How to Remove a Sediment Water Filter | A to Z Guide

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You have a whole house sediment water filter installed at home, but you want to replace it was a more up-to-date system, or you simply don’t need it any longer.

If you know what I’m talking about, you’ve come to the right place.

Here, in seven steps, we’ve put together the most comprehensive sediment filter removal guide on the web!

So, how to remove a sediment water filter?

Key Takeaways

Removing a whole house sediment water filter can be divided into 7 simple steps:

  1. Turning off your water supply
  2. Releasing pressure
  3. Unscrewing the sediment filter housing
  4. Removing the filter cartridge
  5. Disconnecting the system
  6. Reconnecting your water lines
  7. Slowly turning the water supply back on checking for leaks

How to Remove a Sediment Water Filter – Required Tools and Materials for this Project

  • Meter key (if your shutoff valve is located beneath an access panel)
  • Empty bucket
  • Filter housing wrench
  • Pipe cutter
  • PVC, copper or other required pipe fitting material
  • Soldering torch, solder, emery cloth, flux, rag, deburring tool, wire brush (if soldering needs to be done)
  • Safety glasses, gloves, heat shield, and fire extinguisher (recommended for soldering)

black whole house water filter

Step 1: Turn the Water Supply Off

Turn off the water supply to the house. The main shutoff valve is usually located near the water meter where the main water line enters the building. In older homes, there may be multiple “main” shut-off valves.

If you can’t find it, check utility areas along exterior walls facing the street, including your garage, basement, and utility room. It’s probably best to start at your water heater.

In warmer climates, the main shut-off valve could also be located on an exterior wall.

The valve may also be concealed under an access panel on the ground in homes without basements. You might need a meter key to get access. Ideally, you find two valves. The one closest to your home is yours. If you only find one valve, it’s for the city’s use.

Beware: You must NOT touch the city’s water meter or shutoff side.

If you can’t find the valve in or around the house, it may be on the curb or sidewalk within your property lines. You may have to look behind some shrubs to find it.

Also, there are 2 main types of shutoff valves – gate and ball valves.

  • A gate valve has a multi-turn handle similar to an outdoor hose faucet. An old gate valve can break, so be gentle with it. If you can’t turn it, leave it alone. If the valve leaks or doesn’t shut off all the way, get a licensed plumber to replace it.
  • A ball valve has a single lever that is turned 90 degrees. In the open position, the lever is parallel to the pipes; in the closed position, it’s perpendicular.

Step 2: Release the Pressure

A button or lever should be on the sediment filter housing, sometimes labeled “pressure relief”. Press and hold to release any pressure built up inside the housing. You’ll know the pressure has been relieved once the hissing sound is gone.

If there isn’t such a button or lever, turn a faucet on at the lowest level in your home to release water pressure. Allow the water to flow until it stops. Why the lowest level? So that water from the upper floors drains all the way down. The aim is to flush as much water out of the water line the filter is attached to, while relieving pressure, so you don’t make a mess when you unscrew the sediment filter housing. Make sure to run both hot and cold taps.

If you have a valve after the filter system, excellent! You can shut it off so that water doesn’t flow back into the supply pipes. This saves you the need to drain all water.

Step 3: Unscrew the Sediment Filter Housing

Before unscrewing the housing (also known as the canister or sump), place an empty bucket under it to catch overflowing water.

Then slide your filter housing wrench onto the housing. Turn it to the left to loosen it. You should then be able to unscrew it with your hands.

replacing dirty whole house sediment filter

Step 4: Remove the Sediment Filter Cartridge

Remove the filter cartridge from the housing and empty it.

Step 5: Disconnect the System

Now you can disconnect your whole house sediment filter system. Depending on how it was installed in the first place, this can take as little as a few minutes to a couple of hours if you need to desolder.

Step 6: Reestablish the Plumbing Connection

Reconnect your water lines. This could involve soldering, depending on the piping material used.

Step 7: Slowly Turn on the Water Supply

Be sure to clear air out of the water lines. You can do this by opening any faucet in the house.

Turn the valve slowly. Opening the valve too quickly can result in damage to the pipes.

Meanwhile, check for leaks at your new plumbing connections.

The Different Whole House Sediment Filter Types and How They Work

Cartridge-Based Filters

Cartridge-based sediment filters can be divided into three main subcategories: surface, depth and absorptive filters.

Spin-Down Sediment Filters

Spin-down sediment filters are often used as an alternative to centrifugal sand separators for well water. Their principle of operation is similar as they both separate coarse particles from the water by spinning it. Spin-down filters use a screen to trap chunks of sediment or debris.

Removal of spin-down sediment filters is similar to that of cartridge-based filters.

Sediment Backwash Filters

Backwash filters are also known as tank-style filters. They clean themselves periodically by rinsing away the impurities they have filtered from the water.

Backwash sediment filters can be used for city or well water, although they are usually used for the latter.

A backwash filter consists of a large tank, sometimes called a “mineral tank”, filled with filter medium. Contaminants are trapped in the media as water flows through it.

Why Use a Sediment Filter?

Sediment filters are used to remove solid particulates from your house water. These physical filters are a great option if your water supply contains dirt like sand or silt.

They are often used as pre-filters to protect other water treatment equipment like water softeners, UV water purifiers, or additional whole house filters from clogging due to sediment in the feed water.

Removing sediment from the water will also benefit your water-using appliances — like water heaters — and the plumbing system as a whole.

And, of course, sediment-free water just looks better!

That said, if you have sediment in your drinking water, there’s no need to panic, as it’s not a health threat.

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

About the Author Gene Fitzgerald

Gene Fitzgerald is one of the founders of BOS and currently head of content creation. She has 8+ years of experience as a water treatment specialist under her belt making her our senior scientist. Outside of BOS, Gene loves reading books on philosophy & social issues, making music, and hiking.
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