Get matched with top water softener pros in Poplar, MT

Water purifiers and water softeners serve different purposes, so the best one will depend on your particular needs. Water purifiers remove contaminants from water (such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals), leaving you with ultra-clean and safe water. However, water softeners remove minerals from your water so that the water doesn’t leave stains around your house or cause plumbing problems.

Most of the U.S. has hard water, especially across portions of the West and Midwest. The areas with the hardest water include parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Illinois, North and South Dakota, Ohio, and New York. You’ll find soft water in parts of New England, the Southeast, the Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii.

There are several things that can shorten the life of a water softener. Homes with very hard water may have to replace the unit sooner because the water softener works harder to filter out the hard minerals. High water usage and infrequent maintenance can also put more strain on a water softener.

The main difference between a water softener and a water filter is what they remove from the water. A water softener is specifically designed to remove hard minerals, while a filter removes a wider range of contaminants above a certain size, such as bacteria and other impurities. If your primary goal is to remove minerals, a softener is the best choice. If you want to remove various contaminants for safety or taste, a filter is more suitable. Filters are also typically less expensive to install. Depending on your water supply's specific issues, you may need to install both systems for comprehensive treatment.