Is sediment filter for well water really necessary? What about municipal water that was already treated with chlorine and supposedly made good for drinking?
The fact is that water is not as stable as it looks. Some factors like environmental changes and overall water usage keep changing. This means that the water quality is slowly, but changing too.
Here is the list of ten available and affordable (they cost only around $50!) sediment filters. In the following article, we’re inspecting them more thoroughly. And trying to understand what is sediment in well water and why it should be removed before entering the following water delivery system.
| Filter name | Microns | Filter type | Prices |
| iSpring WSP-50 Reusable Whole House Spin Down Sediment Water | 50 / 100 / 200 / 500 / 1000 | Spin down | Check it on Amazon |
| Culligan WH-HD200-C Whole House Heavy Duty Water Filtration System | 5 / 25 / 50 | Spun cartridge | Check it on Amazon |
| Rusco/Vu-Flow 1″ 100 Mesh PVC Spin Down Sediment T-Style Water Filter | Not rated | Spin down | Check it on Amazon |
| iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System | 1 / 5 / 10 / 20 | Spun cartridge | Check it on Amazon |
| EcoPure EPWHE No Mess Whole Home Water Filtration System | 5 / 30 | Spun cartridge | Check it on Amazon |
| iSpring WSP-50SL Reusable Whole House Spin Down Sediment Water Filter with Siliphos | 50 / 100 / 200 / 500 / 1000 | Spin down | Check it on Amazon |
| Alfi 5621104 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Filtration System – Model AP904 | 5 | Spun cartridge | Check it on Amazon |
| Beduan Whole House Spin Down Sediment Water Filter | 50 | Spin down | Check it on Amazon |
| DuPont WFPF38001C Universal Valve-in-Head Whole House Water Filtration System | Not rated | Spun cartridge | Check it on Amazon |
| Culligan WH-S200-C Whole-House Sediment Water Filtration System | 1 / 5 / 10 / 20 / 30 | Spun cartridge | Check it on Amazon |
Best sediment filter for well water reviews
1) iSpring WSP-50 Reusable Whole House Spin Down Sediment Water Filter
Best features
• You can choose the right micron size for your water
• The filter comes with iSpring’s patented Siliphos technology that helps prevent scale and corrosion in pipes
• Easy to flush the sediment filter just by twisting the valve
• Solid build with brass head and a see-through housing for a quick inspection
This is the best sediment filter for well water. It is designed to be the first line of defense before reaching a separate filtering system.
The iSpring pre-sediment filter works by stopping dirt and other rough particles at two levels. First, a stainless-steel fine meshes barrier and then the spin-down filter. This ensures a longer filter lifetime and a better working capacity under the correct setup.
The key here is to pick the right screen from 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 micron options. Keep in mind that this is just a pre-treatment filter so it doesn’t need to filter water to perfection. Meaning that a 50-micron size screen will get clogged sooner with water that has more dirt and dust in it.
The filter must be flushed manually. The exact schedule is not existent however you can perform that weekly. If you won’t flush it, the effectiveness of the filter will decrease sooner than it would normally. As for the lifetime, the manufacturer recommends replacing filters every 12 to 24 months.
Installation is simple and easy. There are double threads with 1-inch MNPT and 3/4 inch FNPT on both ends. What’s handy there’s a garden hose barb fitting on the flush out valve. Meaning you’re not limited to a bucket under the filter when flushing it with water. The replacement filter will cost around $23
The iSpring WSP-50 is a simple and affordable option for those looking for a sediment filter. That’s why it’s number one on this list.
PROs
- The option to choose from different Micron ratings.
- The water connection fittings are made of brass, there should be no durability issues.
- The control valve is simple to operate and ensures that your filter will not need to be handled to clean it.
- See-through sediment filter housing allows for a quick inspection.
CONs
- It might be hard to find the right micron size filter. It will take trial and error.
2) Culligan WH-HD200-C Whole House Heavy Duty Water Filtration System
Best Features
• There is a bypass valve included in the system that allows the water to skip over the filter in • case any maintenance is being performed.
