MYTH: YOU CAN NEVER FULLY WASH OUT SOAP USING SOFT WATER

Showering in soft water can make your skin feel 'slippery' and may give you the sensation that soap and shampoo are never truly rinsed away. In fact, by removing the hardness from your water, a softener removes the barrier to the moisturizing agents within soap and shampoo. With hard water, soap residue leaves skin dry, and hair dull. But with soft water, you get to experience your skin and hair how they were always meant to be experienced - shiny and full of life. Clean, soft water is the instant boost your body never knew it needed.

MYTH: SOFT WATER TASTES SALTY

Some believe that because a water softener uses salt to remove water hardness, that the water that comes from a water softener must also taste salty. This is markedly false. In fact, most do not realize how little sodium is in soft water. The average amount of sodium in a quart of water from a water softener is 75 to 100 mg. That's less sodium than a slice of white bread. Another solution? Add a Reverse Osmosis water filter for completely sodium-free drinking water.

MYTH: WATER SOFTENERS WASTE LARGE AMOUNTS OF SALT AND WATER

Hague's technological advances in water softeners began in 1960 and are more energy-efficient than most conventional water softeners on the market. With the use of patented technology such as directional flow screens, our systems are fast, use minimal salt and waste little water.

MYTH: SALT-FREE AND SALT-BASED WATER SOFTENERS ARE THE SAME

While many salt-free or saltless water systems do exist, they are almost always 'descalers,' not true water softeners. This means that they only break down the hardness from the water entering your home. They do not help prevent the buildup of scale in pipes and appliances, but all the other benefits of soft water are forfeited.

MYTH: BOTTLED WATER IS MORE CONVENIENT, CHEAPER, AND CLEANER THAN SOFT WATER

Bottled water may be convenient, but it is definitely not cheap. Buying bottled water can result in paying 240 to 10,000 times more per-liter than making the most of your tap water. Not to mention the negative effects on the environment by using and throwing away all those plastic bottles. Bottled water can sometimes be perceived as 'pure water' or 'purified water,' but in most cases, bottled water is no purer than tap water.

How to Choose the Right Water Filter for Your Franklin, IN Home

October 6, 2025

Introduction

Imagine filling a glass from your kitchen tap, but instead of clear, crisp water you taste chlorine or detect a faint metallic hint. Or maybe you’ve noticed white spots on dishes, mineral buildup on faucets, or that your coffee tastes a bit off.

Many Franklin homeowners experience these subtle water issues without realizing that the right water filter can completely change their daily water experience.

This guide will walk you through how to choose the best water filter for your Franklin, IN home — including understanding your water, choosing the right filtration method, and knowing what to look for when buying or installing a system.

Understanding Water Filtration and Why It Matters

A water filter is designed to remove unwanted substances from your water — such as chlorine, iron, sediment, and other contaminants. The result is water that’s cleaner, safer, and better-tasting.

In the Franklin area, many homes deal with challenges like:

Chlorine or chloramine from municipal treatment
Iron or sulfur if using well water
Hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium
Sediment, cloudiness, or unpleasant odors

Water quality issues vary depending on your source (municipal vs. well) and plumbing. That’s why the right filtration solution should be customized for your home’s specific needs rather than one-size-fits-all.

Key Factors When Choosing a Water Filter

Before investing in any system, it’s important to know what you’re solving for. The following factors will help guide your decision.

Water Quality and Testing

Start with a professional water test. Without testing, you’re only guessing which contaminants are present. A proper test identifies:

Types and levels of contaminants
Whether your water source is municipal or well-based
Issues like hardness, iron, or chlorine presence

Knowing your water composition helps you choose the right technology and avoid buying features you don’t need.

Filter Type and Technology

Different filters target different issues. Here are the main types to consider and when they’re useful:

Activated Carbon Filters – Great for improving taste and odor by removing chlorine and some organic compounds.
Sediment Filters – Capture dirt, sand, and rust particles that can clog appliances or faucets.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems – Remove a wide range of contaminants like lead, nitrates, and dissolved solids.
Iron and Sulfur Filters – Specifically designed to treat metallic taste or rotten-egg odors from well water.
Ultraviolet (UV) Systems – Disinfect water by neutralizing bacteria and viruses, ideal for well users.

Flow Rate and Capacity

Every household uses water differently. A good system should handle your home’s maximum flow rate (like when multiple taps run at once) without reducing pressure. Consider:

Number of bathrooms
Peak usage times
Household size

Maintenance and Costs

Even the best filters need maintenance. Review replacement schedules, part costs, and ease of upkeep before purchasing. Ask:

How often do cartridges or filters need changing?
Are parts readily available locally?
Can you perform maintenance yourself, or is a service visit required?

Certifications and Quality

Look for filters certified by NSF or ANSI for specific contaminant reduction claims. Certifications confirm that the product performs as advertised and meets safety standards.

Integration with Other Systems

If you already have a water softener, iron filter, or UV disinfection system, make sure your new filter complements those systems. Placement in the plumbing line (before or after softening) can impact performance.

Local Support and Service Availability

Working with a trusted local provider means easier installation, better support, and quicker service. Franklin homeowners benefit from nearby specialists who understand local water conditions and regulations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Water Filter

To make your decision easier, follow this clear process:

Step 1: Conduct a Comprehensive Water Test

Begin with a detailed test covering hardness, sediment, iron, sulfur, chlorine, heavy metals, and possible bacterial presence. This gives you an accurate picture of what needs fixing.

Step 2: Identify Your Priority Issues

Decide what matters most — taste, odor, sediment, iron stains, or health concerns. Prioritizing contaminants helps narrow your choices.

Step 3: Match the Filter to the Problem

Use your test results to pick the technology that targets your top issues. For instance, activated carbon is great for chlorine taste, while RO handles dissolved contaminants.

Step 4: Size the System Correctly

Choose a system that fits your home’s flow and daily water usage. Undersized systems can reduce pressure and wear out faster.

Step 5: Review Maintenance Needs and Costs

Calculate annual upkeep costs, including replacement parts, labor, or salt if applicable. Consider the long-term cost of ownership, not just the upfront price.

Step 6: Verify Product Certifications

Ensure any system you choose is certified for the contaminants it claims to remove. This ensures reliable performance and peace of mind.

Step 7: Confirm Local Installation and Service

Select a local installer or water treatment company that offers installation, maintenance, and emergency service in Franklin and surrounding areas.

Step 8: Monitor and Maintain Regularly

Once installed, follow maintenance schedules closely. Replace filters as recommended, and retest your water periodically to verify ongoing performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a water filter and a water softener?
A filter removes contaminants like chlorine, iron, or sediment, while a softener reduces hardness minerals to prevent scaling on pipes and fixtures.
Do I need a whole-house filter or just one under the sink?
If you only care about drinking water, a point-of-use filter works. If you want to improve water quality for every tap, laundry, and shower, a whole-house system is better.
How often should I replace water filters?
Most filters last between six months and two years, depending on water quality and usage. Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
Can a water filter remove bacteria?
Some can, especially reverse osmosis or UV systems. Standard carbon filters, however, don’t protect against bacteria or viruses.
Will installing a water filter affect my water pressure?
If your system is too small or the filter is clogged, yes. A properly sized and maintained system should maintain normal water pressure.

Conclusion

Choosing the right water filter for your Franklin, IN home involves understanding your water’s composition, prioritizing the contaminants you want to remove, and selecting a properly sized system that fits your lifestyle.

By focusing on testing, technology, and local service, you can enjoy cleaner, safer water and longer-lasting appliances. A professional water treatment provider can help you test, select, and maintain the ideal system for your home.

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