Water Filtration vs. Water Softening: What's the Difference? 

If you've ever dealt with dry skin, limescale buildup, or water that just doesn't taste right, you’ve probably considered improving your home’s water quality. But should you install a water filtration system or a water softener? While both systems improve water in different ways, they address very different problems.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between water filtration and water softening, explain why they matter for Arizona homeowners, and show how Mesa Plumbing can help you find the right solution for your home.

What Is Water Filtration?

Water filtration is designed to remove harmful contaminants from your water supply. These contaminants can include:

• Chlorine and chloramines

• Bacteria and viruses

• Sediment, rust, and dirt

• Pesticides and industrial chemicals

• Heavy metals like lead and mercury

Benefits of Water Filtration:

• Improved taste and odor of drinking water

• Safer water for drinking and cooking

• Reduced exposure to harmful chemicals

• Better skin and hair health

Common Water Filtration Systems:

• Activated Carbon Filters – Great for removing chlorine and odors

• Reverse Osmosis Systems (RO) – Removes up to 99% of total dissolved solids (TDS)

• UV Disinfection Systems – Destroys bacteria and viruses

• Whole-House Filters – Treats all water entering your home

If your water has a strange smell, tastes metallic, or is known to contain contaminants, filtration is a must.

What Is Water Softening?

Water softening targets a different problem: hard water. In Arizona, hard water is a common issue due to high levels of calcium and magnesium in groundwater. A water softener replaces these minerals with sodium or potassium ions through a process called ion exchange.

Signs You Have Hard Water:

• White, chalky buildup on faucets and showerheads

• Soap that doesn't lather well

• Stiff, dull laundry

• Dry skin and hair after showering

• Reduced lifespan of water heaters and appliances

Benefits of Water Softening:

• Prevents limescale buildup in pipes and appliances

• Helps soap and shampoo lather better

• Leaves laundry softer and cleaner

• Extends the life of water-using appliances

Hard water isn’t dangerous, but it can be incredibly costly over time due to plumbing damage and appliance wear.

Water Filtration vs. Water Softening: What's the Difference?

Although both systems improve water quality, they do so in very different ways:

Why Arizona Homes Often Need Both

Due to Arizona’s naturally hard water and the treatment methods used by local municipalities, many homes in the Phoenix and Mesa areas benefit from both water filtration and water softening.

For example, city water is usually disinfected with chlorine, which affects taste and can irritate skin. But it’s also very hard, which means mineral buildup in pipes is inevitable without a softener. Combining a whole-house filtration system with a water softener gives you clean, safe, and efficient water throughout your home.

How Mesa Plumbing Can Help With Your Water Treatment Needs

At Mesa Plumbing, we provide comprehensive water treatment services, including water softener installation, water filtration systems, and expert consultation. Our licensed plumbers serve Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, and the surrounding areas.

1. Free Water Quality Testing

We start with a professional water test to identify:

• Hardness levels

• Chlorine or chemical content

• Sediment or particulate matter

• Bacterial presence (if needed)

Understanding your water helps us recommend the right system for your home, not a one-size-fits-all product.

2. Customized System Design

Whether you're looking for a basic under-sink reverse osmosis system or a whole-house water treatment setup, we tailor every solution to your unique needs and budget.

3. Expert Installation

Our experienced technicians will ensure your system is installed correctly, complies with local codes, and works seamlessly with your existing plumbing. We install top brands and only use reliable, energy-efficient systems.

4. Maintenance and Repairs

Mesa Plumbing also offers:

• Filter replacements

• Salt refills

• Annual maintenance plans

• On-demand repairs for softeners and filtration units

We keep your system running efficiently for years to come.

Why Choose Mesa Plumbing?

With over 20 years of experience in Arizona, Mesa Plumbing is a trusted local expert in water treatment and plumbing services. Our team is committed to delivering:

• Honest, transparent pricing

• Friendly, licensed professionals

• Fast service and reliable products

• Long-term customer satisfaction

Whether you're dealing with rusty tap water or stubborn mineral stains, we’ll help you find the right water treatment solution—without upselling or unnecessary complexity.

Improve Your Water Today

Still wondering if you need a water filter, a water softener, or both? Mesa Plumbing is here to help.

📞 Call us today at [480-832-1660]
📍 Serving Mesa, AZ and surrounding areas

Clean, healthy water is just a call away!