Water Softeners vs Filters: What’s the Difference?
What Perth homeowners actually need to know before choosing a system
Most homeowners confuse water softeners and water filters and end up installing the wrong system. The reality is simple: they solve completely different problems. If you don’t understand that, you’re not improving your water, you’re just guessing.
Across Perth, water quality can vary depending on your suburb. Some homes deal with mineral-heavy water that damages fixtures, while others notice taste, odour, or sediment issues. Choosing the right system directly affects your plumbing, appliances, and daily water use.
1. What Is a Water Softener?
A water softener is designed to remove hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water.
Prevents limescale buildup on taps and shower screens
Extends the life of appliances like hot water systems
Improves soap and detergent performance
It does not remove bacteria or contaminants
It does not improve drinking water safety
It does not filter chemicals
2. What Is a Water Filter?
A water filtration system is designed to clean your water by removing unwanted substances.
Unpleasant taste and odour
Some bacteria (depending on system type)
Common types used in Perth homes:
Carbon filtration systems
This is about making your water cleaner and safer — especially for drinking.
3. Key Differences (Without the Confusion)
Here’s the difference in plain terms:
A water softener deals with minerals that damage plumbing and appliances
A water filter deals with contaminants that affect water quality and safety
Softener = protects your home
Filter = protects what you consume
They’re not interchangeable and treating them that way is where most homeowners go wrong.
4. What Do Perth Homes Actually Need?
This depends entirely on the problem — not assumptions.
You likely need a water softener if:
You see white scale on taps or shower screens
Your appliances wear out faster than expected
Soap struggles to lather properly
You likely need a water filter if:
Your water has a noticeable taste or smell
You want better quality drinking water
You’re concerned about chemicals or impurities
You want full protection across plumbing and water quality
Many Perth homes benefit from a combination system but only after proper assessment.
5. Can You Use Both Systems Together?
Yes — and in many homes, that’s the most effective setup.
Water enters → filtration system removes contaminants
Then → softener removes hardness minerals
Improve overall water quality
Reduce scale damage to plumbing
Extend the lifespan of household systems
6. Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
This is where most people waste money:
Installing a softener expecting clean drinking water
Ignoring hard water damage while focusing only on filtration
Choosing cheap systems without understanding performance
DIY installations that don’t meet Australian plumbing standards
These mistakes don’t just reduce performance — they create long-term plumbing issues.
7. Water Treatment & Plumbing Services in Perth
Choosing the right system isn’t just about the product — it’s about correct diagnosis and installation.
At Perth Local Plumbing, we help homeowners across Perth with:
Water quality assessments
Water softener and filtration system installation
Maintenance and system upgrades
General plumbing services, including leak detection and pipe repairs
Hot water system installation and servicing
Blocked drain solutions and preventative maintenance
Our approach is simple: identify the real issue first, then recommend a solution that actually works for your home — not a one-size-fits-all system.
FAQs About Water Softeners vs Filters
1. Is a water softener the same as a filter?
No. A softener removes minerals, while a filter removes contaminants.
2. Does a water softener make water safe to drink?
No. It doesn’t remove harmful substances or bacteria.
3. Which system is better for Perth homes?
It depends on your water quality. Some homes need one, others need both.
4. Can I install both systems together?
Yes, and in many cases, it’s the most effective setup.
5. How do I know what my home needs?
A professional water assessment is the only reliable way to determine the right solution.
If you’re choosing between a water softener and a filter, you’re asking the wrong question.
They solve different problems. Treat them as substitutes, and you’ll either damage your plumbing or compromise your water quality.
The smarter move? Get your water properly assessed and install the right system the first time.
If you’re in Perth and unsure what your home needs, Perth Local Plumbing can assess your water quality and recommend the right solution so you’re not wasting money on the wrong system.
