Reverse Osmosis vs. Water Softener: Do You Need One or Both?

Reverse osmosis and water softeners are often mentioned together, and they work well together, but they are not the same thing. Here is how to think about each.

What a water softener is for

A water softener treats hardness throughout the house. It protects fixtures, appliances, laundry and the shower from spots and scale. It does not change how drinking water tastes.

What reverse osmosis is for

Reverse osmosis pushes water through a very fine membrane that reduces many dissolved substances. Most homes use it under the kitchen sink for great-tasting drinking and cooking water. Whole house RO is also available for homes that want treated water everywhere.

Why they are often installed together

A softener ahead of an RO system protects the RO membrane from hardness, helping it work better and last longer. The softener takes care of the whole house, and the RO system polishes the water you drink.

Which do you need?

• Only spots and scale bother you: a softener may be enough.

• Only your drinking water bothers you: an under-sink RO system may be enough.

• Both: a softener for the house plus RO at the kitchen tap is a common setup.

• Well water with several issues: you may need iron or sulfur treatment too. See advanced water treatment.

For a deeper look at RO, read our post Reverse Osmosis for Your Home: 7 Benefits Worth Knowing.

Let your water decide

Water Concierge Services is a family-run Authorized Kinetico Dealer with 75+ years of combined experience. Call (561) 779-5544, text (561) 721-5617, or book your free water test.