Well pumps need sediment filters to prevent sand, dirt, rust and other contaminants from damaging pump components and clogging your plumbing system. Without a sediment filter, abrasive particles wear down pump impellers, seals and valves, significantly reducing pump lifespan and causing costly repairs. Sediment filters also protect downstream fixtures, appliances and other water treatment systems.
How Do Sediment Filters Protect Well Pumps?
Sediment filters protect well pumps by mechanically filtering particles, physically trapping them in a fine mesh or screen while allowing clean water to pass through. The filter installs on the discharge side of your well pump (typically after the pressure tank), where it captures sand, silt, rust, and debris before they can reach your household plumbing.
Here’s how the protection works:
- Particle capture: The filter contains pores rated by micron size (typically 5-50 microns for well pumps). When water flows through, particles larger than the pore size are trapped while clean water continues to flow.
- Prevents pump wear: By removing abrasive particles, like sand and grit, the filter prevents these materials from wearing down pump impellers, seals, and check valves over time.
- Maintains flow efficiency: Filtered water keeps pipes, fixtures, and valves clear of sediment buildup that would otherwise restrict water flow and reduce pressure throughout your system.
- Protects other equipment: The same filter that protects your well pump also safeguards water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and any water treatment systems (like water softeners or reverse osmosis) installed downstream.
Sediment Filter Uses
While sediment filters are essential for protecting your well pump, they are also critical components in other water treatment systems. Here are the various systems that use sediment filters:
Reverse Osmosis
Sediment pre-filters protect reverse osmosis membranes from particle damage that can puncture or clog the delicate filtration membrane. This membrane captures salts, metals and dissolved solids that may be present in water. The sediment filter in reverse osmosis filters is a pretreatment that protects the system and filters the water. Water rejected by the membrane gets drained through a small flow restrictor. The flow restrictor pressurizes the membrane to control the reverse osmosis system’s recovery rate.
Carbon Filters
Carbon filters restore the fresh taste of water by filtering out chloramines and chlorine. They can filter out sediment, but dirt particles can clog up the carbon filter. When clogged, the filter media can be exhausted quickly. Sediment filters are less expensive than carbon filters, so they should be installed and pre-filters to extend the life of your carbon filters.
Ultraviolet Purification
UV systems require sediment pre-filtration because particles can shield bacteria and microorganisms from UV light exposure. The DNA of the affected organisms is damaged using germicidal ultraviolet wavelengths. The damage sustained during this process renders the organisms unable to reproduce. A 5-micron sediment filter is the best addition to this system to ensure optimal filtration.
Whole-House Sediment Filtration
Whole-house sediment filters are installed at your main water line to protect every fixture, appliance, and pipe in your home. This is especially important for private well systems, where groundwater contains higher sediment levels than municipal supplies.
Heavy rain and stormwater can increase sediment loads seasonally, making whole-house filtration essential for consistent water quality and system protection.
What Are the Types of Sediment Filters?
Six main sediment filter types are available for well pump systems, each with different applications based on particle size, water volume and maintenance preferences:
Bag Filters
Bag sediment filters process water using tiny permeable pores. They can range in size from 1 micron to 200 microns. Typically, they are made of polypropylene or polyester felt. Bag filters have a variety of applications, ranging from reverse osmosis purification to processing chemicals, resins, solvents and paints, meaning their uses go far beyond just sediment filtration in water pumps.
Melt-Blown Filters
Melt-blown filters have depth gradients that remove sediment from the water that passes through them. High-velocity gas is blown through molten polymer to make this type of filter. This forms an intricate layer of fibers used for filtration. The center of this filter will filter anything below 10 microns. Melt-blown filters are ideal for filtering incredibly fine particles, like beach sand.
These filters are an excellent choice for wells with fine sand or silt problems. The depth gradient design captures particles throughout the entire filter depth, extending filter life compared to surface-only filtration.
Pleated Filters
Pleated sediment filters are shaped like accordions. They have thin filter sheets made of polyester or polypropylene. The volume of these pleated folds means they can filter a larger surface area than other sediment filters. When they take on dirt, a layer forms on the filter, enhancing its filtration efficiency.
Pleated filters are excellent for residential well systems with moderate sediment. The large surface area extends filter life and maintains good flow rates. This filter is ideal for households with high water demand.
Spin-Down Filters
A spin-down filter eliminates sediment from water using centrifugal force. Water enters through the top of the spin-down filter, then flows into a clear chamber as it spins. Heavier sediment is thrown outside the inner chamber and settles to the bottom of the filter.
These filters don’t require disposable cartridges and are effective at removing large particles from water. Spin-down filters serve as an ideal pre-filter before your main sediment cartridge, especially for wells with heavy sand or seasonal sediment issues. The reusable design reduces maintenance costs for high-sediment applications.
String-Wound Filters
String-wound filters work similarly to melt-blown filters. Made of tightly wound cotton, polypropylene string or polyester, they firmly trap debris. Water travels from one layer of string to another, and the finer matter is filtered out with each consecutive layer. Once overloaded with sediment, the string will loosen and begin to shift, at which point you’d want to replace the filter.
FAQs About Sediment Filters for Well Pumps
You’ll likely have a few specific questions about sediment filters for well pumps. We’ve covered a few below.
What Micron Rating Do You Need for a Well Pump?
Sediment filters are rated by micron size, which is the smallest particle they can trap. For reference, fine sand measures roughly 300 microns, silt ranges from 2 to 50 microns, and human hair is 70 microns. A 5-micron filter blocks all particles 5 microns or larger while allowing water and dissolved minerals to pass through.
When to Replace Your Well Pump Sediment Filter?
The most common sign is reduced water pressure throughout your home. As the filter captures sediment over time, water flow becomes restricted and pressure drops. Other signs include discolored water (sediment bypassing a damaged filter) or a filter housing that feels unusually heavy when removed. You may need to change your filter more frequently depending on usage and sediment levels.
Do Sediment Filters Remove Iron?
Sediment filters cannot remove dissolved iron, but they can capture iron in sediment form. You will need an iron filter to remove dissolved iron from your water supply.
Optimize Your Water Pump’s Filtration With Our Products
Are you looking for durable, high-quality filters for your well pump system? Star Water Systems is here to help.
With our array of water pumps and filtration products, you can find a variety of solutions to fit your unique needs. Specifically, our sediment filter is designed for removing sand and other debris from water supplies, allowing you to enjoy cleaner water and keep your plumbing system in good condition. It even comes with an adapter for simple PVC pipe attachment.
If you have questions, our team can help you through the process and make sediment filtration a breeze. Find a dealer location near you to purchase your water pump filter!
