Sediment, sand, silt, gravel, and other suspended particles can damage water filters, plumbing fixtures, and your appliances. Removing these contaminants from water can be challenging if you don’t have the right sediment filter. We have selected the top 11 sediment filters for well water and city water and reviewed them so you can get the best one.
Well water contains sand, dust, iron, and particles that can enter through channels like broken well casing and well cap. The quality of rock from which water is extracted is also responsible for sediment contamination. Although treated by the local government, city water still contains sediment that tags along when water moves through pipes and your home’s plumbing system.
This article will review the 11 best sediment filters for well water & city water, so you don’t have to spend hours finding the best one.
The 11 Best Sediment Filters for Well Water & City Water
Our Top Picks
- Editor’s Choice: SpringWell Spin-Down Sediment Filter
- Best Overall: iSpring WSP-50 Reusable Whole House Spin Down Sediment Water Filter
- Best Sediment Filter with Auto Flushing: iSpring WSP50ARB Spin Down Sediment Water Filter with Digital Module
- Best Value for Money: Culligan WH-S200-C Whole-House Sediment Water Filtration System
- Best 2-stage Whole House Sediment Filter: iFilters Well Water Whole House Sediment Filter
- Best 3-stage Whole House Sediment Filter: iSpring WGB32BM Whole House Water Filter System
- Best Budget Pick: DuPont WFPF38001C Whole House Water Filtration System
- Best Filter with Automatic Bypass: EcoPure EPWHE No Mess Whole Home Water Filtration System
- Best for High Flow Rate: Rusco Pwfss15 Spin Down Sediment Filter
- Best Sediment Filter for Hard Water: iSpring WSP-50SL Reusable Whole House Spin Down Sediment Water Filter
- Best for Sediment, Chlorine Taste & Odor: 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Filter
Comparison Table
Filter Image Filter Type Micron Rating Filter Life Flow Rate Warranty Dimensions Price SpringWell 1-inch Spin Down Sediment Filter Spin down 100 12-24 months 25 GPM Lifetime on tanks and valves 9.02 x 5.35 x 3.46 inches iSpring WSP-50 Reusable Whole House Spin Down Sediment Water Filter Spin down 50 12-24 months 20 GPM 1-year 3.5 x 3.5 x 9 inches iSpring WSP50ARB Spin Down Sediment Water Filter with Digital Module Automatic spin down 50 8-12 months 25 GPM 1-year 20 x 10 x 6 inches Culligan WH-S200-C Whole-House Sediment Water Filtration System Cartridge Variable 2-4 months 4 GPM 2 years 6.57 x 6.18 x 15.94 inches iFilters Well Water Whole House Sediment Filter 2-stage whole house 30 4-6 months 15 GPM 1-year 22 x 12 x 17 inches
Buying Guide: Factors to Consider Before Buying a Sediment Filter
Water Quality and Sediment Level
Well water users must get their water tested for sediment before installing a new filter. It is the only reliable way to know sediment level and concentration in water. City water can ask for a water quality report from the municipal government before buying a sediment filter.
Selecting the right filter becomes easy once you know what’s in your water. Guesswork and estimation about water quality and sediments often lead to buying the wrong filter.
Types of Filter
The next important thing to consider is the type of filter. Sediment filters are usually available in the following styles.
Spin Down Filter: Spin-down filters look like large funnels with a flush opening and valve at the bottom. These filters direct water to spin around the mesh filter and the contaminants get trapped inside. The filtered water then leaves the filter and enters your home or other filtration systems.
Most spin-down filters have a transparent housing so you can see when to flush the filter. Some even come with automatic flushing systems. Private well owners often prefer this type of filter because it can handle high water pressure up to 150 PSI. Another benefit of this system is low-cost operation. The mesh filter lasts 1-2 years because you can reuse it after cleaning.
Cartridge Filters: City water users prefer cartridge filters. The sediment in the water is trapped when it passes through the cartridges. These types of filters need a cartridge replacement after a fixed time. The actual replacement time depends on water quality and consumption.
One benefit of installing cartridge-based filters is that they remove other contaminants from the water like chlorine, iron, manganese, heavy metals, and VOCs. These capabilities vary from one filter to another.
Micron Rating & Flow Rate
The next thing to consider is the micron rating. Micron rating stands for the mesh size in the sediment filter. A filter with a 30-micron rating will only allow contaminants smaller than 30 microns to pass through.
Homeowners must select the micron rating based on the water quality report. It is pertinent to highlight that a large micron rating means a fast flow rate. The smaller the micron size, the longer it takes for water to pass through it. All of these factors depend on the water quality report and the size of sediments in your water.
