By SCWS Team
February 1, 2026 · 9 min read
Grit in your glass. Sand in your toilet tank. A water heater that rumbles like it's about to explode. If any of this sounds familiar, you're dealing with sediment in your well water—and a $50 filter could save you thousands in plumbing repairs and appliance replacements.
A whole house sediment filter is the first line of defense for any private well—and one of the most cost-effective investments you can make to protect your plumbing, appliances, and other water treatment equipment. Here's everything you need to know about choosing, installing, and maintaining a sediment filter for your well.
What Does a Sediment Filter Remove?
A sediment filter well system removes physical particles suspended in your water. Unlike other filters that target bacteria or chemicals, sediment filters are purely mechanical—they physically trap and hold particles as water flows through. Common contaminants removed include:
- Sand and grit: Common in wells drilled in sandy soils or aquifers
- Silt and clay: Fine particles that cause cloudiness (turbidity)
- Rust and scale: From corroding pipes, well casing, or water heater
- Organic debris: Decomposed plant material that enters the aquifer
- Sediment from well deterioration: Particles from aging well screens or gravel pack
What sediment filters don't remove: bacteria, viruses, dissolved chemicals, nitrates, arsenic, heavy metals, or hardness minerals. For these contaminants, you'll need additional treatment like UV disinfection, carbon filtration, or reverse osmosis. However, sediment filtration is still essential because it protects these other systems from clogging and damage.
Types of Sediment Filters for Well Water
There are three main categories of well water filter systems for sediment removal, each with distinct advantages depending on your water quality and maintenance preferences.
Spin-Down (Centrifugal) Filters
Spin-down filters use centrifugal force to separate heavy particles from water. As water enters the filter, it spins around a mesh screen, throwing sand and debris outward into a collection chamber. A valve at the bottom lets you flush out accumulated sediment without replacing any components.
Pros:
- Reusable—no cartridges to buy
- Easy maintenance (just flush)
- Great for heavy sediment loads
- Low flow restriction
- Long lifespan (10+ years)
Cons:
- Only catches larger particles (typically 50-100 microns)
- Won't remove fine silt or clay
- Higher upfront cost
Best for: Wells with sandy water, high sediment loads, or as a pre-filter before cartridge filters
Cost: $75-$200
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters are the most common type of whole house sediment filter. Water passes through a replaceable cartridge that traps particles. Cartridges come in various materials (pleated, wound, melt-blown) and micron ratings (1-100+ microns), allowing precise filtration for your specific water quality.
Pros:
- Wide range of micron ratings
- Affordable initial cost
- Easy cartridge replacement
- Available everywhere
- Can filter very fine particles
Cons:
- Ongoing replacement cost
- Clogs faster with heavy sediment
- Flow restriction when dirty
Best for: Most residential wells; fine sediment removal; multi-stage filtration systems
Cost: $50-$150 for housing; $5-$25 per cartridge
Bag Filters
Bag filters use a large fabric or felt bag inside a stainless steel housing. Water flows into the bag, particles collect inside, and filtered water exits through the housing. Bags are replaced when full. These are popular for high-flow applications and heavy sediment.
Pros:
- High flow capacity
- Handles heavy sediment loads
- Lower cost per gallon filtered
- Good for larger homes/properties
Cons:
- Bulkier housing
- Typically larger micron ratings (5-200)
- Bag replacement can be messy
Best for: High-flow wells, agricultural applications, homes with very heavy sediment
Cost: $150-$300 for housing; $3-$15 per bag
Understanding Micron Ratings
The micron rating tells you the smallest particle size a filter can trap. One micron is one-millionth of a meter—for reference, a human hair is about 70 microns wide, and the naked eye can barely see particles smaller than 40 microns. Here's how different ratings compare:
| Micron Rating | Particle Size Comparison | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| 100-150 microns | Visible sand grains, beach sand | Pre-filtration, very sandy wells |
| 50-75 microns | Fine sand, visible grit | First-stage filtration, spin-down filters |
| 20-25 microns | Silt, fine sediment (barely visible) | General whole-house filtration |
| 5-10 microns | Red blood cell size, fine silt | Pre-filter for UV, carbon, softeners |
| 1 micron | Bacteria-sized (though doesn't remove bacteria) | Final polishing, pre-RO systems |
Important: Don't start with the finest filter possible. A 1-micron filter on a sandy well will clog in hours and severely restrict water flow. Instead, use a staged approach—coarse filter first (50-100 microns), followed by progressively finer filters. This extends filter life and maintains good water pressure.
