Clogged Water Filter

[upnorth]

We've been having some problems with our house-wide water filter clogging with sand that is being picked up from the pump in our artesian well. While the filter is doing its job preventing the sand and silt from going through the plumbing, we are finding that we need to replace the filter cartridge too often (the result is low water volume and so we notice the clogged filter that way).

We had our plumber out to take a look and he is recommending a sand separator.

Any one have any comments on this device and its use/effectiveness?

[T.H.E. Binz]

How often are you replacing it? I use a 5-micron filter cartridge that requires replacement every other month. Even monthly cartridge changes would be less expensive than changing your entire water system. If you are using a 5-micron filter, you could try a 10-micron or 20-micron filter to see whether the filtration is still adequate. Alternately, could you just install a larger capacity cartridge?

[RLW]

If this condition were happening to me the first thing I would be concern with is the pump. Sand will do great damage to it. My suggestion would be to contact a well rep. and see if the pump is to low in the well as sand does not usually come through the water vains but from the bottom of the well as it settles to that point. As I stated above that this is only a suggestion as by know means am I a proffesional well person.
Good luck :)

[upnorth]

Thanks,

We had a 20 micron filter that seemed to clog pretty fast (installed early May and replaced last week, with only weekend use). I replaced it with a 5 micron filter and we had two families here all week and, so far, seems ok.

So, rather than jump the gun and put in the separator, I'm going to experiment with a few different filter sizes (namely, balancing the filtering quality against the need to change it every other week).

I too thought that the pump was too low in the well and I intially called the plumber (who works with wells also) to ask for their advice in that regard.

I'm going to do more research/experiment and I'll let you know what I learn. And I agree, I should do what it takes to protect the pump -- it may be the spearator after all.