Sediment Water Filters

A sediment water filter is the first stage in most water treatment systems. It strains sand, silt, dirt and rust flakes out of incoming water before those particles reach your plumbing, fixtures and appliances. Unlike carbon or softener media, a sediment filter works by physical straining, and its micron rating tells you the size of particle it stops. Fitted ahead of a softener, carbon filter, UV system or reverse osmosis system, a sediment water filter protects the resin bed, control valve, lamp sleeve and membrane from clogging and wear.

Choosing a sediment filter comes down to your source water and your housing. Drilled wells usually carry the least sediment, dug wells a moderate amount, and surface water such as lakes, rivers and ponds the most. When you expect a heavy load, choose a larger sediment water filter cartridge or a coarser grade even if your home is small, so it lasts longer between changes. A sediment filter costs little compared with the equipment it protects, and changing it on schedule keeps pressure steady, aerators clear and downstream filters working as designed.