Water Softener Vs Water Purifier – What’s The Difference?

Water Softener Vs Water Purifier needs to be clarified in a manner that allows the users a better understanding of the difference between the two. For the longest time ever, the two very different terms have been used interchangeably without realizing the very specific functions they stand for. So, what is the difference between the two, and how best to know when to use what? More on that and beyond to help you understand how the two functions and their various features. However, before we dive into the major differences between the two, it is vital to know that both applications are related to dealing with the treatment of hard water.

Simply put, the water that is not processed is ‘hard. This is usually because of the presence of high levels of minerals and dissolved solids. Though the hard water is not suitable for drinking purposes; nevertheless it is also quite harsh on the home appliances that utilize water for functioning. Usually, we are provided with two types of water at our homes for our daily use: the Municipal Water supply and the Borewell water. As the Municipal water is usually supplied to the Urban population, the rural areas have to make do with the Borewell water supply. The Borewell water is the main concern as it is the standard ‘hard water. According to the amount of dissolved Calcium and Magnesium, the water is judged as ‘soft’ or ‘hard’:

Dissolved Calcium And Magnesium In The Water Type

WATER

MILLIGRAMS PER LITRE (mg/l)

Soft

0-60

Moderate

61 - 120

Hard

121 - 180

Extremely hard

>180

It has been reported that the hardness of water directly depends upon the number of Minerals dissolved in it. These Ions present to react with the soap or the detergent, thus, giving rise to the Calcium and Magnesium residues. It is this in the White patch that one often finds on clothes and the surface of utensils and appliances. The degree of hardness of water varies from area to area and needs treatment accordingly.

What is a Water Softener?

Before we plunge into the ‘Water softener Vs Water Purifier’ debate, let us first understand what a ‘water softener’ is all about. As the name suggests, a water softener works by ‘softening’ up the normally hard water. While there are plenty of methods to get the desired results, the ‘Ion Exchange’ method is the most popular of the lot.

The Ion Exchange method comprises of a ‘resin beads’ like structure through which the water is made to pass across. The Mineral Ions are positively charged, while the Sodium Ions in the resin are negatively charged. When the two come in contact with each other, the negative Ions attract the positive ions and bind together, thus, allowing the water to be ‘free’ from the harmful minerals. Thus, the hard water is converted to soft water.

What is a Water Purifier?

To understand the difference between a water purifier and a water softener, let us now understand what a Water purifier is all about. This is one of the most sought-after processes that allows the user to consume the water for drinking purposes. Not just the harmful Minerals but also dirt, bacteria, sand, viruses, Chlorine, Heavy Metals, and Pesticides are eradicated with the help of a water purifier. The water purification process is not a single step; instead, it involves various steps that bring about water purification.

To summarize more precisely, the water purification process comprises the Physical process and the Chemical process. In the Physical process, various particulates, dust, dirt, and sand are removed. In the Chemical process, various impurities like Bacteria, Viruses, Chlorine, pesticides, and heavy metals are eliminated. So, when it comes to water purifier vs softener, one must bear in mind that these are two very different processes.

The Difference Between Water Softener And Water Purifier

water softener vs water purifier

Let us take a look at some of the prime differences between the two processes and what sets them apart:

FEATURE

WATER PURIFIER

WATER SOFTENER

For making water drinkable again

Yes

No

For making water usable for bathing and Cleaning

No

Yes

For converting the hard water into soft water

Yes(Only RO)

Yes

Decreases the TDS levels

Yes(Only RO)

No

Overall Expenses and maintenance

high

low

For the appliances that use water

No

Yes

Water Softener Vs Water Purifier: FAQs

Both applications function for different purposes. The water purifier makes the water drinkable while the water softener converts the hard water into soft water.

No, it only converts the hard water into soft water.

No. There are high chances that soft water could still be undrinkable and filtered water could still be hard water.

No. It is better to still get soft water filtered as the process of filtration removes the dangerous virus, Bacteria, Pesticides, and other hazardous elements from the water.

Yes, hard water is damaging for appliances that utilize water for their functioning as this leads to the deposition of the scales on the moving parts.

No, the Brita filter is not a water softener as it does not remove dissolved salts from the water.

One can easily soften the hard water through any of the following methods: 

  •  Boiling
  • Ion exchange filter
  • Install a softener

No, soft water is better than hard water when it comes to the hair and skin washing options.

Yes, there have been reports that showed that plants die if watered using soft water. This was mainly because the increased amount of Sodium in the water can cause it to ‘think’ that it is still thirsty.

Yes, in comparison to the hazards caused by Hard water, Soft water is a better option for human skin.

The water conditioner is another alternative to the water softener as it performs the same function by altering the structure of the mineral ion.

Water Softener Vs Water Purifier: Conclusion

These were the prime difference between the water filter and softener one needs to know of. Now, it has been established that these are two very different applications and functions that deal with water treatment. While one is all about making the water safe to be used around the household in general, the other is all about ensuring that the water you drink is not toxic for your health. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure that we do not confuse one with the other, as water softener ‘does not make water safe for drinking’ under any circumstances.

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