• The filter housing is made from reinforced plastic and is shatter resistant.
• The housing is clear which always allows you to see the status of your sediment filter.
• You can keep track of filter longevity with the included filter timer.
• The filter has been certified by NSF.
Culligan has a decades-long reputation for water filtration and purification products manufacturing. WH-HD200-C is designed to be strong and durable but still easily installed by anyone.
The unit itself is universal so you can choose the right filter for your situation. Overall, the unit can filter out: sediment, rust, scale, dirt, coarse sand, sand, fine sand, silt, bad taste, odor, aesthetic chlorine taste, and odor. Basically, the difference is in the micron size. So if you have a specific water problem, pick the right filter based on Culligan’s recommendation.
What’s nice, there is a valve on top of the filter that directs the water flow. If you have a need for water to bypass the filter, you can achieve that by a simple turn of the valve. This comes useful when performing maintenance or cleaning the filter.
Installation is pretty standard and should take less than an hour.
PROs
- The inlet and outlet valves are made from solid steel and will not warp over time.
- The mounting to install the filter is integrated into the casing. That makes installation possible anywhere on the pipeline
- The unit can work under the pressure of 125 PSI.
- Comes with removable filter longevity counter
- You can choose from a variety of filters
CONs
- Sometimes the bypass valve is made too tight, so you need tools to twist it. There’s a possibility to break it using this way.
3) Rusco/Vu-Flow 1″ 100 Mesh PVC Spin Down Sediment T-Style Water Filter
Best features
• It can support high PSI levels of up to 150
• The filter is engineered to maintain water pressure up to 50 GPM
• It’s lightweight, making it easy to install anywhere on the pipeline without worry about bending
Rusco is another well-known brand in the water-sediment filters world. This Rusco sediment filter is a great option for the top of the line filters for your household. It can work great as a pre-treatment component to reduce sediment from well water and city water, based on your situation.
It weighs less than 2 pounds so it’s possible to mount it anywhere on the waterline. Also, it’s really affordable. A possible use for this type of system is solely for gardening, farming, or light commercial applications.
It can be installed quickly even onto a garden hose. Meaning that pretty much any well or lake or river water supply with a pump becomes accessible to use.
The unit has a flushable and reusable screen. If too much dirt accumulates too quickly you can simply wash it out and save some money if the filter is not worn out yet.
This Rusco Sediment Filter a clear housing, that indicates when it’s time to flush the filter. Also, you don’t need any tools to do so since the open ball valve turns easily.
It’s made of non-corrosive plastic materials. One one side that makes it light. On the other side, it won’t be that durable as other filters with metal components.
So if you need a simple and light filter for everyday use, Rusco might be the choice for you.
PROs
- Small and compact, it can be installed easily for a variety of functions.
- Not expensive but still comes with a flush valve.
- Water line connections can accommodate multiple different sizes, making it versatile.
CONs
- The filter can get clogged sooner with dirty water
- Plastic parts can get worn out after multiple uses
4) iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System
Best Features
• Made to work well with other iSpring water filtration and purification units
• Removes sediment, chlorine, rust, pesticides, herbicides, industrial solvents, VOCs, and various other contaminants
This is a more expensive unit with added filtration features. It can reduce the amount of manganese and iron in addition to sediment. If you’re using well water, with iSpring WGB32BM you could possibly cover all the needs of further filtering. Because it is reducing other harmful compounds.
The pre-filter is removing sediment at the first stage and comes with all the models. But, overall, there is a rather large selection of components so you can fit the system for your needs and personal water situation.
For example, if there’s a risk of herbicides and pesticides, iSpring WGB32BM can deal with these as well.
The longevity of filters, as usual, is mostly affected by how poor water quality is. But overall, the physical size of filters makes them last two to three times longer than other filters on the market.
