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What is a whole-house water filter?

A whole-house water filter, often called a sediment filter, is a water filter that strains small particles of sand and sediment out of your water. It consists of a housing, called a sump with a cartridge filter made of straining media.

Do I need a whole-house sediment filter?

If your water supply is from a community well or private well you should have a whole-house sediment water filter.  It helps protect your faucets, toilets, and shower faucets. The filter strains your water and removes small pieces of sediment from your water.   It is common for sediment particles to foul out and destroy shower valve cartridges, toilet fill valves (ballcocks), and faucet cartridges. 

Which cartridge should I use in my filter?

Different cartridges have different micron ratings. A cartridge with a lower micron rating removes smaller particles and more sediment. It also becomes clogged more quickly. It is common for filters to be 30 microns all the way down to 1 micron. If you have a lot of sediment a 1-micron or 5-micron filter might not be a wise choice. It will fill and clog much more quickly than a 30-micron filter. I typically start with a more coarse (higher micron number) filter. I see how long it lasts before the filter becomes clogged.

A bypass is important

I install a whole-house water filter with a bypass. When a cartridge becomes clogged I can temporarily route the water through the bypass. The home still has unfiltered water through the bypass while I am working on the water filter. Once I complete repairs I again route the water through the filter and close the bypass.

Important Whole House Water Filter Features

There is what I call “good plumbing” and then also “bad plumbing”. An installation that does not use good materials and methods is “bad plumbing”. The following is a list of important features that I adhere to when installing a whole-house water filter. These materials and methods assure an installation I consider to be “good plumbing”.

Integral Mounting Bracket

I only install filters that have an integral mounting bracket. The filter needs support. Never support a filter with plastic water piping and small tack-on pipe hangers.

A Clear Sump

A clear sump allows me to see the sediment collecting inside the filter. In high sediment conditions, I often see sediment start filling the base of the sump. Eventually, the entire sump will fill. The filter will clog. Water pressure in the house will greatly decrease. That is why I prefer a clear sump.

One-Inch IPS Threaded Input/Output

This filter has a much larger sump when compared to a 3/4″ inlet/outlet model. The larger sump means you will not have to change the filter as often. It will take much longer for the sump to fill with sediment thereby causing the home to lose pressure.

A “Water Service” is the main water line serving a home. Most private wells have a 1″ PVC water service. It makes good sense to match the filter inlet with the water service size.

In conclusion, a whole-house water filter is the first step in purifying water. It removes sand and sediment from your home’s water.

If you need a Licensed Master Plumber to install a water filter please call 919-795-8727