The Difference Between Water Filters and Softeners

If you’ve been learning about how to enhance your use of water, chances are you’ve come across two commonly used terms: Water Filters and Water Softeners.

It might not seem obvious what the difference is between these two important types of water treatment technologies. So, the water professionals at The LeverEdge are here to help by providing some clarity.

Water Filter Functions

At their core, water filters are used to remove specific contaminants from the water supply before it reaches your tap. These contaminants can include:

Metals like lead, iron, cadmium, and others
Synthetic substances like pesticides or hormones
Dirt, sediment, or other particulate matter

A well-designed and properly installed water filtration system will reduce the concentration of dissolved solids, resulting in clearer, cleaner, better-tasting water in most cases.

Water Softener Functions

Whereas water filters target particulates and a wide array of contaminants, water softeners target very specific minerals that make water ‘hard’.

These minerals are calcium and magnesium. You might recognize these as essential minerals you need in your diet! However, too much calcium and magnesium in your water can leave spots on your dishes, cause appliances to operate inefficiently, and can reduce the effectiveness of some detergents and cleansers.

Just like water filters, water softeners are installed in between the supplied water line and the tap.

Which Is Right for You?

Choosing a water filter or conditioner isn’t always easy. You might not even know which one you need. For this reason, it can help to contact a professional water treatment company like The LeverEdge—we can help you sort through all your options and determine the best course of action to bring your water quality to a higher level.