You can find numerous solutions on the market that address various types of water problems. Two of the most common systems are water softeners and water filtration devices. Many people confuse the two, but they actually have entirely different purposes. To help you understand the difference, A. Stevens Plumbing & Heating, the leading plumber and HVAC service provider in Washingtonville, NY, discusses what each system does and explains the contaminants it removes.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener addresses the problem of water "hardness." Hardness in water is primarily caused by the presence of two minerals: magnesium and calcium. Hard water is safe to drink, but it can be a nuisance because the minerals tend to leave a chalky buildup on sinks, tubs, and plumbing fixtures. Additionally, hard water makes laundry difficult to clean because it reduces the effectiveness of soaps and cleansers. Water softeners typically remove magnesium and calcium by running water through an ionization process that replaces the hard minerals with sodium, a soft mineral. Another type of water softener, called a "water conditioner," does not remove the minerals but rather neutralizes them using an electromagnetic field. The benefit of water conditioners is that, unlike traditional systems, the water it produces is not high in sodium, which can be an issue for people with heart disease or high blood pressure.

What Is a Water Filtration System?

A water filtration system removes a variety of contaminants that can seep into your water supply, including microorganisms, pesticides, paint thinners, and petroleum products. Because it does not use an ion-exchange or electromagnetic waves, a water filtration system will be only partially successful at controlling water hardness, although it should remove some of the hard minerals. However, if you do not have a problem with scaly deposits or cleaning laundry and are more concerned with health hazards, a water filter system may be right for you.

A. Stevens Plumbing & Heating, the most experienced plumber and HVAC specialist in Washingtonville will install a water treatment system that addresses your water issue, whether you need softening, conditioning, or purification. Visit their website to send them a message and request information, or call (845) 496-5903 to discuss your options.