Selecting the best well water sediment filter for your home requires several steps. How many people are in your household? What size and type of particles do you need to filter? The answers to these two key questions will help you quickly determine which filter is best for your home. Since iron, rust, dirt, and other larger particles are common problems for people on well water, it’s best to start with a larger micron size than what people on municipally-treated water might use. However, it’s always a good idea to test your well water first before choosing a filter.
Having said that, there are ways to simplify the process, such as choosing a multi-gradient sediment filter as a type of catch-all filter to get the job done or using multiple sediment filters. In this guide, I share filters that remove all types of sediment, along with options for large families and other high-demand applications.
Below, you’ll learn:
- Top 5 Sediment Filters for Well Water
- Sediment Filter Reviews
- Tips on How to Choose the Best Well Water Sediment Filter
| Filter | Description |
| #1) iSpring Spin Down Filter (WSP-50SL)
|
|
| #2) Culligan Whole House Sediment Filter (WH-HD200-C)
|
|
| #3) Rusco Spindown Filter (1-100-F)
|
|
| #4) Pentek Big Blue w/ Dual Gradient Density Filter
|
|
| #5) 3M Aqua-Pure AP802
|
|
Best Sediment Filter Reviews
Now that you’ve checked out the filters in my Top 5, you might still be wondering which filter is right for your home or existing water filtration system. In this section, I share individual reviews of each sediment filter to ensure you land on the right one. Keep in mind, sediment filters are not made to remove rotten egg odors due to hydrogen sulfide, bacteria, microorganisms, and any other common water contaminants smaller than 5-micron.
A good sediment filter does the heavy lifting before the water from your well reaches your home or passes through additional filtration stages with smaller micron ratings and filter media designed to target specific contaminants. For example, if you notice your well water has a rotten egg scent, you’ll want to opt for a filter that removes hydrogen sulfide. A common mistake people make is to reach for a carbon filter instead of a KDF filter, which does a much better job of removing hydrogen sulfide.
The key to extending the life of your more valuable filters is to choose the right sediment filter, and that’s exactly what my reviews below will help you do.
#1) iSpring Spin Down Filter (WSP-50SL)
The iSpring spin-down filter is one of the most versatile sediment filters on the market. It’s available in 50-micron to 200-micron sizes for well water use. The perfect application for the WSP-50SL filter is a POE (point of entry) filter that filters out larger particles before your well water reaches a whole house water filtration system or an under-sink RO system, depending on the TDS of your water.
The WSP-50SL effectively removes rust, dirt, sand, and other sediments larger than 50-micron. The unit is flushable and reusable for easy maintenance. The clear housing makes monitoring the filter easy so you know when it’s time for a flush. You might also come to realize that a different micron rating is better suited for your system.
The 1″ outlet allows for a maximum flow rate of 20 GPM, which is more than enough for residential use. One feature I like in this system that’s not offered in other systems is the addition of Siliphos. Siliphos is a glass-like substance that provides anti-scale and anti-corrosion protection to extend the life of your plumbing fixtures and appliances.
Other highlights of the WSP-50SL:
- Double threads for easy installation: 1″ MNPT and 3/4″ FNPT on both ends
- Flush valve w/ garden hose barb fitting
- Excellent for use before a whole house water filtration system
- Softer water than before when paired with a whole house filter for well water application
- Heavy-duty materials and solidly built
- Easy to backwash
- The best sediment screen on the market for country wells
- 100 to 200-micron works perfectly with heavy-sediment wells
- The Siliphos works well as an anti-scale agent for hard well water
- Easy to monitor and identify when it’s time for a flush
- Several reported drops in water pressure
- 50-micron may clog fast with well water (recommended to start with 100-micron)
- A handful of people on well water were not satisfied
#2) Culligan Whole House Sediment Filter (WH-HD200-C)
The Culligan WH-HD200-C sediment filter housing is compatible with a wide range of Culligan filters. One of the better choices for well water is the 50-micron pleated R50-BBSA filter. A couple of features in the Culligan filter housing not offered by the iSpring model above are a bypass valve and battery-powered filter life indicator. One of the major differences between the Culligan model compared to iSpring housing is the plastic threads. Plus no dual threads with the WH-HD200-C.
