Reverse Osmosis System vs. Water Softener
WHAT IS A REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM?
In simple words, reverse osmosis system (RO) helps to filter the water. It removes pollutants and contaminants from water by forcing it to flow through a unique membrane.
WHAT IS A WATER SOFTENER?
As the name suggests, a water softener softens the hard water by removing the high concentrated minerals which are dissolved in water and conditions water.
Now that you are clear with the fundamental functions of both kinds of water purifiers let us move on to discuss the difference between the two.
ARE REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEMS AND WATER SOFTENERS DIFFERENT?
Yes, there are several differences. Let us understand this better with the help of the table underneath:
|
Points of Difference
|
Reverse Osmosis System
|
Water Softener
|
| Process | As mentioned above, the membrane in an RO system separates impurities from water. It purifies water on a molecular basis. | A water softener uses a typical process known as the ionization to convert hard water into the soft and better kind. |
| Contaminants |
RO removes many impurities from water
|
A water softener efficiently discards |
| including dissolved particles, nitrate, lead, sodium, etc. It gets rid of various disease-causing bacteria and viruses and other harmful chemicals. | magnesium and calcium which make water hard. It also decreases the levels of manganese and iron, which leaves rust-colored stains when present in an excessive quantity. | |
| Result or Output | ROs are quite functional as far as removing contaminants from water is concerned. However, you must remember that they also remove certain bacteria which are beneficial to our body. | Water softeners prove to be useful in removing various minerals which are present in an excessive amount in water. Nonetheless, they leave sodium behind in the water. So, on the off chance that you have problems with sodium in your diet, it is advisable to consult your doctor before installing it. |
| Maintenance | In case of an RO system, you need to replace the membrane every 2-3 years. You should also change the pre and post filters every 6-12 months for better water and to increase the life the product. | A water softener uses a salt-coated material to do its job which needs to be changed every 6 months. You can, of course, replace it sooner if you notice a darker color in water or if the flow of water decreases. |
| Wastewater | An RO system comparatively produces more wastewater to do its job. | A water softener relatively produces less quantity of wastewater to perform the water purification task. |
Now that you have a clear picture of the differences between a Reverse Osmosis System and a Water Softener, the next question that must be acknowledged is:
WHICH ONE SHOULD I PURCHASE?
The answer to this question depends on the source and type of water that you get.
So, we would recommend you to choose a Reverse Osmosis System if the water in your place smells or tastes odd.
Furthermore, we suggest you select a water softener if you get hard water in your place and if you have plumbing problems due to corrosion.
Since our ultimate target is to get safe and clean water, there is yet another question, the final one, which needs to be addressed:
DO I NEED TO USE A COMBINATION OF A REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM AND A WATER SOFTENER?
If you get hard water in your place and the quantity of impurities is very high (you can tell this by testing the water), it is advisable to use the combination of an RO system and a Water Softener.
It will solve all your water-related problems, and you will get clean water that is free of impurities.
We hope that this information about Reverse Osmosis Systems and Water Softeners proves to be useful to you.
For more details, please contact us.