DIY Whole House Water Filter Installation

Do You Need Both Sediment and Carbon Filters?

Clean healthy water is a necessity for many home owners. A whole house water filter system is a practical way to protect their family, plumbing, and appliances from contaminants. One of the most common question homeowners ask is: Do I really need both sediment and carbon filters? To answer this question, we need to examine what each filter does.

Overview of Whole House Water Filters

A whole house water filter is designed to treat all the water for your home. Whole House water filters ensure that the water flowing into your faucets, showers, laundry machines, dishwashers and more is cleaner and safer. 

The benefits of a whole house sediment & carbon filtration system go beyond just drinking water. These systems:

• Protect plumbing and fixtures from sediment buildup.

• Improve the taste and smell of tap water.

• Help reduce exposure to chlorine, chemicals, and other impurities.

• Extend the life of water-using appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.

Role of Sediment Filters

A sediment filter is the first line of defense in most whole house systems. A sediment filter removes:

• Dirt and dust

• Sand and silt

• Rust and scale

• Other suspended solids

Sediment and particles in your water can clog pipes, damage appliances, and reduce water pressure over time. By removing these contaminants, the sediment filter prevents permanent damage to your home.

Sediment filters typically come in various micron ratings (1, 5, 10, 20, or 50 microns). The smaller the micron rating, the finer the particles it can capture.

• 20–50 microns: Good for removing coarse debris (common in well water).

• 5–10 microns: Best for city water or homes seeking extra filtration precision.

Role of Carbon Filters

Activated carbon media is highly porous material that absorbs chemical contaminants. So, while sediment filters tackle visible impurities, then activated carbon filters focus on removing invisible contaminants. 

A carbon filter primarily targets:

• Chlorine (used in municipal water treatment)

• Chloramines

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

• Pesticides and herbicides

• Unpleasant tastes and odors

Carbon filter cleaned water taste and smell clean. 

Benefits of Using Both Filters

So, do you need both sediment and carbon filters?

1. Comprehensive Filtration: Sediment filters remove particles that can clog and damage carbon filters, while carbon filters remove chemical impurities the sediment filter can’t capture.

2. Improved Taste and Quality: Sediment filters protect water clarity; carbon filters improve its taste, odor, and chemical composition.

3. Extended Filter Life: Sediment filters act as a pre-protection stage, extending the life and performance of the carbon stage.

4. Appliance Protection: Both filters together help prevent mineral and chemical damage to appliances, improving efficiency and longevity.

In other words, using both filters gives you the best of both worlds: physical filtration plus chemical purification.

Assessing Your Water Quality Needs

Before choosing filters or beginning installation, assess your home’s water quality. Here’s how:

1. Get a Water Test: You can purchase a home water test kit or send a sample to a certified lab. An Express Water TDS meter also works to test the quality of your water.

2. Identify Common Issues:

   • Cloudy water, rust, or sediment: A sediment filter needed.

   • Chlorine taste or chemical odor: A carbon filter required.

   • Iron or manganese stains: Consider a specialty whole house heavy metal filter.

3. Consider Water Source:

   • City water: Typically needs chlorine and chemical reduction (carbon filter).

   • Well water: Usually requires sediment and possibly iron/manganese removal before carbon filtration.

Understanding your specific water issues ensures you invest in the right system combination.

Below are some introduction videos for a possible whole house water filtration system for your home!