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.

What Are The Different Water Filter Types?

March 12, 2024

A kitchen with black cabinets and a sink underneath

Ever worry about what's in your water? You're not alone. With a jungle of water filters out there, finding the right one can be tricky. But fear not! We've got your back. This guide will walk you through the different types of water filters, helping you pick the perfect match for crystal-clear, safe drinking water. Let’s get to the bottom of what makes water filters tick and find the one that fits your life.

Pitcher Filters

Ever filled a jug and wished it could magically remove all the bad stuff from your water? Enter pitcher filters. These handy devices are the intro level to water filtration. Think of them as your first step into the world of cleaner water. They're affordable, easy to use, and great for reducing chlorine taste and odor, making your water taste better almost instantly.

What's the deal? Pitcher filters use activated carbon to trap contaminants as water passes through, improving taste and removing some of the nasties like chlorine.

Pros:

Budget-friendly
No installation required
Improves taste quickly

Cons:

Limited filtration capacity
Frequent filter changes needed

Perfect for: Anyone looking to dip their toes into water filtration without a big commitment. Ideal for improving taste and odor in your drinking water.

Faucet-Mounted Filters

Imagine turning your tap on and getting filtered water on demand. That’s exactly what faucet-mounted filters offer. They attach right to your faucet, providing filtered water without the wait. Ideal for cooking or filling up your glass, these filters are all about convenience.

How do they work? These units connect to your tap, using a combination of activated carbon and sometimes other materials to reduce contaminants. You can switch between filtered and unfiltered water, making it versatile for daily use.

Pros:

Easy access to filtered water
Simple installation
Switch between filtered and unfiltered water

Cons:

May not fit all faucet types
Can slow down water flow
Visible and might not match your kitchen aesthetic

Perfect for: Busy households that need filtered water quickly for drinking and cooking. Great if you're after something more permanent than a pitcher but without major installation.

Under-Sink Filters

Tucked away and out of sight, under-sink filters do their heavy lifting quietly but effectively. They're the hidden heroes of water filtration, offering a higher level of purification without taking up valuable counter space.

How they work: These systems are installed directly into the water line beneath your sink. Water flows through multiple stages of filtration, including activated carbon and possibly reverse osmosis, to remove a wide range of contaminants.

Pros:

Powerful filtration capabilities
Hidden from view
Filters large volumes of water

Cons:

More complex installation required
Higher upfront costs
May require professional maintenance

Perfect for: Anyone looking for a more comprehensive filtration system that can tackle a wide array of contaminants. Ideal for families concerned about water quality and willing to invest in a more permanent solution.

Countertop Water Filters

Countertop water filters offer the perfect blend of convenience and performance. Sitting neatly on your counter, these units purify your water without the need for plumbing changes, making them a favorite for renters or those who frequently move.

How they work: Connected to your faucet via a simple hose or sitting independently, these filters use a combination of carbon filtration, and sometimes more advanced technologies like reverse osmosis, to reduce contaminants. They're effective, easy to set up, and can handle a significant amount of water.

Pros:

No installation required
Portable and easy to move
Effective at reducing many types of contaminants

Cons:

Takes up counter space
May require frequent filter changes depending on usage
Some models can be pricey

Perfect for: Those who prioritize flexibility and effective filtration without the hassle of installation. Ideal for renters, students, or anyone who prefers a simple, yet efficient, water purification solution.

Whole House Water Filtration Systems

Whole house water filtration systems are the ultimate safeguard for your home’s water supply. They filter water at the point of entry, ensuring every tap delivers clean, safe water. From showers to kitchen sinks, these systems provide uniform quality throughout your home.

How they work: Installed at the main water line, these systems remove contaminants before the water reaches any faucet or appliance. Using a variety of filtration media, they can tackle everything from sediment to heavy metals, improving water quality across the board.

Pros:

Uniform water quality in the entire home
Long-lasting filters with less frequent changes
Protects appliances from scale and buildup

Cons:

High initial investment
Professional installation required
Periodic maintenance needed to ensure efficiency

Perfect for: Families or individuals seeking a one-stop solution for all their water needs. Especially beneficial for those concerned about contaminants affecting not just drinking water but also bathing and appliance water quality.