It’s also important to note that the max micron size for Culligan filters that fit this system is 50-micron. Depending on the quality of your well water, you might have to replace filters more often than the next guy. The average filter life according to R50-BBSA users is three months, although some users on well water are replacing filters monthly. The good news is the replacement filter price is affordable, and there are generic options that may tickle your fancy.
All in all, the WH-HD200-C is affordable, efficient, versatile, and comes with everything you need to install it, including a filter housing wrench and mounting bracket.
- Plumber approved
- Tough to beat the price for all the features you get in this complete kit
- Great to use as the 1st stage in a multi-layer gradient filtration system
- Easy to install with clear instructions
- Recommended by users with iron-rich well water (the R50-BBSA filter lasts longer than other brands)
- Excellent for rusty well water
- A top sediment water filter for the money (R50-BBSA)
- Several leak reports
- The bypass valve can be hard to turn (recommended to check for this issue immediately after unboxing)
- The plastic threads may cause cross threading (plumbers recommend Teflon tape or pipe dope to avoid this problem)
#3) Rusco Spindown Filter (1-100-F)
Of the filters in my Top 5, the Rusco filter is the best for trapping larger particles and sand. What I love about this unit is how easy it is to flush and maintain. Most people on well water only need to flush the filter every 4-6 weeks, and it’s a 5 to 10-minute job. Also, the filter screens last a lot longer than finer sediment filters.
You might even like the idea of installing the Rusco 1-100-F before the Culligan or iSpring filters to trap all the largest sediment first. By taking that route, you’ll find that it’s easy to drop the micron rating of the iSpring WSP-50SL down to 50. Regardless of what route you take, the Rusco 1-100-F is a solid option and a top-rated spin-down filter.
Another highlight of the Rusco sediment filter is the incredibly high max psi it can handle compared to other systems. I noticed several people needed to use a water pressure regulator before a sediment filter, which is an obvious nuisance. With the Rusco 1-100-F, you don’t need to worry about that problem.
- Compatible with wells with heavy iron content
- The best sediment filter for well water, especially to prevent clogging of washing machine inlet screens
- The 100 mesh is perfect for well water applications
- Easy to purge
- Excellent for wells with fine sediment
- Recommended to use with the Rusco AFV (automatic flush valve) for near maintenance-free operation (Click Here #ad to view at Amazon)
- Great for preventing sprinklers from clogging
- The plastic valve might need to be replaced with a brass ball valve to prevent potential leaks
- Several reports of cracks
#4) Pentek Big Blue w/ Dual Gradient Density Filter
Now it’s time to step up the power and filter capacity. The Pentek Big Blue is for larger families, high-flow applications, or people who prefer less maintenance. The options are endless with the Pentek Big Blue. You may want to use it as your primary sediment filter or pair it with any of the preceding filters.
On its own, the Pentek DGD-5005-20 filter is the better bet. The dual-gradient density filter sports a 50-micron outer layer and a 5-micron inner layer. For some people, this is the only filter they need, while others battling hydrogen sulfide or heavy iron may choose to add an activated carbon, KDF, or KDF/carbon filter after it.
When paired with the Culligan or iSpring filters, the Pentek DGD-2501-20 filter is a good option. The difference between the DGD-5005-20 and DGD-2501-20 filters is the micron sizes. The DGD-2501-20 has a 25-micron outer layer and 1-micron inner layer.
The Pentek opaque blue housing is made of durable, chemical-resistant, reinforced polypropylene, while the black cap is made of stiff high-flow polypropylene (HFPP). In other words, these are materials that are safe and will stand the test of time.