Filter Life
Filter life is independent of micron rating, but it depends on water quality and usage. The average life of a cartridge-based sediment filter is 4-6 months. For a spin-down filter, it is 1-2 years.
Filter life refers to how much time you need to replace the filter cartridge or mesh.
Maximum & Minimum Water Pressure
Another critical factor to consider is the maximum water pressure the filter can handle. You must also check the minimum water pressure because it is the cut-off pressure where the filter stops working. Some users have reported cracks in filter housing when incoming water pressure exceeds the filter’s maximum pressure capacity. Pressure analysis is more critical for well water users than city water users.
Installation & Maintenance
Installing a sediment filter can be impossible for someone who doesn’t know how plumbing work. However, most homeowners successfully install a sediment filter in a couple of hours because the primary skill required is cutting water pipes with a cutter.
Sediment filters don’t require much maintenance. The major task is filter replacement and randomly checking the filter for any cracks or leaks.
Additional Features
Some sediment filters come with an automated flushing system, filter replacement reminders, pressure relief valves, and automatic bypass valves. These features don’t enhance filtration but make units more user-friendly. However, these features increase the cost.
Warranty &Certifications
Warranty & certifications add value to your purchase. These things are a sign that the manufacturer is confident in their product’s quality. Certifications ensure that third-party organizations have independently checked the filter.
Review of Our Top Picks
1. Editor’s Choice: SpringWell Spin-Down Sediment Filter
Features
- Filter Type: Spin down
- Micron Rating: 100
- Filter Life: 18-24 months
- Flow Rate: 25 GPM
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on valves and tanks
SpringWell’s sediment filter has been designed to solve the low flow rate problems for large homes. It offers a flow rate of 25 gallons per minute, ensuring that the subsequent filters in your home are always supplied with enough water for optimum performance.
It is the perfect solution for well water with a lot of sediment. It filters out large chunks, especially from older wells. The 100-micron mesh is 100% percent effective against particles bigger than 100 microns. The filter screen is easy to clean with a spin-down valve and can be used for up to 2 years.
The filter comes with a 6-month money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty on filters and valves. Private well owners are happy with its performance and mention that water softeners, whole-house filters, and drinking filter systems get an adequate supply of water all the time.
You can upgrade the system with UV water purification and RO drinking water systems. It is more costly than other filters, but it is worth it. It is durable and lasts longer than an average filter.
Pros
- Transparent housing
- Quick cleaning
- Higher flow rate
Cons
- Doesn’t filter larger particles
2. Best Overall: iSpring WSP-50 Reusable Whole House Spin Down Sediment Water Filter
Features
- Filter Type: Spin down
- Micron Rating: 50
- Filter Life: 12-24 months
- Flow Rate: 20 GPM
- Maximum Pressure: 100 PSI
- Warranty: 1-year
iSpring’s WSP-50 whole house sediment filter is excellent for small to medium homes. It has a flow rate of 20 gallons per minute that runs 3-4 bathrooms without any pressure drops.
The micron rating for this filter is 50 microns, meaning it can only filter large particles. However, it can still filter particles as thin as human hair. So, this is the best filter for your home if your well water or city water has large particles like dust, sand, dirt, rust, and debris.
The filter lasts for 1-2 years, depending on water quality and your consumption. Overall, it is an excellent filter to install before other water treatment units or the point where water enters your home.
It is made with 1-inch MNPT and 3/4 inch FNPT on both ends and a garden hose fitting on the flush-out valve. The see-through housing provides quick monitoring. The installation process is easy and takes a couple of hours for DIY installation.
This filter is often the first choice of many households. Users mention that it is easy to install and filters almost all sediment from water. The flush valve gets jammed at times, but it is nothing if you apply some oil. Moreover, there are no leaks or filtration problems reported by customers.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Lead-free design
- Glass housing
Cons
- Micron rating is too big for some particles
3. Best Sediment Filter with Auto Flushing: iSpring WSP50ARB Spin Down Sediment Water Filter with Digital Module
Features
- Filter Type: Automatic spin down
- Micron Rating: 50
- Filter Life: 8-12 months
- Flow Rate: 25 GPM
- Maximum Pressure: 100 PSI
- Warranty: 1-year
This sediment filter from iSpring is best for buyers who like automatic backwashing. The system comes with a digital module that controls the flushing routine. You can either set the system to auto or as per your usage.
Many users term this filter a game changer. You no longer have to remember when the filter needs flushing. This helps extend the life of other units in your water treatment system.
