Water Filter vs. Water Softener: What’s Best for Your Arizona Home?

Everyone wants cleaner, high-quality water, but where should you start? With a water filter? How about a water softener? Regardless of your questions regarding the current quality of your home’s water and the plumbing equipment that could improve it, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Yavapai, Coconino, and Maricopa Counties is here to help!

Our Northern Arizona plumbers want to help you answer the following:

• Does my home have hard water?
• Is my tap water safe to drink?
• What are the differences between water filters and water softeners?
• What kind of water treatment system does my home need?

Of course, at the end of the day, our local plumbers will always be here to expand on anything included in this blog, answer any additional questions you have regarding your home’s water supply, and aid in the purchase and installation of new equipment to upgrade your system. We’re available 24/7 to help!

What’s a Water Filter?

Instead of drinking water straight from the tap, many homeowners choose to have their water go through a filter beforehand, removing chemical compounds, debris, and other contaminants from the water. There are countless different methods of filtration systems!

But doesn’t water have to be filtered before it reaches our home? Even though local facilities filter water before it hits your faucet, adding a home water filtration system can ensure your water is better.

Types of Water Filters

While some people choose to purchase pitchers and even faucet attachments from companies like Britta to make their water safer and tastier on a need-by-need basis, built-in water filtration can prove to be an easier and more effective solution.

There are two common types of water filters you have installed:

• Drinking Water Filtration System – This system can be installed under your sink, usually in the kitchen, and uses a standalone faucet to dispense filtered water. These are inexpensive but only provide filtered water in that one spot.
• Whole-Home Filtration System – This type of water filtration system can ensure that filtered water is delivered to every faucet in your home from the bathroom sink to the dishwasher. This is very convenient and can reduce corrosion throughout your system, extending the lifespan of your home’s plumbing. There are dozens of different whole-home filtration system types, so it’s best to seek a plumber’s guidance for purchase and installation.

What Do Water Filters Filter Out?

Water filters filter out a wide array of contamination from your home’s water, including:

• Metals including iron, arsenic, lead, and copper
• Chemical byproducts including pesticides
• Chlorine, bacteria, and odors
• Sediments and debris from mineral build-up

Above all, water filtration is about ensuring your home’s water tastes, smells, and looks great!

Signs Your Home Needs a Water Filtration System

Here are some of the tell-tale signs that it’s time to invest in a water filter:

• Your water tastes metallic, dirty, or just bad
• Your water smells like sulfur, chlorine, or metal
• You can see floating particles in your water

Trust your senses when considering if your home needs a water filtration system! If something seems off, something can be done to fix things!

Is the Water Safe to Drink in Northern Arizona?

Generally speaking, the water sources that lead into areas like Prescott, Camp Verde, Flagstaff, and other parts of Northern America are safe to consume. But choosing to filter your home’s water can still improve its quality!

What’s a Water Softener?

Water softeners remove the calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that cause hard water. When this happens, the water comes out of your system softer, which is beneficial not only to your hair and skin but also to home appliances. These are only some of the advantages of adding a water softener.

From your dishwasher to your washing machine, you’ll also notice cleaner dishes, clothes, and even better energy bills due to your appliance not having to work so hard!

Signs Your Home Needs a Water Softener System

Here are some common signs that your home needs a water softener:

• Clothes are feeling rough after a wash
• Spots of dishes coming out of the dishwasher
• Frequent clogs in your water-using appliances
• Dry, itchy, and irritated skin
• You notice a film on your skin after washing

Is There Hard Water in Northern Arizona?

Yes! In fact, Arizona is infamous for its high levels of hard water throughout the entire state. The national average hardness of water is around 125 – 200 grains per gallon, while in Northern Arizona alone, water hardness varies from 25 all the way to 325 grains per gallon! Needless to say, a water softener is recommended here.

Water Filter vs. Water Softener: Our Final Verdict

When it comes down to deciding whether a water filter or water softener is best for your home, you may want to consider both! Not only will you be playing double duty on removing hard containments from your water, but you’ll also be able to enjoy water that is softer, cleaner, and just better for you and your family.

Reach Out to Our Northern Arizona Plumbers for Help

If you’re considering a water treatment system for your home, turn to none other than Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Yavapai, Coconino, and Maricopa Counties for help! Our plumbers can assist with the following:

• Completing water tests so you can understand the quality of water coming into your home
• Making recommendations on whether a water filter or softener is needed for your system
• Helping you choose and purchase the best water purification system for your home
• Completing a professional installation of your new equipment, so you don’t have to

We make it easy to get started too! We offer flexible and convenient scheduling, free estimates on all services, and the proper knowledge and expertise to ensure that you make the best choice for your home!

Need water filtration or softener installation services? Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Yavapai, Coconino, and Maricopa Counties has you covered. Contact us online to request service!