Do I Need a Sediment Filter or Is It Not Necessary?
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated: Nov 11, 2022
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So, you’ve spotted some floating particles in your glass of water. Don’t be alarmed – it’s probably just sediment! But just because it is not harmful, it doesn’t mean that you want it in your water supply.
Luckily for you, the solution is pretty simple. All you need to do is install a sediment filter.
But what if you cannot see any debris in your water? Would you benefit from a sediment filter either way?
Explaining when exactly sediment filters are needed and why, this article will help you purify your water in no time!
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Key Takeaways
- Sediment filters remove dirt, sand, clay, and other undissolved particles from water. If your water contains sediment, a sediment filter can help you clean it.
- Removing sediment from water is a great pre-filtering option for other water-treating equipment to function properly. It also protects any water-using appliances as well as your entire plumbing system from wear and tear.
- If your water comes from a well, a sediment filter is a must.
What Is a Sediment Filter and What Is It Used for?
Sediment filters are water filters that are designed to clean water by removing undissolved particles from it.
You may not be aware of this, but it is easy for water to carry and pass some dirt and grainy matter into your water supply. And while consuming this will not make you sick, it is pretty unnerving to know that the water you use for drinking is not exactly clean.
Plus, it is not uncommon for rust flakes from old pipes to find their way into your glass.
Sediment filters are a much-needed barrier that will purge everything that’s not dissolved from your water at home. On top of that, they will also take good care of your entire water system and prevent sediment-caused clogging and other wear and tear.
Protecting Your Home from Sediment
To simplify, sediment filters are like physical sieves that trap sediment. Whether it is sand, dirt, clay, silt, or even rust, these particulates are not a pleasant thing to have in your water. And not just for aesthetic purposes! Sediment-laden water can also have a damaging effect on water-based appliances like dishwashers, pipes, etc.
Having a sediment filter installed means that only clean and debris-free water will flow through your plumbing.
Pre-Filtration
If you already have some water-treatment equipment installed, it makes sense to use a sediment filter as a pre-filtration option.
As mentioned above, sediment filters trap debris and prevent clogging. So it is wise to install your sediment filter as the first line of defense.
That way, any sediment that comes with your water will get contained right at the point of entry, before getting in touch with other parts of your water-treating system.
Point-of-Use and Whole House Filters
If you are dealing with sediment-rich water, it can have a detrimental effect on your whole house filter. Layers of debris will pile up inside, eventually clogging and preventing the filter media from doing its job effectively.
But, that won’t be the case if there is a sediment filter pre-filtering the water and blocking the debris before getting to your whole house filter.
Of course, this also applies to any point-of-use filter such as a reverse osmosis system.
Water Softeners
Without pre-filtering the water, undissolved particles can easily foul your softener’s resin bed, preventing it from catching hard minerals with ease.
If you are dealing with hard water, it is wise to have a sediment filter as a pre-filtering option, to support the ion exchange that happens during the softening part.
Water Heaters
The same goes for water heaters. If you don’t filter out the sediment, debris particles will settle at the bottom of the tank, disrupting its heating efficiency. As a result, you may experience fluctuating water temperatures, increased energy bills, and costly repairs.
UV Water Purifiers
Water purifiers use UV light to kill harmful bacteria and other microorganisms in water. But if the water is rich in sediment, the undissolved particles can act as a barrier between the ultraviolet light and the pathogens.
Not having a sediment filter to get rid of debris could result in insufficient disinfection.
Better Tasting Drinking Water
Although sediment filters do not necessarily improve water taste (they do not remove chlorine, bacteria, or dissolved chemicals), they can seriously increase overall water quality.
By getting rid of sand, grit, and other particles that sink to the bottom of your water glass, sediment filters will pass cleaner and aesthetically pleasing water.
The only way in which a sediment filter can provide you with better-tasting drinking water is if you’re dealing with dirt. If your water has an earthy taste due to particles of dirt, you can easily get rid of it with a sediment filter.
So, Do I Need a Sediment Filter?
Okay, so you understand what sediment filters do and why they are important. But should you install one?
If you have sediment in your water – definitely!
If you cannot see any debris in your water – you probably need a sediment filter anyway, but it’s best to check.
When It’s Necessary
Obviously, if you can see visible particles floating in your water, you don’t need an expert to tell you that you should install a sediment filter.
But it is not always that easy to determine. Plus, depending on where you get your water from, sediment filters can be an absolute must. And that’s even if you don’t see any sediment!
Well Water
Well water is often rich in naturally-occurring organic matter and suspended solid particles. This usually happens as a result of erosion and natural disasters. Sometimes, pollution can be a culprit, too.
If you are one of the 19 million US households who depend on well water, chances are, you already have a UV purifier in place, too. Which is yet another reason why you need a sediment filter.
Sand and grit from your well water are more than an unappealing inconvenience. They can hinder your purifier, clog your other water equipment, and not to mention, fill up your glasses with murky liquid.
So, whether you see any sediment or not, if your water comes from a well, a sediment filter is a must. Even if you test your water and it turns out to be clean. Natural occurrences can easily cause particles to steep into your well at any time.
Signs of Sediment in Water
Floating chunks of dirt that are visible to the naked eye are the clearest sign that you’re dealing with sediment-laden water. But if you cannot easily spot these particles, it doesn’t mean that your water is clean.
Signs of sediment in your water also include:
- Dirt piled up inside your faucets’ aerators
- Ice cubes that are murky and/or appear to be slightly dirty
- Earthy taste of water due to dirt
- Clogged water-using appliances due to sediment
Further Reading:
Have Your Water Tested
If you cannot tell whether you have sediment in your water or not, the safest thing is to have your water tested. Your best bet is to find an EPA-certified lab that will sample and analyze your water.
Even if you know you have some debris in your water, it is still recommended to have it tested. That way, you can know for certain the type(s) of sediments you are dealing with, and choose your ideal filter accordingly.
What If I’m on City Water?
If you use city water, it is unlikely that you will find big chunks of debris in it. That is because city water is already treated and pre-filtered.
But that doesn’t mean that it is always free of sediment!
To be safe, you can install a sediment filter with a lower micron rating that can trap the smallest sediment particles. This will not only give you your piece of mind when drinking your water, but it will also support the proper functioning of your water-using appliances.
If you have any thoughts about the question, is a sediment filter necessary, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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