Last Updated on February 11, 2022 by TODD FRANZEN
If you are one of the many people who are wondering if you should install a sediment filter on your home’s water supply, then you have come to the right place. Today, we will discuss what a sediment filter is, why you might need one, and how to choose the best one for your needs. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about sediment filters. So, whether you are just starting to research water filters or you are ready to buy one, read on for information that will help you make the best decision possible!
Over 13 million households live on a private well. And since the EPA doesn’t regulate or provide recommendations to private wells, it is up to you, the individual to take matters into their own hands.
Ok, so now what?
In my last post, we talk about the importance of testing your water. This is so you know what is in your water and how you need to filter it. Sediment is one of the biggest issues in well water. It comes from a variety of sources, including dirt or sand that is pushed into your water through exposure, erosion, and rust particles shed by miles of old pipes. Over time, sediments can clog up your plumbing system and cause damage to your appliances. I prefer the preemptive approach!
You will want to make sure you install a sediment filter if you have:
- A private well
- Rusty water
- Sediment in your water
There are a variety of different types of sediment filters on the market, so it is important to do your research and find the one that is best for your water needs. Some factors to consider when choosing a sediment filter include:
- The size of the filter
- The type of filter media and its particulate rating
- How often the filter will need to be replaced
- The price point
Sediment filters range in size from small pitchers to large whole-house systems. If you are only looking for a temporary solution, or if you have a small home with limited plumbing space, a pitcher-style filter might be the best option for you. These filters are typically inexpensive and easy to install, and they can be replaced easily when they become clogged.
If you are looking for a more permanent solution, or if you have a home with plenty of plumbing space, then you might want to consider a whole-house system. Sediment filters that fit into a whole-house system are typically larger and more expensive than pitcher-style filters, but they also offer the benefit of being able to filter all of the water in your home at once.
Types of Sediment Filters
There are two types of sediment filters. Cartridge and Spin Down. Both types of filters should be used as “The First Stage” in a water filtration system. Meaning that this is the first element that your water will go through when it comes into your house. This filter specifically removes sediment like dirt and rust and sand that may come into your water from your water source.
There are many different types of sediment filter media available on the market today, including pleated, polypropylene, and stainless steel screens. These choices allow you to create a highly customized water filter system for your home.
The next stages of your filtration system deal with specific contaminants like chlorine, arsenic, lead, and mercury. As well as impurities, VOC’s, pharmaceuticals, and biologicals to start with.
The first stage is typically considered a Pre-Filter.
Spin down filters are more commonly used for portable and industrial power washers. I would use them to keep sediment out of power washer pumps that we would use for high-pressure sewer jetting. They are small and have a small metal screen that will filter out the larger loose sediment before it can get to a pump and cause damage.
iSpring WSP-50 Reusable Whole House Spin Down Sediment Water Filter, 50 Micron
Spindown filters are easy to flush and maintain. The iSpring filter above has around 280 Mesh screens capturing sediment and microplastics above 50 microns in size. This is a good first line of defense before the rest of your water system.
And then there are cartridge filters. Pleated and Spun cartridges. Granulated activated carbon (GAC) and Activated Carbon Block (ACB), Ion Exchange, string or wound, and membrane.
Growing up, my parent’s home had a pleated cartridge that was made out of a polyester type of material. It was very effective and I would help the family change and clean these filters about twice a year.
They are usually a bit larger in size and a little more expensive. But can cover the entire home all at once.
So here are my choices for Best Sediment Filter for Well and City Water in 2022!
#1 Waterdrop Spin Down Sediment Water Filter
Even though Spin Down filters are not as commonly used in hole home water filtration systems, they are very effective in removing the larger contaminants that may be found in private wells or spring water sources.
As the very first line of defense within your filtration system, a spindown filter will remove the larger contaminants that will ultimately clog the next stage of your treatment system.
With its ability to flush itself, maintaining a spindown filter is quite simple. With its removable screen, you can easily rinse and reuse it. And their clear housings make knowing when to service the filter a snap.
