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What’s the Difference Between a Water Softener and a Water Filtration System?

Water filtration system being installed under a sink. bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio.
Photo by nata-lunata for Shutterstock

At bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio, we are always happy to help area homeowners implement the best solutions to their water supply needs. Two common solutions include the installation of a water filtration system and the addition of a water softener in their homes. We have found many homeowners who do not know the differences between a water softener and water filtration system, or have misconceptions about what each one does. We’re here to clear those questions up for you as soon as possible! Let’s get started.

Water Softeners

When a homeowner requests a water softener for their supply, it is usually because their home is affected by hard water. Hard water affects thousands of homes across the nation, and San Antonio is certainly not immune. What makes water “hard” is the presence of unusually high amounts of calcium and magnesium, which can take a toll on your bathroom fixtures, clothes, hair and skin, and other frequently washed belongings. Not to mention that these high-level minerals can impact the taste of your water. A water softener is a completely safe additive that reduces hard water, leaving you with softer hair and skin, a longer lifespan for your clothes, less soap scum in your bathroom tub or shower, and more. But, a water softener does not actively remove any impurities – that’s the job of a water filtration system.

Water Filtration Systems

If you are concerned about your water’s quality, you’ll want to have a water filtration system installed rather than a water softener – either a whole-home filtration system or one in a specific place, like a kitchen sink. There are four main water filtration methods used today: reverse osmosis; standard filtration with the use of carbon; ultraviolet; and distillation. In many homes today, owners choose to go with either a standard filtration system, which is more practical as a whole-home solution, or a reverse osmosis system when used for a single faucet. Ultraviolet filtration systems are used when a water supply contains a high amount of bacteria that could prove dangerous. While distillation is a method used to purify water, it requires a lot of energy, making it unsuitable if you plan to rely on it heavily. Before you select a filtration system, have your water tested; once you know what’s in your water, you can select the system that best fits your needs.

We Have Your Back at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio!

Whether you need a water softener or a water filtration system, we have you covered at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio. We have ample experience installing both systems, and will be there to help you every step of the way.

To learn more about your options, call us at 210-876-1629 to schedule service today!

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