People often make the mistake of thinking the terms water filter or water conditioner, and water softener are interchangeable. However, while there are some similarities between these household water treatment systems, there are also some very distinct differences that must be considered when determining what type of water treatment system is right for your home. 

Water Filtration/Conditioner Systems

Water filtration or water conditioning systems as they are often called are the most common type of residential water treatment system. The purpose of water filtration systems is simply to remove contaminants such as dirt, sand, and large pieces of sediment from your water supply. High-quality filters may also remove substances such as fluoride, chlorine, and sulfur from your home's water supply.

There are a few different types of water filtration/conditioner systems. For instance, you can choose from carbon filter systems, electromagnetic systems, or catalytic media systems. The difference between each of these systems is the type of filter that they use to remove impurities from your water supply. The higher the quality of the filter is, the more impurities you can expect it to remove. 

In short, a water filtration/conditioner system ensures that the water in your home is safe for consumption and can help to improve the overall quality of your water. These systems will not do anything to address hard water issues.

Water Softener Systems

So many people assume that water filters and water softeners are the same thing because water softeners are indeed a type of water filtration system. Just like the water filtration/conditioner systems discussed above, water softeners will remove a variety of different contaminants from your home's water supply. However, there is a key difference: water filters or water conditioners do nothing to address hard water issues—water softeners are designed specifically for use in homes with hard water. By using a filter that is capable of removing hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium, water softeners can effectively soften hard water. Consequently, while all water softeners will qualify as water filtration systems, not all water filters will qualify as water softener systems.

The type of water treatment system that is best suited to your needs will depend greatly upon the specific properties of the water in your home. This is why it is always a good idea to contact a plumber to have your water tested before selecting a water treatment system. These knowledgeable professionals will also be able to help you select the treatment system that best suits your needs and complete the installation of this system.

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