Whole House / Well Water Filtration Guide
When we talk about whole house / well water filtration were are primarily interested in the below topics as a result of a water test:
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Sediment / particle removal (discussed on this page)
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Water Softening as a result of high water hardness (discussed on our Water Softening page)
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Iron & Manganese removal (discussed on this page)
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Heavy Metal removal, e.g. Lead, Zinc, Mercury, Copper & Chromium (discussed on our Speciality filtration page)
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pH adjustment (discussed on this page)
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Odour / unpleasant smell (discussed on this page)
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UV Sterilisation due to bacteria in water (covered on our UV Sterilisation page)
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If there are multiple parameters that require adjustment often a single solution will deal with them all together.
Existing and new Installations
For replacements cartridges and parts for existing installations just contact us and we will quickly let you know everything required.
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For new installations we can talk you through a complete installation. The best place to start is to have a water test done to see what type of water treatment you need. Contact us and we can put you in touch with our testing partner. Please note we do not offer an installation service.
General Comments about filter housings
Many solutions to treat water use filter cartridges that reside in filter housings, there are a number of different sizes available, see below for a general guide:
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Note: Cartridge dimensions are measured in diameter x length in inches.
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2.5" x 10" housing & cartridges
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2.5" x 20" housing & cartridges (not used so much)
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4.5" x 10", often referred to BB10 housing & cartridges
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4.5" x 20", often referred to BB20 housing & cartridges
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Industrial solution often use multi-round and bag filtration.
As a general rule the larger the filter housing the more flow that can go through the filter and the less often the filter needs changing. Housings are available with a clear bowl which is often helpful, these are slightly more expensive and often have different temperature and pressure ratings.
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Housings can be daisy-chained together if multiple filtration steps required. Specific flow rate detail can be found on each product page.
Sediment Removal
A surprising amount of debris can enter from both the mains water system and a private well. Over time sediment can build up and damage both the household and heating water systems.
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There are two main types of sediment filters, string-wound (SW) and polypropylene (PP) constructed. Both types of filters have their advantages. In general for drinking water applications the below points are the most relevant to help you choose:
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String-wound filters typically have a high dirt-holding capacity, making them suitable for applications where there are moderate to high levels of sediment or particulate matter in the water.
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Due to the material winding pattern of string-wound filters they allow for more extended contact with the water. This design is effective in capturing and retaining particles throughout the depth of the filter.
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Polypropylene (PP) filters are known for their consistent and uniform filtration performance. They are designed to provide reliable particle retention, especially for larger particles.
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Polypropylene (PP) filters are often considered cost-effective compared to some other filter types. They are suitable for applications where a balance between performance and cost is essential.
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The most common sediment filter sizes are 20µm, 10µm, 5µm & 1µm. Of course larger and smaller sizes are available. We also sell a dual gradient filter which is our most popular, this has an outer 20µm and an inner 5µm layer, this allows you to have a single housing to do dual filtration that would typically need two housings. Reusable filters are also available.
Water Parameter Adjustment
Depending on the particular parameter a number of solutions may be available. Advanced cartridges are available such as:
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GAC Cartridge - Granular Activated Carbon reduces content of chlorine and chlorination by-products, concentration of heavy and non-ferrous metals, phenol, oil products and pesticides. This is an extremely popular all round filter.
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CTO - Gaining its name from Color, Taste and Odor of water the CTO cartridge does the same ob as the GAC cartridge but due to its construction is more effective and can handle a higher flow rate for the same size filter. There is often 10µm layer incorporated as an added feature and the filter is then called CTO10.
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Iron Reduction Cartridge - For the reduction of Iron
Hydrogen sulphide reduction Cartridge- For the reduction of H2S
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Water Softening (covered on our Water Softening page) - For mild issues a cartridge is available, otherwise a softening system is required.
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Heavy Metal reduction - A cartridge is available for the removal of copper, lead, mercury, zinc, and cadmium.
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pH Adjustment - Not typically handled by cartridges by we have supplied many customers with a solution to bring their back to a neutral pH of 7.
Where should I install?
An external pump/filter house is an ideal location and this is typically the case for houses with private wells. If no suitable external location is available below are the two most common solutions:
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Locate filter housings in attic/loft before the water tanks and showers. Typically this means the kitchen sink is the only supply without filtration and homeowners usually locate a Reverse Osmosis (RO) unit under the kitchen sink to have a much high level of filtration for drinking water only. This is by far the most popular solution in Ireland.
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Smaller housings up to BB10 are often fitted under the kitchen sink. This is a viable solution however consideration is needed to fit everything in neatly.
How often do the filters need changing?
This really depends on usage, for a typical household if the filter is correctly sized changing the cartridge every year would the recommended change frequency. For many filters a pressure gauge can be fitted on the inlet and outlet and when the pressure differential falls below a predetermined value this would be when the filter is changed.
Will I be able to fit myself?
Our aim is to sell to the domestic market for self-installation.
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Filter housings are extremely easy to fit, the have an inlet and outlet. The existing water pipe is split, two new fittings are added and simply tightened into the filter housing.
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Parts are supplied to account for installation in a typical Irish plumbing installation and we are on hand to provide support at any time required.
