Water Filter Vs. Water Softener Options
Water treatment options are becoming common for ensuring water quality and taste. There are a variety of home solutions that you can choose, including various water softeners and filters. Here is a guide to these categories of water treatment options.
Water Softeners
Water softening is a good option if your primary concern is with your water's mineral content. Salt-based ion exchange softeners are a commonly recommended option by professionals, and they replace the minerals in water with salt ions, adding a small sodium content to the water. There are also salt-free options for those with sodium restrictions. These water softeners use potassium chloride instead, although they can be less effective than the salt-based softeners. If you need a high-capacity water filter, the typical water softener can be problematic, since it tends to charge and refill about once a day; there are larger, dual-tank water softener systems available for a higher price. An additional option that's not as well tested is the magnetic water softener that uses a magnetic charge to dispel unwanted minerals.
Water Filters
Water filters are a better option if your water quality concerns go beyond simple mineral content. There are many potential contaminants in municipal water, especially if the pipes themselves are old and damaged. Some things to look out for are bacteria and ground sediment. Your water filtration specialist might suggest that you get testing done to identify which contaminants are a problem in your water.
There are many different levels of water filters that are effective against different types of contaminants. A mechanical filter, such as a reverse osmosis system, is very effective at getting rid of sediments in water. But really, any water filter that contains a physical mesh that water must pass through can help to clarify the water from sediments. The size of the pores in the filter will help to determine what other types of contaminants it can get rid of. Some common pathogens, such as E coli, can be filtered at a filter size of 0.2 to 0.5 microns.
For more contaminated samples of water, something like a UV filter or a chemical filter might be recommended to thoroughly kill off any bacteria or viruses in the water.
Choosing between water softening and filters, as well as which type of system to install, can be a big decision for your health and your wallet. These main types of filters can give you a starting point for discussing your needs with a water treatment specialist. For more information, contact Rhodes Pump Service Inc. or a similar company.