Reverse Osmosis Systems

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems offer a high level of purification, removing contaminants that other filters can't. These systems push water through a semi-permeable membrane, leaving impurities behind and delivering pure water to your tap.

How they work: RO systems use pressure to force water through a membrane that captures a wide range of contaminants, including dissolved solids, heavy metals, and some bacteria and viruses. This process is often coupled with other filtration stages, such as carbon filters, to ensure comprehensive water purification.

Pros:

Removes a broad spectrum of contaminants
Provides excellent water taste and quality
Can be installed under the sink or as a countertop unit

Cons:

Requires more water to operate, producing wastewater
Slower filtration process
More expensive than simpler filtration methods

Perfect for: Health-conscious individuals or families concerned about the highest level of water purity. Ideal for areas with known water contamination issues or for anyone demanding the best in water quality.

UV Water Purifiers

UV water purifiers use ultraviolet light to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, ensuring your water is free from harmful life forms. This method is quick, effective, and does not introduce chemicals into your water.

How they work: Water passes through a chamber that exposes it to UV light. This exposure damages the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them harmless and unable to reproduce. It’s a powerful addition to physical filtration methods, ensuring comprehensive water safety.

Pros:

Effective against a wide range of pathogens
Chemical-free purification
Low maintenance and energy efficient

Cons:

Does not remove non-biological contaminants
Requires pre-filtration for best results
Initial setup costs

Perfect for: Households concerned about microbial contamination in their water supply. It’s an excellent choice for ensuring water is safe from pathogens, especially in areas prone to such water quality issues.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of water filters can seem daunting, but armed with the right information, finding the perfect fit for your home becomes much simpler. Whether you’re drawn to the ease of pitcher filters, the on-demand purification of faucet-mounted systems, the stealthy power of under-sink models, the flexibility of countertop units, the comprehensive approach of whole house systems, the superior purity of reverse osmosis, or the microbial defense of UV purifiers, there’s a solution out there for your specific needs and concerns.

Remember, the goal is to ensure your drinking water is clean, safe, and tastes great. Consider your household water usage, the specific contaminants you need to target, and your budget. Sometimes, a combination of systems offers the best protection. And don’t forget, regular maintenance and timely filter changes are crucial for keeping any water filtration system running effectively.

Water is life, and ensuring its quality not only supports your health but also enhances your daily living experience. So take the plunge, choose the water filter that best aligns with your lifestyle, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re providing the best for yourself and your loved ones.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Infographic on water softener repair with technician, blue-and-white design, and service details to stop breakdowns

When Does Water Softener Repair Stop Being Worth It?

June 21, 2026

Learn when repeated water softener repairs may cost more than replacement and what signs homeowners should watch for.

What Hidden Costs Can Hard Water Cause in a Home?

June 14, 2026

Learn how hard water can increase appliance wear, utility bills, plumbing repairs, and cleaning costs throughout a home.

Why Do Some Whole-Home Water Filters Cost More?

June 7, 2026

Introduction Two whole-home water filtration systems can look similar at first glance yet come with completely different price tags. One system may seem relatively affordable, while another costs significantly more before installation is even included. That difference often confuses homeowners who are trying to compare options. The reality is that whole-home water filters are designed for very different water conditions, property sizes, and treatment goals. Some systems only target basic sediment issues, while others are built to handle chlorine, iron, sulfur, heavy mineral content, or multiple contaminants at the same time. Pricing usually reflects how much treatment work the system is expected to perform. For homeowners researching filtration options, understanding what actually drives those costs makes it easier to compare systems based on long-term value instead of just the lowest upfront number. Not All Whole-Home Filters Solve the Same Problems One of the biggest reasons for price differences is that water quality problems vary widely between homes. Some households mainly want to improve taste and odor. Others are dealing with staining, sediment, well water contaminants, or chemical exposure concerns. The more complex the water issue becomes, the more advanced the filtration system usually needs to be. Basic Sediment Filtration Entry-level systems often focus mainly on sediment removal. These filters are commonly used to reduce: Dirt Sand Rust particles Debris from aging pipes Sediment systems are generally less expensive because they use simpler filtration media and fewer treatment stages. Carbon Filtration Systems Carbon filtration systems usually cost more because they target additional contaminants such as: