Do You Need Both a Water Filter and Softener for Your Home?

Quick Answer

Many people assume they need one or the other, but in reality, filtration and softening do completely different things. And depending on your local water supply, you may need both to fully protect your plumbing, appliances, and family’s health.

In this guide, we’ll break it down and show you how to simplify everything with an all-in-one solution.

Think of filtration and softening as two sides of clean water, purity and performance.

Water filters remove chemical contaminants like chlorine, chloramines, sediment, and in some cases, heavy metals and microplastics. This makes your water taste better, smell better, and reduces exposure to harmful compounds.
 

Water softeners (or conditioners) address hard minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause scale buildup in pipes, faucets, and appliances. They don’t clean your water, they protect your home from mineral damage.

Signs you need a water filter and softner

If your city uses chlorine and your water is also hard (which is true in most of the U.S.), you likely need both. Why?

Because:

 - Filtration removes the chemicals you don’t want to bathe in or drink.

 - Softening (or conditioning) neutralizes minerals before they can damage your plumbing.

Some telltale signs you need both:

 - You see white scale buildup on faucets or dishes.

 - Your water smells like chlorine.

 - You’re using bottled water to drink.

 - You're feeling dry after showers.

 - You’ve had issues with appliance repairs or water heater efficiency.

Problems with Having Two Separate Systems: Costs & Maintenance

Buying and installing two standalone systems often leads to:

 - Double the cost.

 - More space required (tank + brine tank + filter housing).

 - Twice the maintenance.

 - Compatibility problems (especially when salt-based systems affect downstream filters or water pressure).

It’s also harder to troubleshoot when issues arise. Are you dealing with the softener? The filter? Both?

Why choose LifeSource: Combined Filtration & Softening Solution

LifeSource simplifies everything by offering a single, whole-house system that filters water and neutralizes hard minerals using salt-free Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC).

What you get:

 - Chlorine-free, clean-tasting water from every tap

 - Scale prevention without salt, waste, or slippery water

 - No filters to replace, no salt to buy, no maintenance

 - NSF/ANSI certified performance

 - A compact system that’s built to last 10+ years

 - Products certified and tested to ensure cleaner, better tasting water

Related Resource: Whole House Salt-Free System

How to Know What Your Home Needs

Not every water source is the same. That’s why we recommend speaking to an expert and scheduling a free in-home consultation.

At LifeSource, we’ll evaluate your water quality, home layout, and specific needs to match you with the best-fit solution, no pressure, just clear answers.

Book a free in-home water consultation today.

FAQs

Is a salt-free conditioner the same as a softener?
No—conditioners prevent scale buildup, while softeners remove hardness minerals through ion exchange.

Will a filter remove hardness or reduce TDS?
No; carbon filtration doesn’t remove hardness, and total dissolved solids (TDS) levels remain about the same.

Are salt softeners allowed in my area?
Some communities restrict or ban brine discharge from salt-based systems—check local regulations or contact our team to confirm.