There is no doubt that installing a water treatment system in your home is a great way to improve the overall quality of your water supply and increase the value of your home in the process. However, in order to truly get the most out of this new appliance, you will need to ensure that you are selecting the water treatment system that is best suited to your particular needs. In most cases, this means choosing between a water conditioner and a water softener. 

Water Conditioner System

A water conditioner is often referred to as a water filtration system. These water treatment systems have one primary purpose, to remove dirt and debris from your water supply. This is typically accomplished using an activated charcoal filter; however, there are systems on the market that make use of different filtration mediums.

The more advanced the filter is, the better it will be at removing contaminates. In addition to removing debris from your water supply, a high-quality filter will also be capable of filtering out chlorine and other chemical contaminants that are often introduced to the water supply during the treatment process before it is delivered to your home through the local water company. 

Water Softener System

A water softener system is quite similar to a water conditioner system. In fact, water softeners are sometimes considered water conditioners since they also filter certain types of debris and other contaminants out of your home's water supply. There is however one key difference between these systems. A water softener filters out metals and hard minerals such as lead that result in hard water. 

Hard water can leave spots on your dishes, sinks, tubs, and other surfaces in your home. It can also dry out your skin and have an impact on the effectiveness of certain products such as laundry detergents. Many people also find that hard water can have a mineral or metallic aftertaste when either consuming this water directly or using it for cooking. 

If you are not sure whether or not the water in your home qualifies as hard water, you will need to have your water supply tested by a professional before deciding between a water conditioner and a water softener system. Contacting a qualified plumber in your local area will allow you to easily get your water supply tested, select the water treatment system that is right for you, and schedule the installation of this new system.