The filter has a 50-micron rating. It can filter down particles as small as hair and as large as rust, sand, dirt, and silt. The filter lasts for 8-12 months for an average American family. It can conveniently run 4-5 washrooms with a flow rate of 25 GPM.
The connections on both ends are 1-inch MNPT and 3/4-inch FNPT or 3⁄4-inch push-fit plumbing fittings and a garden hose connector with a flush valve.
Since the filter has a battery-operated digital head, you will also need batteries. Moreover, it must be installed under shade to avoid damage from sunlight and rainwater.
The metallic parts are made of brass. It comes with a wrench for quick filter replacement. Overall, it is an excellent sediment filter for well and city water, but it is costly. But it is worth your money because you don’t need to flush it manually.
Pros
- Auto flush
- Solid construction
- Lead-free design
- Decent flow rate
Cons
- Costly
4. Best Value for Money: Culligan WH-S200-C Whole-House Sediment Water Filtration System
Features
- Filter Type: Cartridge
- Micron Rating: Variable
- Filter Life: 2-4 months
- Flow Rate: 4 GPM
- Maximum Pressure: 125 PSI
- Warranty: 2 years
Culligan’s WH-S200-C is an excellent filter for small homes, apartments, condos, and RVs. The unit has a maximum flow rate of 4 gallons per minute. You can only run 1-2 bathrooms on this unit.
This system is cartridge based and can be connected with various Culligan cartridges. You can install the cartridge according to your home’s water quality. It offers cartridges with a micron range from 1-30, allowing you to use this system with various filters. The cartridge with a 1-5 micron rating can be treated as a reverse osmosis filter, but it would drastically reduce the flow rate. Most users prefer a filter with a 30-micron rating because it filters all the sediment and doesn’t impact the flow rate much.
Culligan has made maintenance convenient for this filter. It features a transparent housing, a battery-operated beep for filter replacement, and a bypass valve for mess-free filter replacement.
The installation process is easy. Most users say that they installed it themselves without any problems. However, you must follow the user manual and take care while connecting male & female connections so you don’t damage the water-tight seal.
Pros
- Filter replacement beep
- Integrated bracket design makes installation quick
- Compatible with various filters
Cons
- A few users reported leaks
5. Best 2-stage Whole House Sediment Filter: iFilters Well Water Whole House Sediment Filter
Features
- Filter Type: 2-stage whole house
- Micron Rating: 30
- Filter Life: 4-6 months
- Flow Rate: 15 GPM
- Maximum Pressure: 100 PSI
- Warranty: 1-year
This system is a 2-stage whole house water filter you can use with well water and city water. It is ideal for medium-sized homes with 1-3 bathrooms as it has a maximum flow rate of 15 gallons per minute.
The 2-stage filter can reduce sediment, dirt, sand, silt, rust, scale, heavy metals, chlorine taste, and smell. It cannot remove TDS or VOCs from your water. Hence, it is best for homes with comparatively better quality water.
The box includes everything you need for installation. It has a sturdy bracket, housings with cartridges, wrench, and connections. The filter replacement process is made easy by the pressure relief buttons.
Please note that the sediment filter in this unit is washable. You can wash it multiple times with your garden hose to refresh it. The other filter, KDF, is not washable. It needs replacement after 4-6 months.
The 20-inch cartridges and 1-inch in/out ports provide a fast flow rate and help the unit accommodate water pressure up to 100 PSI. Overall, it is a reasonable and compact filter for tight spots.
Customers mention this unit got rid of the sulfur smell, rotten egg smell, sediment, and chlorine odor from city water. Private well owners praise this unit for a decent flow rate and rotten egg smell removal. Some users mention leaks and pressure drops, but these are installation faults, not design problems.
Pros
- Two-stage filtration
- Best for city water and well water
- Removes chlorine as well
Cons
- Costly
- Some users have reported pressure drops
6. Best 3-stage Whole House Sediment Filter: iSpring WGB32BM Whole House Water Filter System
Features
- Filter Type: 3-stage whole house
- Micron Rating: 5 microns
- Filter Life: 9-12 months (100,000 gallons)
- Flow Rate: 15 GPM
- Maximum Pressure: 80 PSI
- Warranty: 1-year
iSpring’s 3-stage whole house filter is best for well water & city water with sediment, iron, and manganese. The filter can remove sediment as small as 5 microns, iron up to 3 PPM, and manganese up to 1 PPM. The filter removes heavy metals, VOCs, chlorine taste and smell, herbicides, pesticides, and other contaminants.
