When it comes to improving the quality of your home’s water, one size doesn’t fit all. Depending on where you live and how your water is sourced, you may need more than just a basic filter.
That’s why understanding the different types of whole home water systems—softeners, conditioners, and refiners—is key to choosing the right solution for your household.
Water Softeners: Battling Hardness
What they do: Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium—minerals responsible for hard water.
Why it matters: Hard water can clog pipes, stain fixtures, and damage appliances over time. It also reduces soap effectiveness, leaving behind residue on dishes and clothes.
How they work: Most softeners use an ion exchange process, replacing hardness minerals with sodium or potassium ions.
Best for: Homes with hard water (typically from well water or certain municipal supplies). If you’ve noticed scale buildup on faucets or your skin feels dry after showering, a softener might be your first step.
Whole Home Conditioners: Removing Sediment and Chemicals
What they do: Conditioners target a wide range of contaminants including chlorine, sediment, rust, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Why it matters: These impurities can affect water taste, smell, and clarity—and may contribute to health issues with long-term exposure.
How they work: Conditioners use materials like activated carbon, catalytic carbon, or sediment cartridges to trap and neutralize contaminants.
Best for: Homes using city water, where chlorine is often added for disinfection. If your tap water smells like a pool or leaves residue in your sink, a conditioning system may be the solution.
Water Refiners: Targeting Microbial Threats
What they do: Refiners go a step further by removing or neutralizing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Why it matters: Some water supplies—especially from wells or rural areas—may harbor biological contaminants that pose serious health risks.
How they work: Systems may include ultraviolet (UV) light, reverse osmosis (RO), or advanced oxidation to eliminate microbes.
Best for: Homes with well water or those concerned about microbiological safety. If you’ve had issues with boil advisories or tested positive for bacteria in your water, purification is essential.
Building the Right System for Your Home
In many cases, the best protection comes from combining these technologies. For example, a system might include a softener to remove hardness, a conditioner for chlorine and sediment, and a UV purifier to kill bacteria.
The right setup depends on your water source, quality, and household needs.
Not sure what type of system is right for your home?
Contact your local LeverEdge dealer today for a personalized water test and expert guidance on the ideal whole home water treatment solution.
Share this Post