A sediment water filter is used for the reduction of sand, dirt, sediment, and rust particles. The filter is used as the first stage of a water filtration system to prevent the filters that follow from getting clogged. It also helps to protect your plumbing and appliances from getting plugged with sediment, causing costly repairs. In this article, you’ll find out how to choose the right sediment filter.

How do I choose a sediment filter?
- Micron rating
Micron rating tells us the ability of the filter to remove particles of a certain size. The lower the number the fine the level of particles is being reduced.
To understand this better, the diameter of human hair is about 20 microns.
What is the best micron sediment filter? Watch this video to the end to help choose the right one
- Type of filter
The sediment filter is available in three types
- Polypropylene block filters: once they are clogged, you just throw them away.
- Pleated: If they get clogged with sediment, you can take them out, rinse them, and put them back. meaning it is washable and reusable.
- String wound: This is a central cartridge wrapped around with strings. The string varies in thickness. The outer string has a large thickness to trap large particles. The inner is thinner at the center.
Read more about different types of sediment water filters.
Best spin down sediment filter
Name | Image | Connectors | Where to buy | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Rusco/Vu-Flow 3/4" 250 Mesh Spin Down Filter 3/4-250-F | 3/4 inches | Buy now Amazon | |
2 | KleenWater/Rusco Rusco/Vu-Flow 2" 60 Mesh Spin Down Filter 2-60-F | 2 inches | Buy now Amazon | |
3 | Rusco Vu-Flow 1.5 Inch | 1.5 inch | Buy now Amazon | |
4 | Ronaqua Reusable Whole House Spin Down Sediment Water Filter | 3/4" or 1” inlet / outlet port. | Buy now Amazon | |
5 | SimPure Spin Down Sediment Filter | 1" MNPT + 3/4" FNPT + 3/4"MNPT | Buy now Amazon | |
6 | Beduan Whole House Spin Down Sediment Water Filter | 1" MNPT + 3/4" FNPT + 3/4"MNPT | Buy now Amazon | |
7 | Waterdrop Backwash Spin Down Sediment Filter | 1” MNPT, 3/4” MNPT, 3/4” FNPT, and 3/4” | Buy now Amazon | |
8 | Welspo Water Prefilter Sediment Filter for Well Water | 1/2" FNPT and 1" MNP | Buy now Amazon | |
9 | Yarna Sediment Spindown Prefilter | 3/4" Male NPT + 1/2" female NPT threads. | Buy now Amazon | |
10 | Garosa Reusable Water Purifier Spin Down Sediment | 1/2" Male Thread, 3/4" Male Thread | Buy now Amazon |
- Size
The size of the filter is another important thing to check so that you make sure it fits the housing. The most common size is
20” x 4.5” – fits 20-inch housing
10” x 4.5” and 10” x 2.5”- fits 10-inch housing
- Filter life
Sediment water filters do not last forever they require to be replaced after some time. This depends on the amount of water used and quality.
- Independent tested and certified
To guarantee safety, the filter is supposed to be tested by an independent body such as IAPMO or WQA to meet NSF/ANSI standards.
Sediment water filter cartridge comparisons
Name | Image | Type | Where to buy | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Express Water Sediment Replacement Filter | Block | Amazon | |
2 | EcoPure EPW2P Pleated Sediment | Pleated | Amazon | |
3 | iSpring FP25X25 Sediment Filter | Block | Amazon | |
4 | Reverse osmosis revolution sediment | Spun Polypropylene | Amazon | |
5 | Aquaboon sediment | Block | Amazon | |
6 | Ronaqua sediment | Block | Amazon | |
7 | APEC Water Systems sediment FILTER | pleated Sediment | Amazon |
How to Change a Whole House Sediment Water Filter
Do I need a whole house sediment filter?
Sediment water filters help reduce sand, dirt, sediment, and rust particles. This is the first stage of a water filtration system to prevent the filters that follow from getting clogged. It also helps to protect your plumbing and appliances from getting plugged with sediment, causing costly repairs. It is advisable to install sediment filters even if you won’t install other filtration.