WGB32BM can reduce iron, manganese, and prevent rusting of your household components that are made of simple iron. That would be older pipes, connections, and taps. It can also reduce the level of chlorine, industrial solvents, volatile compounds, and different contaminants.
PROs
- Capacious pre-filter for your water purification system
- Reduce the level of iron and manganese in well water
- Does not take long to install
CONs
- The sediment filter is not very robust and can get worn out with really dirty and dusty water. A dedicated sediment filter at the earlier stage is recommended.
5) EcoPure EPWHE No Mess Whole Home Water Filtration System
Best features
• Certified by the NSF/ANSI for chlorine, sediment, sand, and silt removal
• Has an automatic water bypass when changing filters
• Encapsulated filter design keeps old and dirty filter inside a case
The EcoPure whole-house sediment is compact and affordable. But still capacious enough to support well water filtration for the whole house.
What’s interesting is the encapsulated filter chamber. It allows you to change the filter without the need to handle the old and dirty filters directly. This could be beneficial with highly polluted water.
EcoPure EPWHE has a patented Flow and Capture Technology (FACT). It delivers water without flow reduction to your water softener, RO system, and other household devices if you have them. The filter will last for around 6 months, which is good for this type of whole house water filter. The system works both for municipal and well water supplies.
PROs
- Filter change takes a few minutes and there’s no need for tools
- 5-micron filter is NSF certified
- The system is very compact and can be installed anywhere
- Includes strong and sturdy mounting brackets
CONs
- After filer is worn out it might start putting carbon bits into the water
- Lifespan will drop with poor quality water
- The casing is not very strong so needs some care
6) iSpring WSP-50SL Reusable Whole House Spin Down Sediment Water Filter with Siliphos
Best Features
• Prevents scale formation
The iSpring pre-sediment filter works great with bad quality water that is filled with rust, dust, sand, and other sediments. Obviously, the poorer the water, the more often a filter needs to be changed. iSpring recommends doing so every three to six months.
However, this model has a flush valve. When open it redirects water flows downwards through the filter and washed debris that is captured. Regular flushing together with filter cleaning will increase the lifespan of it.
On the other hand, if you’ll keep the filter without flushing it regularly, it will accumulate dirt quite quickly, decreasing its effectiveness and water flow.
There’s also a stainless-steel mesh barrier that stops the largest particles and impurities even before the water enters the actual spin-down filter. The main difference from iSpring WSP-50 is that the WSP-50SL has a patented Siliphos technology that helps prevent scale and corrosion in your pipes and appliances.
PROs
- Option to choose from different Micron ratings
- Solid brass water connection fittings
- Clear housing allows seeing the status of the filter all the time
- Flushing the filter will increase its lifespan
CONs
- Mesh screen can get clogged pretty soon and will require regular cleaning otherwise the water pressure will drop
7) 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Filtration System – Model AP904
Best Features
• The filter should last for 100,000 gallons of water
• Certified by NSF for standard 42
• Patented quick-change filter design allows for changing filter without touching the media
This is another well known and trusted water filter. It is certified by NSF to reduce specific contaminants such as chlorine, various particles, sediment, and improve the taste with odor. It works great for larger homes and is effective with both municipal and well water systems.
If you have some basic plumbing knowledge, you can easily install it on your own. But keep in mind that there are some components that aren’t provided in the package. The things you’ll need to get are ball valves, connectors, and some piping to make a bypass. However, the quick-change filter technology does not require tools at all. Not even a filter wrench.
The 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Filtration System is pricey, yes. But it’s also well built and made to last. Stainless steel head can be installed on existing copper pipes in the home. It’s made of a corrosion-resistant material that provides long service life even if disassembling will be needed.
Filter cartridges should last up to a year. The replacement filters will cost around $30-45.
PROs
- The flow rate is engineered to stay between 10-20 GPM
- 1-inch inlet/outlet valves that are solidly built. With the right installation, there will be no leaks.
