Sediment Filter Flow Direction – Everything You Need to Know

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The great thing about modern water treatment is that there are many high-quality filters to choose from to purify your water. One example: Sediment filters.

However, while that is awesome, if you are not sure how to properly install a sediment filter, then what is the point of investing in one in the first place?

One thing to pay attention to is water flow direction.

So, this article addresses all questions regarding sediment filter flow direction. Let’s go!

Key Takeaways

  • For the most part, flow direction matters when installing a sediment filter.
  • You can usually find a helpful arrow on the top of filters to see how to position them correctly.

Is Flow Direction Important When Installing a Sediment Filter Housing?

Yes, flow direction matters when installing sediment filter housing. So, pay attention to the arrow on the filter housing (it may be on a sticker). It indicates which way you should install the housing.

Remember: The water flow must match the direction of the arrow on the filter.

If no arrows are on the housing, it might say “in” and “out”. In every case, keep an eye out for relevant information about the proper way to install the filter housing.

Is Flow Direction Important When Installing a Sediment Filter Cartridge?

Flow directly doesn’t really matter when installing a sediment filter cartridge.

Generally, sediment filter cartridges are axisymmetric, meaning that the top and the bottom are exactly the same. Hence, it shouldn’t matter whether you insert a filter cartridge into its housing correctly or upside down. In fact, there’s no right or wrong way to install it.

That said, not all sediment filter cartridges are the same or have the same installation instructions. This means that you should read your filter cartridge’s manual carefully to avoid damaging it during installation.

whole house water filter cartridges of different sizes

Is Flow Direction Important When Installing Spin-Down Sediment Filters?

When it comes to installing spin-down sediment filters, flow direction is highly important.

An arrow should indicate the correct way of installation.

Is Flow Direction Important When Installing Backwashing Sediment Filters?

The answer is positive. Yes, flow direction is important when installing backwashing sediment filters. Since water flow during regular filtration should be correct, the same goes for the flow direction during backwashing.

Is Flow Direction Important When Installing Axial and Radial Filter Cartridges?

Filter cartridges fall into two broad, larger design categories:

  1. Axial
  2. Radial

Axial cartridges have a hard, almost impenetrable outer wall, with the water entering one end of the cartridge, flowing through the cartridge’s length, and exiting on the other end.

Radial cartridges, on the other hand, have a permeable outer wall, with water flowing through the outer wall of the cartridge into its center.

So, to question whether flow direction matters when installing axial vs radial filter cartridges, the answer is it can matter with both types.

If you have any questions about sediment filter flow direction 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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