Water Softeners Vs Water Purifiers – Know The Difference

Last Updated on 17 February, 2023 by Sourav Roy

Water purifiers are incredibly common in India. However, a lot of households also use water softeners. These are especially useful for people that use a hard water source. Softeners can make life a lot easier for them. Are you wondering about which one you need? Well, this post can answer that for you; I’ll put Water Softeners Vs Water Purifiers and explain all their differences, along with how they work.

 

Water Softeners Vs Water Purifiers

Water Softeners Vs Water Purifiers

Both these water treatment systems have their own uses, and sometimes it might be a better idea to have both at home. Read on to find out which arrangement is right for you.

 

Water Softeners

Water Softeners

Water softeners are devices that remove calcium, magnesium, and other mineral ions from hard water. They do so through a process called “Ion Exhange”. First off, the hard water goes through a large tank that contains a softening resin, which contains negatively charged Sodium Ions. During the process, these ions attract the positively charged calcium and magnesium ions from the hard water, making it soft. Afterwards, the softener then replaces the taken minerals with the positively charged sodium ions.

Pros Of Water Softeners

  • Softens water for every purpose.
  • Keeps plumbing pipes in a better condition.
  • Keeps limescale from building up in sinks and faucets.
  • Reduces soap usage as soft water makes it easier to lather with a smaller amount.
  • Ensures proper cleaning of hair when bathing.
  • Produced water cleans glassware and clothes more efficiently.

Cons Of Water Softeners

  • Doesn’t purify water at all.
  • Bad for people on a low-sodium diet.
  • Only high-capacity water softeners are available, and most good models can be rather expensive.

Most areas in India have a good amount of hard water, so regardless of whether you live in an area concentrated with hard water or not, it would be a good idea to install a water softener. That way, you can do daily chores that need water a lot more efficiently. Plus, your home appliances and plumbings will stay safe as well.

 

Water Purifiers

water purifiers

While water softeners only remove minerals that cause water to be hard, water purifiers go further and remove all sorts of contaminants from the water, thus purifying it. The amount of purification these appliances can offer depends on the filtration system they use. But most water purifiers can filter out dirt, sediment, chlorine, heavy metals, fluoride, nitrates, and even some viruses.

I won’t be going deep into how purifiers work, as there are several types, and each works differently. For a better idea of the types of purification systems, you can take a look at this post.

Pros Of Water Purifiers

  • They can get rid of contaminants.
  • They get rid of sediments.
  • They can improve the colour and taste of water.
  • Great models available in every price range.

Cons Of Water Purifiers

  • Can’t be used for bathing, washing or any other chores.
  • They take up a lot of space.
  • They can’t get rid of limescale.
  • They can’t soften water.

Water softeners are optional, and you can go by without using them. Water purifiers, though, are a necessity. There is a lot of groundwater pollution in India these days. So, if you want to stay safe and healthy, you should really invest in the best water purifier.

Recommended Reading: Which are the best water purifier brands in India: 2023 Picks

 

Is It Better To Have Both?

Whole House Water Filter and Softener Combo

It is indeed a great idea to install both a water softener and a water purifier at home. The softener will make your household tasks a lot easier and save your resources. Meanwhile, the purifier will make sure you stay in tip-top shape. In fact, since the softener removes a lot of minerals, it’ll actually complement the purifier. Additionally, if you get an RO Water Purifier equipped with a TDS controller, the removed minerals will get replaced by those actually healthy for the body.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

There are plenty of questions regarding this topic; I’ll address the most popular ones.

What is hard water?

Water that contains a high amount of calcium and magnesium ions is called hard water.

Is hard water safe for consumption?

Yes. While hard water contains many minerals that make it taste bad, it won’t cause any sort of sickness.

Can I use one in place of the other?

No. Water purifiers aren’t made for softening water. Similarly, softeners have no way to get rid of any pollutants in water.

Do water softeners remove chlorine?

Yes, but not all do. If you want your water softener to get rid of chlorine, I’d suggest getting one with an activated carbon filter.

Recommended Reading: How to find the Best Water Purifier: Buying Guide from the Experts

 

Final Word

Water Softener vs Water Purifier– there isn’t a clear winner between them, as they serve completely different functions. If you were to choose only one, then I’d recommend water purifiers, as your health is the most important thing. However, as I’ve said a couple of times before, the best choice is to have both. Water softeners can make life easier in general, and purifiers can take care of your health.

Sourav Roy
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