CONs
- Needs a lot more work to install and is quite expensive
8) Beduan Whole House Spin Down Sediment Water Filter 50 Micron Reusable Pre Filter System Protector
Best Features
• The filter is stainless-steel mesh rated for 50 microns
• Food grade and lead-free materials are used for construction
• Rotatable dial for monthly washing cycle
What’s unique about Beduan is that the 50-micron stainless-steel mesh filter can be washed and reused for many cycles. A handy feature is its transparent housing, which is great for easy monitoring. You should flush the filter weekly.
Another unique feature is a rotatable dial with numbers from 1 to 12. This allows to track the time when the filter was changed or washed. The manufacturer recommends changing the mesh filters every 12 or 24 months.
However, a periodical disassembling and washing with disinfection will do only good for the overall water quality. Replacement filters will cost around $30 for a pack of two.
The unit itself is built from lead-free copper and food-grade plastics. However, it’s not as solid as more expensive filters with stainless-steel parts tend to be.
This is a common issue with spin down and flushable filters. You can clean them properly, but need to take care while doing so as not to damage components.
However, Beduan offers other models, made of solid copper, or designed with a pressure gauge if you need one.
The most basic Beduan Sediment Water Filter is not the most robust system on this list. It’s not expensive either. Meaning it can be installed as a pre-treatment unit to filter the incoming well water before it enters water softener and following water purification setup such as Reverse Osmosis system. With it, you can also protect your house appliances, such as a water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher from potential damage.
PROs
- Great as an inexpensive pre-filter system protector
- Flushable and reusable filter for long life span
- Transparent housing to inspect
- Food grade and lead-free materials
CONs
- Questionable built quality
9) DuPont WFPF38001C Universal Valve-in-Head Whole House Water Filtration System
Best Features
• NSF/ANSI Standard 42
• Automatic water bypass valve
This is a simple and effective whole house water filtration system suitable for municipal and well water. It’s not exceptional in any way apart from NSF Standard 42 which proves that the filter removes silt, dust, and other particles as well as improves water taste and smell.
DuPont WFPF38001C is made of durable components. Easy-glide by-pass valve is built-in to the housing head. Meaning you can replace cartridges without shutting off the main supply as the water will continue to bypass the filter. Clear housing allows for quick inspection and the filter should be changed at the end of 15 000 gallons. That’s roughly six months of average usage.
The unit itself is really affordable and will work great for water that is not of the poorest quality. Filter replacement cartridges cost around $14 for a pack of two. The flow rate will be around five gallons per minute. It’s not high, but enough for average usage. If you’re looking for a basic filter to reduce the amount of chlorine, silt, and rust from your well, this might be it.
PROs
- Simple to install and easy to use
- Well built and NSF certified
CONs
- Slow flow rate
10) Culligan WH-S200-C Whole-House Sediment Water Filtration System
Best Features
• Options to choose filters
• Water bypass with a shut off valve for filter replacement
The Culligan WH-S200-C is just a few dollars cheaper than the WH-HD200-C model that we’ve looked at before. Why so? WH-HD can work heavy duty filters, here WH-SC is engineered for regular Colligan’s filters.
That does not make it any worse. Simply speaking, standard filters have a little bit shorter lifespans and lower flow rates. You can choose the filter that is right for your situation. Based on the water quality that you’re getting from your well or municipality you have an available selection of filters that varies between 1 to 30-micron. Filters will last anywhere from 2 to 4 months. Replacements can be picked from six types of filters and the price is between $20 and $40.
It is great to pick for those looking for an excellent filtration system for their homes. It will work wonders to filter down grit, dirt, sand, and sediment that would otherwise contaminate the water and lead to plumbing issues and home appliance damage.
The building is solid. Stainless-steel material is rust-free and with minimal maintenance will last for a long time. The filter housing is clear and made of tough plastic. The unit comes with great features – bypass valve, pressure release valve, filter reset, included mount and wrench, that are worth the extra $10 compared to other competitors on Amazon.
PROs
- Well built
- Comes with a removable filter time
CONs
- Rather short filter lifespan
What is sediment?