The cartridges are good for 1 year or 100,000 gallons of water. It has a maximum flow rate of 15 GPM, allowing you to run 3-4 bathrooms simultaneously. Though the filter is costly, it offers good value for money. The unit is well-built, comes with all items required for installation, and has pressure relief buttons for leak-free filter replacement.
Users are happy with its performance. Buyers mention that the filter removes sediment, iron, and manganese and improves the taste and smell of well water. However, well water users must test their water before buying this filter. City water users can ask for water quality report from relevant local authorities. The biggest complaint from buyers is that the housings aren’t sturdy.
Pros
- Versatile filter; removes iron, manganese, and sediment
- DIY installation
- It can work as a pre-filter or individual filter
Cons
- Cannot filter water with high levels of sediment
7. Best Budget Pick: DuPont WFPF38001C Whole House Water Filtration System
Features
- Filter Type: Cartridge based
- Micron Rating: 20
- Filter Life: 15,000 gallons
- Flow Rate: 5 GPM
- Maximum Pressure: 100 PSI
- Warranty: 3 years
DuPont’s is a good choice for small homes with 1-2 people. Its flow rate is 5 gallons per minute, and the filter lasts 15,000 gallons. A small family will have to replace the cartridge every 4-6 months.
The transparent housing makes it easier to assess when the filter needs replacement. Moreover, it comes with a filter head, wrench, and cartridge for easy installation.
One good thing about this filter is its affordable price point. This filter is recommended for city water users living in small homes and apartments as it can deliver water at only 5 gallons per minute. It is also tested and certified by WQA against NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for material and structural integrity.
Buyers like this filter for its durable construction. The sturdy filter head and housing are built to withstand the test of time. The filter life is not as long as other filters on our list, which will account for frequent filter replacement. This is why this filter is recommended for 1-2 people.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Durable construction
- Filters all sediment
Cons
- Frequent cartridge replacement
- Bypass valve leaks if not installed correctly
8. Best Filter with Automatic Bypass: EcoPure EPWHE No Mess Whole Home Water Filtration System
Features
- Filter Type: Cartridge based
- Micron Rating: 5
- Filter Life: 4-6 months
- Flow Rate: 9 GPM
- Maximum Pressure: 100 PSI
- Warranty: 1 year
This filter is best for homes with tiny sediment and suspended particles due to its small micron rating. Moreover, this system comes with an automatic bypass valve, so you don’t need to shut down the water supply to your home when replacing the water filter.
The unit also removes chlorine taste and odor. It improves water quality by removing sediment, sand, dirt, and silt from the water and enhances your appliances’ performance and life. It is also NSF certified for its filtration capabilities.
This filter is recommended for small and medium homes. It can deliver a maximum flow rate of 9 gallons per minute that can run 1-2 bathrooms and a kitchen. Hence, it is more suitable for city water users. Well water users can install it as a pre-filter for costly water treatment units.
The filter is not as frequently sold as other sediment filters, but user reviews are great. Buyers mention that the automatic bypass valve makes it easier to replace the filter without turning off the water. However, many users don’t like its high price point.
Pros
- 5-micron rating
- Leak-free operation
- Automatic bypass valve
Cons
- Costly
- Flimsy plastic cover
9. Best for High Flow Rate: Rusco Pwfss15 Spin Down Sediment Filter
Features
- Filter Type: Spin down
- Micron Rating: 100
- Filter Life: 9-12 months
- Flow Rate: 50 GPM
- Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI
- Warranty: 1-year
Rusco’s Pwfss15 is an excellent filter for large homes using private well water. The system’s micron rating is 100, meaning it can only filter large particles and some as small as human hair.
The best thing about this filter is its large flow rate. The unit delivers a flow rate of 50 gallons per minute due to 1 – ½ inch connections. It can handle incoming water pressure up to 150 PSI. Most well operate at 60 PSI.
Overall, this is a sturdy and durable filter for large homes. You can connect a garden hose to the flush valve to quickly clean the filter mesh.
Please note that this filter is not recommended for potable water. Its micron rating is large and will not remove small suspended particles. Most people install it as a pre-filter to protect their water softeners or water treatment systems from large particles in well water.
Users recommend installing this filter under shade as clear plastic attracts a lot of algae when it is exposed to sunlight. Moreover, many people use it as an irrigation filter due to its fast flow rate.