Where to Install Your Sediment Filter
Proper placement is critical for a well water filter system. The standard installation order is:
- Well pump → brings water from underground
- Pressure tank → stores water and maintains pressure
- Spin-down filter (if used) → catches large particles first
- Sediment filter → removes remaining particles
- Water softener (if used) → now protected from sediment damage
- UV disinfection or other treatment → requires clean water to work properly
- Home plumbing → delivers filtered water throughout
Key installation tips:
- Install before the pressure switch if possible, so the filter doesn't affect pump cycling
- Choose an accessible location—you'll be changing filters regularly
- Install shut-off valves before and after for easy maintenance
- Add a pressure gauge after the filter to monitor for clogging
- Protect from freezing—housings can crack in cold weather
Sediment Filter Maintenance Schedule
Regular maintenance keeps your whole house sediment filter working effectively and prevents damage to downstream equipment.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Monthly | Check for discoloration, debris buildup |
| Flush spin-down filter | Weekly to monthly | Open valve, flush until water runs clear |
| Replace cartridge filter | Every 3-6 months | Or when pressure drops 10-15 PSI |
| Replace bag filter | Every 1-3 months | Depends on sediment load |
| Clean filter housing | Every cartridge change | Rinse inside, check O-ring |
| Replace O-ring | Annually or as needed | Apply silicone grease when installing |
Pro tip: Keep spare cartridges on hand. When you notice reduced water pressure or slow flow, you can replace the filter immediately rather than living with poor performance.
Sediment Filter Costs
One of the best things about sediment filtration is its affordability. Here's what to budget:
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic cartridge housing (10") | $20-$50 |
| Big Blue housing (20" x 4.5") | $50-$100 |
| Spin-down filter | $75-$200 |
| Bag filter housing (stainless) | $150-$300 |
| Replacement cartridges (pack of 6) | $20-$60 |
| Replacement bags (pack of 10) | $30-$80 |
| Professional installation | $100-$300 |
Total first-year cost: $50-$300 for equipment plus $100-$300 for installation if you hire a professional. DIY installation is straightforward for those comfortable with basic plumbing.
Signs You Need a Sediment Filter
Not sure if your well needs sediment filtration? Watch for these warning signs:
- Cloudy or murky water: Turbidity indicates suspended particles
- Grit or sand in water: Visible particles when you fill a glass
- Sediment in toilet tanks: Sand or debris collecting at the bottom
- Clogged faucet aerators: Screens filling with particles frequently
- Reduced water pressure: Gradual decline as particles clog pipes
- Appliance problems: Washing machine or dishwasher issues from sediment
- Water heater noise: Rumbling from sediment buildup in the tank
- Short filter life: Other filters (carbon, softener) clogging quickly
Even if your water appears clear, sediment filtration protects your plumbing and other treatment equipment. It's inexpensive insurance for your entire water system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size sediment filter do I need for my well?
For most residential wells, a standard 10-inch or 20-inch whole house sediment filter works well. The 20-inch size handles higher flow rates (up to 15+ GPM) and lasts longer between changes. For homes with high sediment loads or large families, consider a 4.5-inch diameter "big blue" housing. Match your filter's flow rating to your well pump output—typically 5-15 GPM for residential systems. If you have very heavy sediment, install a spin-down filter first to catch large particles before your cartridge filter.
How often should I change my well water sediment filter?
Most sediment filters need replacement every 3-6 months, but this varies greatly depending on your water quality. With heavy sediment, you may need monthly changes; with cleaner water, filters can last 6-12 months. Check your filter monthly—if it's visibly dirty, discolored, or your water pressure has dropped, it's time to change it. A pressure gauge before and after the filter helps monitor this: a 10-15 PSI drop indicates a clogged filter. Spin-down filters just need periodic flushing rather than replacement.
What micron rating should I use for well water?
For well water, a multi-stage approach works best. Start with a 50-100 micron spin-down or sediment filter to catch sand and large particles. Follow with a 20-25 micron cartridge filter for finer sediment. If you have additional treatment (water softener, UV system), add a 5 micron polishing filter before those systems. Don't start with a very fine filter (1-5 micron) as your primary filter—it will clog quickly and restrict flow. The right rating depends on your specific sediment type; have your water tested if you're unsure.
Can a sediment filter remove bacteria or chemicals from well water?
No, standard sediment filters only remove physical particles like sand, silt, rust, and debris. They cannot remove bacteria, viruses, dissolved chemicals, nitrates, or heavy metals. For bacteria, you need UV treatment or chlorination. For chemicals, you need activated carbon or reverse osmosis. However, sediment filtration is still essential—it protects these other treatment systems from clogging and extends their lifespan. Think of sediment filters as the first line of defense in a complete well water treatment system.
Where should a sediment filter be installed in a well system?
Install your sediment filter after the pressure tank but before any other water treatment equipment. This placement protects water softeners, UV systems, and other filters from sediment damage. The typical order is: well pump → pressure tank → sediment filter → water softener → UV or other treatment → home plumbing. If you have a spin-down filter, install it first (closest to the pressure tank), followed by cartridge filters. Always install in an accessible location where you can easily change filters and clean the housing.
Need Help Choosing the Right Sediment Filter?
We can assess your well water quality, recommend the right filtration system, and install it properly. Whether you're dealing with sandy water, cloudy water, or want to protect other treatment equipment, we'll help you find the most effective and affordable solution for your home.