Sediment, in simple terms, is small particles that are otherwise unable to melt into water. Various compounds and minerals, chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and pollutants will be invisible to the plain eye.
Sediment, however, is made of much bigger particles that float in water. But, if left still for some time, sediment will sink down and collect at the bottom of a container. It’s solid material as opposed to melted material.
Sediment in well water is not normal. However, it’s common, since well water comes directly from the ground. So there is a need for a whole house water filter which removes sediment and prevents a whole host of issues.
Is sediment dangerous?
In small doses, sediments will not be harmful. Usually, sediment comes from dirt and sand. Sediment that you might drink, will pass through your body without being absorbed. It’s like swallowing a tiny rock that travels through your digestive tract only to exist in the same shape and form that it entered. Sediment is made of thousands of tiny, tiny rocks. And it’s not a good idea to keep drinking water filled with thousands of tiny rocks.
If there is a lot of sediment, it can change the way that water tastes. Also, sediment can carry bacteria or some other, more harmful substances. That’s why you should not drink dirty water.
Another reason to filter out sediment is damage to your water equipment. Water with dust and dirt particles can bring a lot of harmful effects on your pipes and home appliances. Without a doubt, any manufacturer always insists on using clear water. Oftentimes, even insurance won’t be covered if the instructions for using clean water will be voided.
Types Of Sediment Filters
Simply speaking there are two categories of whole house sediment filters.
• Spin down filters
• Cartridge filters
Spin-Down Filters
This type of sediment filter is good for medium to large size sediment. Spin down filters are mostly ranging from 30 to 1000 microns. They are popular as a first in line pre-filtration method used to clean water from the biggest particles to further purify it along the line.
When entering the filter casing, the water spins around it. This centrifugal force moves the biggest size sediment to the outer side where it sinks to the bottom of the casing. This is why spin-down filters feature a flushing valve. Once opened, incoming water flushes down all the collected sediment.
However, that’s only part of the job. Much smaller particles still stay suspended in water. These reach the filter and get, filtered out by multiple layers of media that the filter is made of. It can be textile or steel.
Reusable Spin Down Filters
Don’t get confused. You won’t be able to use them forever. If the filters advertised as having a steel mesh and having a feature to be flushed, then it can be considered reusable. Since you can open the valve and let all the collected sediment down. Also, remove the filter and wash it manually. Still, even the stainless-steel mesh filters will get worn down with time and will need to be replaced – it’s normal.
Overall, spin down filters tend to be more expensive than cartridge filters. But spin down filters are more durable and long-lasting. Reusable spin-down filters can also support up to 150 PSI in terms of incoming pressure. Also, keep the flow rates up to 90 GPM after the water leaves the filter.
Cartridge Filters
This is a bit of older technology. In essence, it works as a net, catching sediment and letting water through. Since there is less energy and power than in Spin down filters, cartridge filters can be of finer level, even as small as 0.10 microns.
In general, whole-house cartridge filters are similar to what you would find in Reverse Osmosis system pre-filters.
Pleated Cartridge Filters
As the name implies, these cartridge filters have a pleated filter medium. What it is made of varies. But it’s common to get filters made from paper, textiles, woven rope, or a combination of these materials.
Because of their design, filters have a very large total surface area, that is pleated to create a barrier that stops sediment. Those who have access to clean well water can use a simple cartridge filter as a stand-alone filtration solution.
If compared side by side to spun filters (more on them in a moment), pleated cartridge filters support higher flow rates and pressures.
Spun Cartridge Filters
Similar to the reusable spin-down filter, spun cartridge filters are made by wrapping filter medium around the core. The result is a multi-layer filter that can catch different particles of various sizes.
Spun-cartridge filters are more effective than pleated ones, simply because spun filters are more versatile and universal. Where pleated filters can get clogged too soon and are best used for specific applications. Spun filters can deal with a mix of dust and dirt. Also, they are more commonly manufactured, thus cheaper.
A generalist filter is better suited for well water since the quality of it will vary.
