A sediment filter reduces visible particulate matter including silt, sand, rust particles and dust that can cause turbidity in water. It does not remove chemicals, heavy metals or improve the taste or smell of water.
Sediment filters are the first stage in most whole home filtration systems and should be replaced regularly. Different types of sediment filters are available depending on your water needs.
Improved Water Quality
A sediment filter for your water is the best way to ensure that you’re getting clean, fresh drinking water. These filters remove large dirt and sand particles that could cause water to have a murky appearance or an odd taste. They also prevent these solids from clogging the pipes and filter systems of your home, improving their performance.
Sediment filters can catch particles as small as a grain of sand and as large as flakes of rust. They can also remove turbidity, or cloudiness, from your water. This is the result of large amounts of suspended dirt and other particles that force your water to turn orange, yellow, or brown in color. Water that has high turbidity can be unpleasant to drink and may contain toxins, chemicals, or bacteria that could lead to disease.
While sediment filters can catch some types of unwanted particles, they do have limited functions when compared to other types of filters. These filters cannot remove chemicals, heavy metals, or volatile organic compounds from your water supply.
A sediment filter is often a pre-filter that sits before other water filters in your home’s filtration system. This filter catches the largest particles that could clog other filters and can prevent them from working effectively. Many filters use a mesh or woven fabric to capture these particles, but they can also be made out of cellulose or polyester string. These filters work through a process called mechanical filtration, which uses physical barriers to block out unwanted particles.
Reduced Maintenance
A sediment filter is the first line of defense against dirt, silt and other solid contaminants that can clog pipes and reduce water flow. Rust from corroded galvanized plumbing, fine silt and clay, soil and grains of sand are all common contaminants that can enter your home water supply through stormwater runoff, well groundwater, and flow changes in the main water supply line. A whole house sediment filter prevents these contaminants from reaching your water heater, faucets, appliances and other household fixtures and reducing their lifespan.
Sediment filters are rated by the size of particles they can remove, so it’s important to choose one with the appropriate micron rating for your situation. Higher-rated filters cost more up front but can handle larger amounts of sediment without needing to backwash or replace them as frequently as smaller, lower-rated filters.
A sediment filter can be installed in conjunction with other types of water treatment devices to improve their performance and extend their life expectancy. For example, installing a sediment filter upstream of your water softener can help reduce the amount of soap and detergent you need to use to keep your plumbing and appliances in good condition while helping the softener remove minerals that cause scale buildup. The installation of a whole-house sediment filter can also save you the expense of having to repair or replace your washing machines, dishwashers, sinks and showerheads because of extended use in dirty water.
Extended Filter Lifespan
When used as a pre-filter in your home filtration system, a sediment filter can significantly extend the lifespan of all other water filters in your house. Because they capture and remove sand, silt, dirt, and rust, sediment filters can prevent these particulates from clogging or damaging other household appliances like water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and faucets. This significantly reduces the cost of repairs and replacements for these expensive household items and also helps to maintain optimal functioning for them.
Sediment filters are rated by the size of particles they can trap, usually given as micron numbers. Larger filters will trap larger particles, while smaller ones will catch finer particulates. As a result, it’s important to understand how sediment filters work before making any decisions about which one to buy for your home.
They use a process called mechanical filtration to physically block unwanted particulates from entering your water supply. Think of it as a screen door on your house; you want the refreshing breeze to flow into your home, but you don’t want the bugs and leaves blowing in with it. A sediment filter acts similarly, with enough porosity to allow for water to pass through but not the sand and debris that would otherwise ruin your fresh-tasting water. By installing a sediment filter, you can enjoy naturally clean-tasting water for a much lower cost than purchasing and transporting plastic bottled water.
Affordable
A sediment filter is often the first in a water filtration system, and it works well as an inexpensive pre-filter for carbon filters. Sediment filters catch large dirt, sand and silt particles from the water supply before it reaches other filter stages, which allows those other filters to operate at their best.
A whole-home sediment filter will also reduce your need for bottled water, which requires non-renewable resources and energy to produce and ship. These plastic bottles also sit in landfills for years and endanger animals that mistake them for food. A sediment filter is a sustainable alternative that will protect your pipes, faucets and appliances from corrosion while also providing clean drinking water.
The cost of a sediment filter will vary depending on the type and size of filter you choose, as well as any extra features you want to include. Cartridge-based systems are typically less expensive than tank-based models. Also, a filter with a more complex filtration process will be more expensive than one that uses a simple method, such as backwashing.
Whether you are looking to add a sediment filter to an existing water filtration system or need one as the first in your home filtration system, it is important that you invest in high-quality products that will provide long-term value for your family. A sediment filter is an affordable way to ensure that your drinking water is clean and healthy, so make it a part of your home’s filtration system today!