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.

Water Softener vs Reverse Osmosis: Which Is Right for Franklin Homeowners?

Introduction – Two Popular Water Solutions, One Important Choice

For many Franklin, Indiana households, hard water and water quality are ongoing concerns. White stains on dishes, dry skin, and even strange tastes in drinking water are all common complaints. To fix these issues, homeowners often consider two main solutions: water softeners and reverse osmosis (RO) systems.

But which one is right for your home? Should you choose a softener, an RO system, or both?

In this guide, we’ll cover:

The difference between water softeners and reverse osmosis
The pros and cons of each system
Costs and maintenance considerations
How Franklin homeowners can decide which solution fits best

Water Softeners – What They Do and Why They Matter

A water softener is designed to remove hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) from water. Franklin and much of Central Indiana have especially hard water, which makes softeners a very common household need.

Benefits of Water Softeners

Removes hardness: Prevents scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and appliances.
Protects plumbing and appliances: Extends the lifespan of dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.
Improves cleaning: Soap and detergent work better in soft water, reducing residue on clothes and dishes.
Comfort benefits: Softer skin and hair, fewer dry spots.

Limitations of Water Softeners

Does not filter contaminants: A softener does not remove chlorine, bacteria, or other impurities.
Salt refills and maintenance: Requires ongoing salt replenishment and system monitoring.
Not designed for drinking water purification: It improves water feel and function but not overall taste.

Reverse Osmosis – What It Is and How It Works

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are designed specifically for purifying drinking water. They push water through a semipermeable membrane that filters out a wide range of contaminants.

Benefits of Reverse Osmosis

Removes contaminants: Eliminates chlorine, lead, arsenic, pesticides, and more.
Great taste: Provides clean, crisp drinking water.
Compact and convenient: Typically installed under a kitchen sink for drinking and cooking water.
Low operating cost: Filters last several months to a year, depending on usage.

Limitations of Reverse Osmosis

Limited to point-of-use: Does not treat all water in the home, only drinking/cooking water.
Wastewater: Produces some wastewater during the purification process.
Does not address hardness: Won’t stop scale buildup in plumbing or appliances.

Water Softener vs Reverse Osmosis – Key Differences

Both systems solve water problems, but they do so in very different ways.

Comparison Table

Feature	Water Softener	Reverse Osmosis
Main Function	Removes hardness minerals	Removes contaminants (purifies drinking water)
Coverage	Whole-house	Point-of-use (kitchen sink)
Benefits	Protects appliances, reduces scale, softer hair/skin	Improves taste, safe drinking water
Limitations	Doesn’t purify water, needs salt refills	Doesn’t treat hard water, produces wastewater
Average Cost	$1,200 – $2,500 (installed)	$300 – $1,000 (installed)
Best For	Whole-home protection from hard water	Clean, great-tasting water for drinking and cooking

How Franklin Homeowners Can Decide – A Simple Guide

Many homes in Franklin actually benefit from having both systems working together. Here’s how to decide what’s best for you.

Choose a water softener if:

You notice scale on faucets, dishes, or shower doors.
Your appliances wear out quickly.
You want whole-house protection and easier cleaning.

Choose reverse osmosis if:

You’re mainly concerned about drinking water taste and safety.
You want bottled-water quality at home.
You don’t mind point-of-use installation in the kitchen.

Choose both systems if:

You want complete water treatment: soft water for your whole house and purified drinking water at your sink.
You want to protect your home investment while also enjoying safe, great-tasting water.

FAQs – Franklin Homeowner Questions

Do I need both a water softener and reverse osmosis?
In many Franklin homes, yes. A softener removes hardness for the whole house, while RO ensures clean drinking water.

How much does reverse osmosis cost to install?
Most RO systems cost between $300 and $1,000 installed, depending on size and features.

Is softened water safe to drink?
Yes, softened water is generally safe. However, if you want to reduce sodium, chlorine, or contaminants, reverse osmosis is better for drinking.

Will an RO system work without a water softener?
Yes, but the RO filter may clog faster in areas with very hard water, like Franklin. Pairing both systems extends lifespan and improves performance.

How often do these systems need maintenance?

Water softener: Salt refills every 4–6 weeks, service checks annually.

Reverse osmosis: Filter changes every 6–12 months, membrane every 2–3 years.

Conclusion – The Right Choice for Franklin Homes

For Franklin homeowners, the decision isn’t always water softener vs reverse osmosis—it’s often water softener plus reverse osmosis.

Use a water softener to protect your whole home, appliances, and plumbing.
Add reverse osmosis for clean, great-tasting drinking water at your sink.

The best next step is to schedule a local water test and system evaluation. That way, you’ll know exactly which solution—or combination—fits your home’s needs.

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