Have you ever wondered if you need a sediment pre-filter with your water softener?  It all depends on the type of water entering your home.  Homes on private wells are more likely to need a pre-filter with their water softener.  Your best bet is to have your water tested by a local water professional.  They will be able to tell you if you need a pre-filter installed before your water softener.

It is often recommended that a sediment pre-filter be installed with a water softener, not because it can’t handle your water, but to remove particulates from the water.  A sediment pre-filter acts like a furnace or oil filter in that it traps sediment, sand, and debris the well might kick up from entering the water softener.  As a result, it protects from sediment entering and plugging the water softener and causing an unnecessary service call.   The filter will also reduce the amount of iron in the water.

Depending on the water entering your home and the volume of water used, the filter will need to be changed, on average, every 3-6 months.  A local water professional can install a sediment pre-filter in your home to help with any sediment or iron in your water.