Reverse Osmosis System vs. Water Softener
If you are looking to improve the water quality in your home, you have a few choices. One of the challenges when choosing one of these choices is understanding what they are. Words like water softener and reverse osmosis systems are easily applied to conversation. When it comes time to add one to a home, few people understand what they mean. That is why it is important to fully understand the difference between reverse osmosis systems vs. water softeners in order to make the right choice.
What Is A Reverse Osmosis System?
A reverse osmosis (RO) system is generally installed at one sink in order to obtain pure drinking water. In some cases, it is warranted to install them at multiple sinks or invest in a whole home RO system. A whole home system is generally not recommended unless there are special circumstances because of special equipment needed and maintenance requirements, which we are fully equipped to do when the need arises. However, small systems at individual faucets are relatively easy to maintain and don’t take up very much space.
Reverse osmosis works by using pressure to counteract the natural occurrence of osmosis and push fresh water through a semi-permeable membrane. The semi-permeable membrane allows very few contaminates to get through it, and water that is rejected is also discharged and not allowed to travel to the clean water (product water).
The benefit of RO systems is that they remove many more contaminates than other systems. This is what makes it very good for drinking water, and it can have multiple potential health benefits. However, this is also what makes it overkill for many other household water sources such as laundry or showers, where that type of filtration is not typically necessary.
What is a Water Softener?
Water softeners are also a type of water filtration systems, but they are meant to deal with hard water. Hard water is water that has a high mineral content, usually calcium and magnesium. If you have hard water, you may have white residue noticeable on your glass surfaces. You may also find that it is more difficult to rinse off soapy films from your hair and skin. Hard water is a nuisance, and it can wear down your appliances. A water softener is a much more common household item than a RO system, and it can easily be a single-source or whole-home system.
Water softeners pass water through a column full of beads that have a negative charge. This means the beads are attracted to the positive charge of minerals. It’s chemistry. As the water passes through the column, the beads hold onto the minerals and let the softer water pass through to your home, fixtures, or appliances. Typically, water softeners are whole-home systems.
Which System is Best for Your Home?
Both RO systems and water softeners are very effective but meant to attain different goals. If you are looking for very-high quality drinking water or have very poor quality household water from a well or municipal water, you should consider an RO system. If your hard water is driving you crazy and ruining appliances, a water softener will do the trick. In many cases, some people benefit from having both, water softening for the whole home; and reverse osmosis for drinking and cooking purposes. Thankfully, these systems make quality water a possibility in any home.
Call us today to find out which is best for your St. Charles home at 1-630-864-7078