What is Sediment?
Sediments are suspended particles in your water. Sediment can be of various types but the common ones are sand, rocks, dirt, dirt, rust, tannins, minerals and other insoluble impurities. Sediment often changes color, taste and odor of well water.
Sources of Sediment
- Sediment can enter well water after is is been recently dug, repaired or modified.
- Sediment piles up in older wells, and it is then pumped in your home.
- Damaged well equipment such as well casing, well screen, or well pump often allow sediment to enter well water.
- Minerals, sand, rocks, and organic particles found underground.
Effects of Sediments
- Impacts water quality
- Makes water inconsumable
- You can’t take a shower with sediment in the water
- Decreases the flow rate
- Harms the filters and water softeners
- Can damage well pump, well casing and other well machinery
- Damages the plumbing and appliances
- Sediment is a health risk; microbes can attach themselves to sediment in the water
Testing for Sediment in Water
Sediment in water usually manifests itself via suspended particles. However, you must get your well water tested to see what’s causing the sediment. It will help you select the right treatment method for sediment in well water. A water test will also identify other contaminants found in well water.
Treatments for Sediment
Well Treatment
Raise the well pump: Get the well pump raised a bit. It will not pump sediment at the bottom of the well. However, you must make sure that well pump remains submerged in water otherwise it will pump air and can get heated.
Well Repairs: Get your well inspected and repaired for any damages to well screen, casing, pump and cap by a licensed well contractor.
Clean the Well: Get your well cleaned from a professional to remove sediment at the bottom and on well screen. It also helps in increasing water flow rate.
Water Treatment
A sediment filter is best to remove suspended particles in well water.
Sediment Backwash Filters: These filters are frequently used with well water. A sediment filter can remove various contaminants from well water depending on its micron rating. Sediment backwash filters have a flush valve for removing captured sediment.
Recommended Sediment Filter: SpringWell’s Spin Down Sediment Filter
The filter can remove all types of sediment from the well water. It has 15 gallons per minute flow rate and 1-inch in/out for plumbing, so you don’t experience drops in water pressure. The filter uses a 100-micron mesh screen that can remove sediment up to 100 microns.
The filter has a transparent body to monitor mesh condition and when you need to replace it. The filter has a lifetime warranty and easy installation.
Reverse Osmosis Filters: Filtration membranes such as reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration remove fine sediment form water. These filters can remove sediment up to 0.001-micron size. These filters are usually used to remove suspended particles, TDS, and heavy metals. These filters need periodic maintenance depending on water quality and filter life. SpringWell’s RO filter is recommended for removing ultra-small particles from well water.
Final Words
Well owners must not only aim to remove sediment from the water; they must try to deal with all the impurities in it. The best solution for this is to get the water tested and then buy a filter that solves all of your problems.
