salt pellets will help ensure your water softener lasts a long time.

Technically you can use any salt. However, block salt is not advisable unless its manufacturing specifications.

You should learn how to clean the brine tank to maintain your softener. Once the salt is almost gone, clean the remaining pellets. A filthy tank will look sludgy. You can pick caked-on sludge away with a stick. Next, wash the brine tank with detergent or mold cleaner if any fungus has grown.

The average life expectancy for a water softener is a decade. Well-maintained water-softening systems can last longer.

You can still filter without a whole-home water filter, but the effectiveness of the method varies. Activated charcoal filters remove toxins from contaminated water while keeping essential minerals and salts. Certain fruit peels can remove contaminants from water. Banana peels were shown to remove lead and copper from river water. Apples and tomatoes absorb metals, dyes, and pesticides.

Ultraviolet light removes microorganisms from potentially dangerous water sources. You can add lime juice to speed up the process. UV light won’t remove things like heavy metals, salts, or other particulates.

Salt-based water softeners use a process called ion exchange, which replaces calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, effectively softening the water. These systems require regular maintenance, including adding salt to the brine tank and occasionally backwashing the system. Salt-free water softeners, on the other hand, use a process called template-assisted crystallization (TAC) or similar technologies that transform hard minerals into crystal structures, preventing them from adhering to surfaces. Salt-free systems are considered water conditioners rather than true softeners and require less maintenance, as they do not need salt or backwashing.

Some water filters, especially those that utilize ultrafiltration or reverse osmosis technology, can remove bacteria and viruses from water. Ultrafiltration systems use a fine membrane to physically remove contaminants, including bacteria and viruses, while reverse osmosis systems employ a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants, including microorganisms. It is essential to choose a filter that is specifically designed and certified for the removal of bacteria and viruses if you have concerns about their presence in your water supply.

The frequency of changing your water filter cartridge depends on the specific type of filter you have and your water usage. Generally, most water filter cartridges need to be replaced every 3-6 months or after filtering a certain volume of water. It’s essential to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and follow the recommended schedule to ensure optimal filtration performance and maintain the quality of your water supply.

The cost of installing a water softener or water filter system varies depending on factors such as the type of system, its capacity, and the complexity of the installation process. On average, the cost for a water softener installation can range from $800 to $3,000, while water filter installations can vary from $500 to $5,000 or more for advanced systems like whole-house reverse osmosis. It’s important to consider both the upfront cost of the system and the ongoing maintenance costs, such as replacing filter cartridges or adding salt to a softener, when evaluating the total cost of ownership.