Where to Install a Sediment Filter (for Well Water)?

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Installing a sediment filter is highly recommended especially if you’re sourcing your water from a well.

Even if your level of water contamination is generally low, this will still prevent long-term issues with your plumbing system and will help increase the lifespan of any additional filters you’re using.

But where to install a sediment filter for well water?

Key Takeaways

  • The ideal location to install a sediment filter is on your main water line right after the pressure tank and before any other water treatment equipment.
  • Installing a filter before the well pump or before the pressure tank could cause damage to said pump.

Where to Install a Sediment Filter (for Well Water)?

In the vast majority of cases, you’ll want to install your sediment filter after both the well pump and pressure tank. However, you should install it before additional water treatment equipment. This includes water softeners, other filters, UV purifiers, heaters, and other similar devices.

Before or After Well Pump?

Again, a sediment filter should almost always be installed after your water pump. This applies to both types of well pumps, submersible and jet models. While there may be some room for flexibility with a jet pump, in which case you might be able to install the filter before the pump, you should always install it after a submersible pump – obviously.

Keep in mind that installing a water filter before a jet pump could cause problems – think NPSH (net positive suction head). Simply put, the sediment filter could restrain water flow causing the pump to overwork itself leading to damage.

What you might get away with is installing a coarse filter like a spin-down unit. But make sure to maintain it frequently.

Before or After Pressure Tank?

Sediment filters should be installed after the pressure tank in pretty much every case, too. While there are some seemingly valid arguments for the opposite, experience shows that there isn’t any significant improvement resulting from installing a filter before the pressure tank.

Installing the filter before the pressure tank may help reduce your maintenance on the tank slightly, but the results will be negligible in almost all cases. It can also lead to problems with your water supply. If the filter gets clogged, this could result in a pressure drop across the entire household. And when the filter is placed between pump and pressure tank, it could cause damage to the pump making it run excessively.

whole house water filter cartridges of different sizes

Where to Install a Spin-Down Filter?

Ideally, a spin-down filter should be installed on the pressure side of the pump. Ideally, it should be hooked up right after the pressure tank. This will improve the lifespan of your pump and other water supply components and will help make the overall maintenance of your water filter easier.

How to Install a Sediment Filter

  1. Turn off your water supply and release pressure.
  2. Install a shut-off valve. This is optional, but will help make the maintenance of your water filter easier.
  3. Make sure the filter’s input/output ports are oriented correctly before connecting it to the main water line. Use adapters if the outputs differ in size from your pipes. Use Teflon tape to improve sealing.
  4. You don’t need to solder anything if you’re using push fittings. If you do decide to go with soldering, be careful not to melt any plastic parts.
  5. Grease O-rings and put them in place, ensuring they fit snugly.
  6. Turn on your water supply and check for any leaks.

If you have any questions about where to install 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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