How Often to Change a Sediment Water Filter (+ When)

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Even though whole house sediment water filters don’t expire, they do have a lifespan.

If you neglect to change your filter regularly, your water will experience troubling symptoms.

In fact, changing your sediment filter when it has stopped working well is vital to having clean water free from contaminants.

Let’s see how often you should change your whole house sediment water filter in detail!

Key Takeaways

  • Whole house sediment filters need to be replaced every 3-12 months. When exactly depends on a number of factors, including type of sediment filter, water usage, and water quality.
  • The exception is spin-down filters. These don’t have to be changed because they don’t use filter cartridges.
  • When stored properly, sediment filters don’t have an expiration date.

Replacement Schedule: How Often Should I Change My Sediment Filter?

Typical sediment water filters must be changed every 3 to 12 months – cartridge-based sediment filters that is.

But, that’s kind of a big range, right? How can you really tell when your filter’s time is up?

This depends on several factors like filter type, and your water usage and quality.

Generally, it’s recommended to change your sediment filter as specified by the manufacturer. So, check the provided instructions.

replacing dirty whole house sediment filter

The Exception: Spin-Down Sediment Filters

The cool thing about spin-down sediment filters is that they don’t need to be replaced at all.

Why is that?

Because they don’t have cartridges to change. Instead, spin-down filters can easily be flushed so that all sediment is removed from within.

What may have to be changed, though, is the filter mesh, but only after a while.

Moreover, spin-down sediment filters can be set up with an auto flush valve so that they are entirely maintenance-free.

By the way, the same goes for backwashing filters.

Factors That Influence How Long a Sediment Water Filter Lasts

As mentioned, the lifespan of sediment water filters depends on some specific factors.

1. Type of Sediment Filter

The type of sediment filter you’ve installed determines its longevity. That’s how things are. Some filters have a longer lifespan than others. Their filtration method, construction, build quality, and size contributes to how long-lasting water filters are.

For example, 20 x 4.5-inch sediment filters with a micron rating of 50 last longer than 10 x 4.5-inch filters with a smaller micron rating of 5.

Because the latter block more contaminants, meaning they have to work more, they tend to have a shorter lifespan. And a larger filter cartridge will always last longer than a smaller one of the same type.

2. Water Usage

Simply put, the more water you use, the sooner your sediment filter will need to be replaced.

How much water you use depends on the number of people in your household and the number of bathrooms. If your family is big, then your filter will work continuously to provide everyone with clean water. It may reach its end even sooner than the advertised lifespan.

3. Water Quality

The more contaminated your water is, the quicker your whole house sediment filter will expire. That said, if your water is clean and doesn’t carry lots of impurities, your filter will be fine and probably last even longer than anticipated.

Pro tip: Bear in mind that if your sediment water filter is dysfunctional or too overworked, it can leave residue behind. This residue can hamper your new filters. To avoid this from happening, ensure you get rid of the residue before you change filter cartridges.

4. Well Work

Recent well work could still affect water quality. Sediments may have seeped in. One possible remedy: Flushing.

5. Pressure Tank

Replacing a pressure tank may cause dirt to enter your plumbing system. This may put an extra burden on your sediment filter temporarily.

6. Weather Effects

Both heavy rainfall and drought can cause more contaminants to find their way into well water.

Signs You Need to Change Your Sediment Filter

Though you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter maintenance, your sediment filter can get clogged or decide to stop working earlier than expected for whatever reason.

Here are signs to look out for.

Unpleasant Taste/Odor

When your water starts to have a bad taste or unpleasant odor, it could be an indication that your sediment filter isn’t doing its job well.

The bad taste could be because of the presence of undissolved particles. If your water starts to taste foul, do change water filters as soon as possible.

About odor; if your water gives off a strong stench, then something may be wrong with your filter, too. Besides, who would want to drink bad-smelling water?

If you notice unpleasant odor after months of having replaced your water filter, then this is the probable cause.

Drop in Water Pressure

A common issue in sediment filters. When the filter gets clogged, the water pressure will drop. When you notice this, it’s time to replace.

To measure your water pressure, you can install a gauge after and before your water filtration system.

Staining

Seeing stains on your clothes is a sign that something might be wrong with your sediment filter. Stains can come from dirt particles.

brown whole house water filter

Floaty Mold Bits

Noticed floating bits in your water? This could be mold.

Mold is a dangerous pathogen and can lead to serious health problems. In fact, not only should you replace your sediment filter, but you should also stop water usage immediately.

Why Should I Change My Sediment Filter?

Because If you don’t change it, the sediment filter will accumulate so much dirt, debris, and rust that water will completely cease to flow through it. In other words, the filter will clog, causing a drop in water pressure.

What’s more, a clogged water filter isn’t effective, too, and could stop removing contaminants.

An Old Filter Impacts Water Quality

If you use an old sediment filter, you really risk drinking contaminated water. Filtered water is only safe to drink and use if the filter is in good condition.

Studies have shown that old filters encourage the growth of biofilm, meaning the water will most likely be contaminated with pathogens.

How Long Does a Sediment Filter Last When Not Used?

Unused filters do not expire. If stored in a dry and secure place, and as long as they’re not exposed to moisture, there’s no set shelf life for sediment water filters.

The key is in the moisture. Moisture is what makes filters work, so without it, they can be stored for as long as you want.

That said, if you have installed a water filter and don’t use it or have gone on holidays, its exposure to mixture, albeit brief, means it will need to be replaced at some point down the line.

How Do the Different Types of Sediment Filters Work?

Sediment filters mainly come in four different types with each one functioning differently than the other.

Pleated

Mostly made of polyester sheets, pleated filters have a wide surface area, blocking most particles directly on their surface. They are especially effective against lag-size dirt, like sand. Pleated filters are washable and reusable, making them a wise investment.

Melt-Blown/Spun

Melt-blown and spun filters are made of complex fiber layers that trap a large range of particles.

These filters use a depth gradient to filter the water. This simply means that their filter pore size gets smaller as the water flows to the center of the filter (i.e., their inner core), where fine particles are trapped.

String-Wound

String-wound filters are similar to melt-blown/spun filters and remove small particles as the water flows through to their core.

However, there are some differences. For example, string-wound sediment filters are made of wrapped cotton, polyester, or polypropylene (PP), while melt-blown filter cartridges are made from polymer fibers.

String-wound filters are highly affected against fine particulates.

Spin-Down

Spin-down filters swirl the water at high velocity and use gravity to separate sediment particles. Contrary to the other types, spin-down filters are most effective against large particles.

If you have any questions about when and how often to change a sediment filter please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

About the Author Alexandra Uta

Alex is a content writer with an affinity for research and a methodical attention to detail. Since 2020, she has fully immersed herself into the home water treatment industry only to become an expert herself. Alex has been using water filters and similar products for years which has gained her lots of hands-on experience.
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