What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?
Clean, healthy water is essential to every household but not all water treatment systems are the same. If you’re comparing RO systems vs. water softeners, understanding the difference can help you choose the right solution for your family.
At Hansen Family Plumbing & Air, we help homeowners across Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale and Greater Phoenix make smart, informed decisions about their water quality. Whether you need softer water for your appliances or cleaner water for drinking, we’ve got the tools and experience to help.
What Is a Water Softener?
A water softener is a system that removes minerals like calcium and magnesium, which cause hard water. Hard water leaves scale buildup on faucets, clogs pipes, and shortens the lifespan of your appliances.
Key Benefits of Water Softeners:
- Reduce scale buildup in pipes and fixtures
- Extend the life of your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine
- Improve soap and detergent efficiency
- Leave your skin and hair feeling smoother after showers
If you notice white spots on dishes, stiff laundry, or itchy skin after bathing, a water softener may be the ideal hard water solution for your home.
What Is an RO System?
An RO system, or Reverse Osmosis system, is a drinking water system that uses a multi-stage filtration process to remove contaminants such as:
- Lead
- Chlorine
- Fluoride
- Bacteria and viruses
- Pesticides and chemicals
These systems are typically installed under the kitchen sink to provide clean, purified drinking and cooking water.
Key Benefits of RO Systems:
- Improve taste and smell of drinking water
- Remove up to 99% of harmful contaminants
- Ideal for baby formula, cooking, and coffee
- Affordable alternative to bottled water
If you’re concerned about the quality of your tap water or simply want the best water for your family, an RO system is a great investment.
RO Systems vs. Water Softeners: Key Differences
| Feature | Water Softener | RO System |
| Main Function | Removes minerals that cause hard water | Filters contaminants from drinking water |
| Whole Home Coverage? | Yes | No (typically point-of-use and installed under kitchen sink) |
| Drinking Water Quality | Doesn’t improve | Significantly improves |
| Appliance Protection | Yes | No |
| Best For | Hard water issues | Purified drinking/cooking water |
Still not sure which one you need? In many Arizona homes, both systems are recommended, a softener for your full plumbing system and an RO system for high-quality drinking water.
Do You Need One, the Other, or Both?
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Choose a Water Softener if:
- Your home has hard water (most homes in Arizona do)
- You want to protect plumbing and appliances
- You’re tired of scale buildup and soap scum
Choose an RO System if:
- You want clean, safe water for drinking and cooking
- You’re concerned about tap water contaminants
- You want to eliminate bottled water
Choose Both if:
You want the best of both worlds, clean, softened water throughout your home and filtered, great-tasting water at the tap. Hansen Family Plumbing & Air can install both systems as part of a complete water quality solution.
Why Water Quality Matters in Arizona
Arizona’s municipal water is heavily treated and often originates from hard sources like the Colorado River or deep wells. This leads to very hard water and concerns about contaminants and taste.
By installing a water softener and RO system, you can ensure your family has water that’s not only safe and healthy but also better for your home and lifestyle.
Why Choose Hansen Family Plumbing & Air?
Hansen Family is a family-owned and veteran-owned company with decades of experience in the plumbing industry. Our team proudly serves Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, and the entire Phoenix Valley.
Here’s why homeowners trust us:
- Expert recommendations tailored to your home
- High-quality products like GreenFusion, Nuvo, and Navien
- Transparent pricing and free estimates
- 5-star customer reviews
- Friendly, licensed technicians who treat your home like their own
FAQ: RO Systems vs. Water Softeners
Can I install an RO system without a water softener?
Yes, but if your water is extremely hard, the minerals can wear down your RO filters faster. A water softener helps extend the life of an RO system.
Do RO systems remove fluoride and chlorine?
Yes, RO systems are highly effective at removing fluoride, chlorine, lead, and other common contaminants found in tap water.
How often do I need to service these systems?
Water softeners typically need salt refills every 1–2 months. RO systems require filter replacements every 6–12 months. Hansen Family offers maintenance plans to keep everything running smoothly.
Call Hansen Family For Water Quality Solutions
Choosing between RO systems vs. water softeners doesn’t have to be confusing. It all comes down to what you want from your water, clean, mineral-free water for your whole home, or ultra-purified water for drinking.
At Hansen Family Plumbing & Air, we make it easy to enjoy better water with professional installation, trusted brands, and local expertise.
Call today to schedule your free estimate for an RO system or water softener installation in Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, or anywhere in the Greater Phoenix area.
