| The type of water treatment system you purchase | | | | required. |
| will depend on what type of issue(s) you need to | | | | Maintenance Requirements |
| address. There isn't one system for all needs. Certain | | | | The filters need to be changed periodically. |
| conditions will require the need for a filter and others | | | | Water Softeners |
| for a softener. In some instances you may want to | | | | A traditional water softener uses an ion-exchange |
| do both. This article will briefly explain what the | | | | resin to remove hard water minerals. This resin |
| different functions of each unit are. This should help | | | | attracts hard water minerals (calcium and magnesium) |
| you determine which system will be most beneficial | | | | and "exchanges" them with sodium. This process will |
| to you. | | | | completely remove hard water minerals, and it is the |
| Whole House Water Filters | | | | most reliable means of doing so. If you have hard |
| Whole house filters are made for city water and well | | | | water issues, your best option is a water softener. |
| water. Both types of filters remove sediment (larger | | | | This is the only advantage a water softener has |
| particles of dirt and rust). City water filters use | | | | over a whole house water filter. |
| carbon to remove chlorine and other chemicals. Well | | | | Installation Requirements |
| water filters may also still employ carbon as a means | | | | Water softeners are much more difficult to install |
| of filtration, but many times use a media designed to | | | | than whole house filters, and most people don't have |
| remove minerals. Some are designed to address both | | | | the tools or means to properly install one. As is the |
| issues. Aside from a water softener, the most | | | | case with whole house filters, most systems are |
| effective means of removing hard water minerals is a | | | | required to be installed by a licensed plumber in order |
| scale inhibitor, which is designed for use in conjunction | | | | to maintain the validity of the warranty. Also, certain |
| with a whole house water filter. | | | | areas require water softeners be installed by a |
| Installation Requirements | | | | licensed plumber, as well. If the manufacturer doesn't |
| Most systems are required to be installed by a | | | | require a licensed plumber, you'll need to check with |
| licensed plumber in order to maintain the validity of | | | | your city to see what is required if you would like to |
| the warranty. Also, certain areas require whole house | | | | install the system yourself. |
| systems be installed by a licensed plumber, as well. If | | | | Maintenance Requirements |
| the manufacturer doesn't require a licensed plumber, | | | | All that is required is filling up the brine tank with salt. |
| you'll need to check with your city to see what is | | | | |