Water softeners & filters – what’s the difference?

While similar, water softeners and filters serve different functions in the home. A water softener removes hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) to prevent limescale buildup. A water filter removes impurities such as chlorine and bacteria to improve the taste and purity of drinking water.

Absolutely – this is the preferred solution for many of our customers. Our whole home water systems combine the benefits of both water softening and water filtration, giving you complete protection for your plumbing, appliances, and drinking water.

Common signs you live in a hard water area include watermarks on taps, appliances, and shower screens, limescale in kettles, and dry or brittle hair and itchy skin after bathing. Use our hard water map to find the exact water hardness level of your area.

Your water softener will be installed where your stopcock is located, which is usually under your kitchen sink or wherever your water supply enters your home. Water filtration systems can be installed beneath your kitchen tap or other outlets for drinking water.

A softener removes hardness minerals, which can improve hot drinks by preventing scum forming on your tea, but it doesn’t necessarily remove all impurities. For the best drinking water, a filter is the ideal solution. Many customers opt for both, as this enables them to enjoy the full benefits of softened water while also having access to perfect drinking water at the turn of a tap.