Are drinking water filters suitable to use with a water softener?

Many people confuse water softeners and drinking water filters as being they same thing, although they are very different they can be used together. Lets take a look at the basic differences:

Drinking Water Filters:

• Drinking water filters do not make softened water.
• A small filter fitted to one particular tap within the household.
• Usually removes chlorine and particulates to improve taste and odour for drinking.
• Does not remove calcium and magnesium and therefore water remains hard.
• Cartridge must be changed either 6 monthly or annually depending on level of usage or make purchased.
• Once installed does not require any further maintenance until replacement of cartridge (as explained above)
• Will not have any affect on any other parts of the home, e.g. showers, baths etc.
• Limescale issues will continue.

Water Softeners:

• A system that covers the whole homes water supply.
• Removes the minerals calcium and magnesium that causes limescale build up.
• Creates softened water, eradicating hard water problems.
• Can last up to 20 years plus, depending on make, model purchased.
• Uses salt to clean the discarded minerals from its tanks, this salt must be maintained in the softener for it to work.
• Will change the taste of the drinking water, but it is still completely safe to drink.

Depending on the problem that is trying to be solved depends on which is most suitable, but they can be used together. If you have a water softener installed to prevent limescale build up you can also have a drinking water filter to improve the waters taste, if neccessary. This can be either filtering softened water or having a hard water tap that is filtered. Alternatively filtering either hard of soft water is not compulsory if you are already happy with the taste, but are having a water softener installed. It is personal preference.

If you are unsure what is best for your needs we are always happy to discuss the options with you fully.