- The filter housing is rugged and well-built
- Gives you the most bang for your buck
- Easy installation
- An essential choice for well water applications
- The DGD-5005-20 model filter is highly recommended by people on well water
- Excellent for removing sediment and fine particles
- No noticeable drop in water pressure after installation
- No bypass valve to make changing filters and cleaning easier (though there is a pressure relief button)
- Missing part reports
#5) 3M Aqua-Pure AP802
Like Pentek dual-gradient filters, 3M Aqua-Pure 800 series filters do a more thorough job of filtering than the first three units in my Top 5. The 3M Aqua-Pure AP810 and AP810-2 filters remove particles down to 5-micron and are excellent first-stage filter options in whole house water filtration systems. What I really like about the AP810 filter is the grooved surface that increases total surface area and overall filter life.
Another highlight is the premium-quality build of this filter to prevent sediment unloading, which is a common problem with inferior filters that release trapped sediment before reaching capacity. I also noticed that users on well water recommended the AP810 filter over comparable GE filters because of its significantly longer life.
Overall, the 3M Aqua-Pure 800 series is a top-rated well water sediment filter, and the two available filter sizes make this series a great option for all households.
- Longtime 3M users of up to 10 years reported excellent and consistent results
- A great choice for well water with heavy iron content
- Bottled-water quality drinking water when paired with finer 3M filters
- Longer filter life than comparable sediment filters
- Aqua-Pure 800 series filter housing is premium-quality that stands the test of time
- An excellent choice for removing rust and sediment from well water
- Pricier than other options
- A handful of leak complaints
How to Choose the Best Sediment Filter for Well Water
Below are the key factors to consider when choosing a well water sediment filter for your home.
Micron Rating
Micron rating is especially important when choosing a sediment filter. If you choose a filter with too small of a micron rating, your filter will clog quickly, leading to an annoying amount of maintenance. For example, sand has a larger particle size of 100+ microns. If you need a sediment filter to remove sand, it’s best to opt for a micron rating of 100 or more for the first stage. For this reason, Rusco spindown filters are a great choice for people who need to remove larger particles before the water moves onto the next stage.
There’s also a certain amount of trial and error that may come into play. One of the reasons I chose the iSpring filter as my #1 pick is the number of micron ratings available. If you find that the 50-micron filter clogs too quickly, you can easily move up to 100 or 200-micron later.
Filter Size
The size of your household dictates the recommended filter size. If you have a larger family with two or more bathrooms in your home, it’s best to opt for a 20″ filter and big blue filter housing to get the job done. This type of housing is made for heavy residential use.
If you decide to use a spin-down filter ahead of a big blue sediment filter, it’s best to opt for 100-micron or larger for the spin-down filter to catch the larger particles before the water reaches the big blue sediment filter. This smart choice will extend the life of your big blue sediment filters and allow you to choose finer sediment filters in your second and/or third stages.
Incoming Pressure
As I mentioned earlier in the guide, be sure to check the pressure range of the filter housing before you buy it. The last thing you want to do is have to install a water pressure regulator if there’s no need to simply by choosing a filter housing that accommodates your existing water pressure.
Filter Type
The main types of sediment filters are pleated, spun polypropylene, and multi-gradient spun polypropylene. One advantage of pleated filters is that you can extend the life of the filter by flushing it. With a spun polypropylene filter, once it’s done, it’s done.
Personally, I like dual-gradient or multi-gradient spun polypropylene filters because they do a better job of prepping the water before it reaches the activated carbon or KDF filters. The best combination is to install a Rusco, iSpring, or Culligan filter before a multi-gradient filter.
Bottom Line
Now you know how to choose the best well water sediment filter for your home. You may find that a single sediment filter is all you need or that installing multiple filters is the best choice for your well. Once you test your water, you’ll know for sure which filter to choose. It’s also a good idea to share your test results with iSpring or other reputable water filtration companies to get their expert opinion.
If you choose to skip the lab test, there might be some trial and error involved. Whichever route you choose, these are the top sediment filters for well water on the market. Happy filtering!
