Why Does the Water Filter Have Sediments?

Sediment Filters

• Sediment filters work by removing particles that get trapped in their pores. The filter material might consist of wound string, polyester, ceramic, cotton, cellulose or another type of fiber material. Water passes through the filter, and particles such as organic material, loose scale, clay, sand, dirt or other contaminants are filtered out. The trapped particles lodge themselves within the sediment filter, eventually clogging it until replacement is necessary. The need for replacement becomes evident when water pressure drops.

Sand Filters

• Some types of water filters are actually composed of sediment-like material, including sand. Sand filters often reside above ground and consist of a watertight box filled with sand. Water enters the filter from above and is strained through the sand, which picks up any foreign particles. Biological matter on the sand surface helps to strain particulates, as well as bacteria. Water may be pretreated before entering the sand filter. Sand filtration is one of the oldest forms of water filtration and is both simple and effective.

Sediment Filters

• If you find sediment in your water filter, you may simply be dealing with a clogged sediment filter. Sediment filters work by removing particles based on the size of their pores and are made up of fiber such as wound string, polyester, ceramic, cotton or cellulose. Water passes through the filter, and substances including organic material, loose scale, clay, sand, dirt or other contaminants are trapped. The trapped particles lodge themselves within the sediment filter, eventually clogging it until replacement or backwashing is necessary.

Carbon Filters

• If you notice particles that look like black sediment escaping into your water from the filter, you are likely using a carbon filter. Common in many households, carbon filters are composed of carbon particles, ranging in size from fine powder to grains the size of sand. These particles might escape the filter and enter your water but do not pose a health threat. Carbon filters generally do not remove sediment from water but absorb chemicals including chlorine and pesticides.