Pre-filters are Protection for Your Water Equipment
Homes on private wells will use a sediment pre-filter to protect their water treatment equipment. From time to time, debris and iron will enter the house from a private well. A pre-filter is used to catch any sediment and iron from entering the water treatment equipment creating unnecessary service calls.
What type of pre-filter should I use?
Sediment pre-filters are rated in microns. The micron rating refers to the sediment size that the filter will capture. For a household application, a 50-micron filter is best. This type of filter will be able to catch debris, but still allow normal flow of water through the filter. With a smaller rated micron filter, these filters need to be changed more often, plugged up with sediment faster, and often decrease the household water pressure. We use a string-woven sediment pre-filter that will fit filter housings for 3/4″ and 1″ piping.
When should I change my pre-filter?
Every home is different in the length of time a pre-filter should be changed depending on the amount of sediment entering the house from the well. However, a typical time frame is 2-4 months between filter changes.
1. Remove the existing pre-filter from the filter housing. When looking down at the filter, if the inside is white, the filter can be used for a longer period. However, if the inside of the filter is a brown/orange color, then the filter will need to be changed sooner.
2. If the water pressure in your home has decreased. Often, the pre-filter will get plugged with sediment, not allowing enough water to pass through the filter and supply your home.
3. If a sulfur odor develops in your cold water. An unchanged filter often breeds bacteria which will cause a sulfur odor in your cold water. If this is the cause and when changing the filter, add a small cap full of non-scented household bleach to disinfect the filter housing from bacteria.
What tools will I need to change my pre-filter?
– a 50-micron sediment pre-filter
– a filter wrench or a big pair of pliers
– cap full of non-scented household bleach or chlorine
– food-grade silicone
– a bucket
– towels or rags
How do I change my sediment pre-filter?
I’ve changed my pre-filter, and it is leaking.
– Sometimes, hand tightening is not enough. Tighten the filter housing with the filter wrench or big pliers. Only slightly tighten it with a wrench or pliers, so it is easier to remove for the following filter change.
– Check the o-ring seal in the filter housing. Sometimes they become caught and do not sit in the correct position. Also, ensure the o-ring does not have a buildup of sand, dirt, or other foreign material. Finally, it is best to wipe the o-ring with a towel and apply food-grade silicone on the o-ring.
– If questions arise during this filter change, please call our office at (815) 385-3093.