Buyer’s guide: how to choose a sediment filter for well water
First of all, watch this video to get an overall overview of what are the main sediment filter features:
Sediment water filters all serve pretty much the same purpose. However, they differ in design, type, and price. This guide will serve you to narrow down your choices and show the factors that need to be considered before picking the best sediment filter for well water.
Water source
Your water supply might be contaminated and polluted. In order to know for sure do test your water for chemicals, viruses, and bacteria especially if it’s coming from a well. These issues might be lesser on municipal tap water but city water will be finally treated with chlorine, which also needs to be removed. Different filters will prevent different pollutants and sediment from entering the water system. So knowing what you have to deal with, informs better decisions.
As an example, well water can have higher levels of contaminants compared to municipal. Apart from that, there will be a higher concentration of sediment.
Water flow rate
If you have municipal water, then the water flow will be more or less fixed and not too high. It’s common for city water to stay on a lower side of pressure. Meaning that any filtration system you’ll put in between the waterline and your tap will reduce the flow even more.
Apart from that, well water is usually supplied by a pump. This pressure directly depends on the equipment and set up factors. Private wells and pumps ten to have higher water flow rates than municipal water.
This needs to be taken into account as too high pressure can be harmful to water filters. There is a sweet spot between 15 to 40 GPM. However, heavy-duty water filters can support much higher PSI.
Sediment type and the amount
Sediments are natural mineral formations. They are made of different types of materials. It could be rocks, sand, silt, clay, dust, remains of animals or plants. In general, the type of sediment is not that important, you still want to get rid of that. What matters most is the average size of sediment.
This is because some filters are made to deal better with larger and some with smaller sediment. This is reflected as micron size.
Micron size of filter
It’s, probably, impossible to pick one filter that will be perfect for everything. It’s worth investigating what type of sediment you’re dealing with in your current water supply. Then, based on the actual manufacturer’s recommendations to pick the right type and size filters.
In general, the smaller the micron size, the better it works. Also, a smaller size filter will stop larger particles as well. However, small micron size filters will get clogged sooner.
Also, keep in mind that in this article we’re investigating sediment filters that are mostly used as a first inline or as a pre-treatment. Afterward, a more thorough water purification process as a whole House RO system should follow.
Durability
Some sediment filters can last up to 100,000 or even 150,000 gallons of water. During this process, filters start to deteriorate. Most often filters get dirty and water flow drops. It’s a good indicator that the filter should be inspected and possibly washed if it’s reusable.
In general, incoming water pressure, quality of water, and the amount of water that goes through contributes to the filter wear the most.
Maintenance & warranty
Based on filter capacity, maintenance should be carried out. Filters that have a flushing function should be flushed weekly. If there are removable metal parts, these can be washed also. The cleaner the filter and the casing with its components – the better it is for the whole water delivery and purification system. Keep in mind that the sediment filter is the first in line. Meaning it deals with the biggest amount of debris and other pollutants so it should be maintained regularly.
Filters should be changed according to their type. Some will last for a few months while others for two years.
Some filter manufacturers offer warranties. However sediment filters are relatively simple in construction and can be not expensive, thus a warranty will not be offered.
Extra features
Some sediment filters come with additional features. Time-keeping devices will help you to remember when the filter was changed or flushed last.
Some units have pressure gauges. This addition is good if you have other, pressure-sensitive devices installed along the line.
Also, there are automatic flushing functions and gallon counters available for semi-automatic systems.
FAQ
Do I need a sediment filter for well water?
Special sediment filters are especially good for newly dug wells. Also if the water source is disturbed from time to time. Like after a hurricane, intensive rain periods, or ground works happening nearby.
Sediment filters help to make water better, protecting the following water purification equipment and other household appliances.
How do you filter sediment from well water?
Installed at a place where water first enters the house, these pre-filters act as a net, catching incoming particles such as sand, rust, and silt.
How long do sediment filters last?
That largely depends on the water source and usage. But the average is six to twelve months.