If your well water leaves a sandy residue in your bathtub, clogs your faucet aerators every few months, or makes your drinking water look cloudy, sediment is likely the culprit. Sediment in well water is common in Texas, particularly in areas with sandy soils or where the aquifer contains fine gravel and silt. The good news is that sediment is one of the easiest water quality problems to solve—with the right filter.
Understanding Sediment Sources
Sediment enters your well water from several sources. Natural aquifer sediment can be drawn in when your pump pulls water from the bottom of the well. Corroded well casing or screens can release rust particles and mineral flakes. Construction activity nearby, recent well work, or seasonal flooding can also disturb sediment that then enters your water supply.
The size of sediment particles varies widely—from fine silt at less than 5 microns to coarse sand up to 500 microns or larger. Different filters are designed to capture different particle sizes, which is why choosing the right one matters.
Standard Sediment Filters
Cartridge-style sediment filters are the most common solution for residential well systems. These disposable cartridges fit inside a filter housing installed on your main water line after the pressure tank. They come in various micron ratings: 50-micron for coarse sand, 20-micron for fine sand, 5-micron for silt, and 1-micron for very fine particles.
For most North Houston well owners, a dual-filter approach works best: a 20-micron sediment filter followed by a 5-micron finer filter. The first filter catches the bulk of larger particles, extending the life of the second filter and reducing replacement costs.
Spin-Down Filters: The Reusable Option
If your water contains heavy sediment loads—common in newer wells or areas with disturbed aquifers—a spin-down filter may be more practical than disposable cartridges. Spin-down filters use a centrifugal design to trap sediment in a clear bowl that you can see and clean without replacing any parts. A simple valve flush clears the collected debris in seconds.
Spin-down filters are rated by mesh size, with 60-mesh capturing particles larger than 250 microns and 100-mesh capturing particles larger than 150 microns. They're not as fine as cartridge filters, but for heavy sediment they're far more economical and convenient.
Choosing the Right Setup for Your Well
The ideal sediment filtration system depends on your specific water conditions. At 77 Water Well Inc., we analyze your water sample under magnification to determine particle size and concentration. Then we recommend either a cartridge system, a spin-down filter, or a combination of both. We also consider your flow rate requirements—oversized filters that don't restrict water pressure are essential for homes with high demand.
Stop fighting gritty water. Call 77 Water Well Inc. at (281) 456-4556 for a free water analysis and sediment filter recommendation.