#2 Aquaboon 5 Micron 10″ x 4.5″ Sediment Water Filter Cartridge
String wound sediment water filter cartridges are becoming an affordable means to trapping sediment in the first stages of your water system. Made from 100% polypropylene cord, Aquaboon’s 5 Micron cartridge is a great example of a filter that will work great as your first stage or prefilter. I’ve been seeing and recommending that a string wound cartridge be installed as a prefilter to a Reverse Osmosis system.
This particular filter measures 10″ x 4.5″. You could call it short and stubby. And highly effective. The filter has a 4 to 6-month life or 20,000 to 30,000 gallons depending on how clean the source water is.
It’s also NSF certified to remove Sediment, Dirt, Rust, and Sand down to a size of only five microns.
#3 Membrane Solutions 5 Micron String Wound Water Filter 10″ x 2.5″
I’ll be honest, I’m a fan of MB Solutions products. their Personal Straw filters are a great example of their technology in the personal filtration world. And their wide range of replacement water filter cartridges doesn’t slack either.
They make a number of different string wound filters depending on what you’re trying to filter. From residential water to industrial solvents, MB Solutions has you covered. The size of this filter is 10″ x 2 1/2″. Making this a little bit easier for an area that has less space.
Made from food-grade 100% Polypropylene material, it is also Lead and BPA-Free. The cartridge is Non-toxic, odorless, with no leaching or secondary pollution.
#4 AO Smith 2.5″x10″ 5 Micron Carbon Block Sediment Water Filter
A carbon block filter like AO Smith 2.5″x10″ 5 Micron Carbon Block Sediment Water Filter is a great alternative if you’re looking for a simple filter. Because of its 5 micron rating, It is able to capture debris like sand and rust.
It’s no secrete that I’m a fan of carbon block filters. There is a little more work that goes into them for priming and prep. but once working, I feel they have slightly better water quality overall. Again, when used in conjunction with other types of filters, your filter system will benefit from its use.
Replacing these filters is easy, takes a few minutes, and you do not need a plumber. will also help prolong the life of your appliances like your refrigerators, ice maker, and dishwasher.
#5 Pentair Pentek WP.5BB97P Big Blue Sediment Water Filter
I think it’s pretty obvious that I like the string wound filters. and Pentair’s inclusion is another example. You get five choices of filtration from 25 microns down to a small 0.5-micron rating. This is impressive on many levels. Having these choices gives the end-user more options on how to filter their water.
With its high flow rate between 10 and 65 gallons per minute, it has a high dirt-catching capacity making it a good filter to protect your appliances. All Pentair filters are NSF certified by a third-party testing lab helping you feel comfortable in trusting the quality that Pentair offers.
Runner Up – SimPure 10″ x 4.5″ Whole House Sediment Water Filter, 5 Micron 10″ BB Water Filter
What makes Simpure call House sediment filter interesting is its gradient layered cartridge. There are three different densities that are able to pick up different sizes of contaminates. Stating with the outer layer that filters out 10 Microns, the middle layer filters out 7 microns and bigger, and the inner layer filters out 5 microns and bigger.
This gradient process is the closest I’ve seen for more thorough removal of sediment in a single cartridge.
The filter has a life span of fifteen thousand gallons and because it’s made out of polypropylene, it is resistant to chemicals and corrosion.
Universal Filter Sizing: Fits most stand size 10″ BB housings built for 10″ inch x 4.5″ inch filter cartridges including SimPure, iSpring, Culligan, American Plumber, Aqua-Pure, Hydronix, and more. Rest assured, as long as you have the 10″ x 4.5″ filter and housing, you will be able to replace your filter with 3 of the filters above (except the AO Smith and MB Solutions being 10’x2.5″ inch cartridge).
In conclusion…
Sediment filters are one of the most important pieces of a water filtration system. They remove debris like sand and rust, which can damage appliances and clog up pipes. We’ve looked at some of the best sediment filters on the market today, and each has its own unique benefits. Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-use carbon block filter or a more complex gradient layered cartridge filter, there’s sure to be something here that meets your needs. Remember to always replace your sediment filters regularly to ensure optimal water quality!
Stay tuned for the next post on Water Filter Cartridge Housings.
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