Pros
- Super-fast flow rate
- DIY installation
- High-quality plastic
- WQA Certified
Cons
- Not for smaller and fine particles
- It may require a pre-filter for some applications
10. Best Sediment Filter for Hard Water: iSpring WSP-50SL Reusable Whole House Spin Down Sediment Water Filter
Features
- Filter Type: Spin Down
- Micron Rating: 50
- Filter Life: 3-6 months
- Flow Rate: 20 GPM
- Maximum Pressure: 100
- Warranty: 1 year
iSpring’s WSP-50SL is a versatile filter that removes sediment from water and softens slightly hard water. However, it cannot remove high concentrations of calcium and magnesium, the main culprits behind hardness in water.
The filter has a 50-micron sediment rating. It can feature as a standalone filter for better quality well water or as a pre-filter for your home’s advanced filtration systems. The unit features a siliphos design that softens water and prevents scale buildup in water filters, plumbing, and appliances.
Siliphos is a water treatment compound. It also prevents brown or red stains on your plumbing and appliances and stops corrosion. All components used in siliphos are food-grade, so you don’t need to worry about safety.
The filter lasts 3-6 months, depending on the hardness and sediment concentration in your water. Its flow rate is 20 gallons per minute, ideal for a medium-sized home with 3-4 bathrooms and 5-6 people.
Buyers are happy with this filter. They mention that this filter enhances water softener and filter’s capabilities, and they give better results. Moreover, it is pocket-friendly; adding it to your water filtration system won’t put much pressure on your pocket.
Pros
- Prevents scale formation
- Decent flow rate
- Easy installation and maintenance
- Affordable
Cons
- Sensitive to rain and water
- Its performance reduces when water is extremely hard
11. Best for Sediment, Chlorine Taste & Odor: 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Filter
Features
- Filter Type: Cartridge based
- Micron Rating: 5
- Filter Life: 9-12 months (100,000 gallons)
- Flow Rate: 20 GPM
- Warranty: 1-year
City water users often only need to remove sediment and chlorine taste & smell from water. This happens because city water is treated before it is supplied to your home. Local authorities chlorinate water to kill bacteria and germs, so city water contains chlorine taste and smell. Sediment enters your water when it moves through pipes.
3M’s water filter is an ideal solution for this problem. Though it is costly compared to other sediment filters, it is worth it. The single cartridge-based filter can filter 100,000 gallons of water at 20 gallons per minute flow rate. You can easily run a home with 4-5 bathrooms and 5-6 people on this filter.
The sediment filter has a 5-micron rating for removing the smallest particles and provides clean drinking water. The system cannot remove TDS or VOCs from your water. Hence, well water users must test the water before installing it.
The unit is NSF certified to remove sediment and chlorine in your drinking water. Overall, it is a durable and dependable filter. One cartridge lasts for 9-12 months, and the flow rate remains constant as time passes.
City water users term this filter a one-stop solution for all filtration needs. The only problem users highlight is that it drops pressure when more than two people shower simultaneously. You can solve this issue by bypassing the filter. This is a common issue with whole house filters.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Long filter life
- 100% effective filtration
Cons
- Pressure drops
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a sediment filter?
Yes. Private well owners and city water users both need a sediment filter. Although city water is treated, sediment can still enter your home water through pipes.
For well water users, sediment filters remove bigger particles that can clog other water filtration systems like softener, RO, and UV filters. A sediment filter enhances water aesthetics even if you don’t treat your well water.
2. Where to install a sediment filter for well water and city water?
A sediment filter is installed at the point where water enters your home; before other water filtration systems. It can be installed in the basement along with other water filters. Make sure you don’t install an indoor-rated filter outdoors. Outdoor filters must have protection from sunlight and rain.
3. How often should I replace the sediment filter?
It depends on the type of sediment filter. Spin down sediment filter usually lasts for 1-2 years because it can be cleaned and reused. The average life of a cartridge sediment filter is 4-6 months. The filter life is dictated by water quality and your consumption.
4. Which is the best sediment filter for well water and city water?
A spin-down sediment filter is best for well water, and a cartridge sediment filter is recommended for city water.
5. How to check if my sediment filter is working?
You need to test your water before and after installing a sediment filter to see if it is working.
6. How to unclog my sediment filter?
Spin-down water filters can be unclogged by opening the flush valve. Clogged cartridge filters usually need a filter replacement if they get clogged, or you see a decrease in water pressure.
7. Will a sediment filter remove iron?
Spin-down filters don’t remove anything other than sediment from water. Cartridge sediment filters can remove iron, chlorine taste & smell, manganese, and other contaminants from water.
8. Can I install a sediment filter before the well water pressure tank?
Yes. You can install a sediment filter before the well water pressure tank. It will help keep your pressure tank in good health and let it function properly.
