If your water has a brown tint and your tap pressure keeps dropping, your home may be dealing with sediment, and this blog is exactly what you need.  

Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know about types of sediment water filters - from microns and sizes to cartridge types - so you can choose the right one for your home.

What a Sediment Filter Does (And the Biggest Misconception About It)

A sediment filter is a pre-filtration unit that removes physical impurities like dust, sand, rust, and silt from water. However, a common misconception is that sediment filters also soften water or reduce TDS - but they don’t. A sediment filter only filters suspended solids circulating in your water supply, allowing your RO or hard water purifier to work more efficiently.

Now, let’s look at the three main elements of a sediment filter:

Microns, filter sizes, and cartridges.

Micron Number Explained: How to Choose the Right Sediment Filter

A micron refers to the size of particles your filter can trap. This means the smaller the micron number, the better the filtration. Typically, filters come in these options:

• 20-micron filters: Best for trapping larger particles like sand, mud, and visible dirt.

• 5-micron filters: Traps finer impurities like rust and silt.

• 1-micron filters: Perfect for very tiny particles and RO protection. 

That’s why we suggest using filters in stages. For most homes, a two-stage approach works best: start with a larger micron filter to block big particles, then add a smaller micron filter to remove finer ones. 

Filter Sizes Explained: 10-Inch vs 20-Inch Sediment Filters

Sediment filters are labelled as 10-inch or 20-inch. The inch refers to the length (not the width), and it matters because the filter length determines how much water it can handle and how often you have to replace it. In short, the larger the filter, the better it manages water flow and sediment load.

So, which filter should you choose?

It depends on your setup and daily water use, for example:

• 10-inch filters work well for smaller systems like kitchen taps, bathroom, geysers, washing machines or RO pre-filters where water flow is moderate.

•  20-inch filters are ideal for main inlet lines, overtank, and borewell lines, as they can handle higher water flow and more sediment.

Now, let’s understand the cartridge of a sediment filter.

Cartridge Types Explained: Yarn, Filter Bag, and PP Spun

Every drop of clean water starts with the right cartridge; it traps dirt, sand, and rust from your water. Since every water source has its own impurities, different cartridges are made to handle different types of sediments. The three main ones are:

• Yarn (String-Wound): Best for borewell water, as it traps larger particles like mud, sand, and rust first and finer particles deeper down

• Filter Bag: Ideal for areas with heavy sediment, as it holds more dirt and debris before clogging.

• PP Spun: Perfect for municipal or tanker water, as it captures fine dust and rust while maintaining steady water flow.

How often you need to replace your cartridge depends on your water quality. If your supply has more dust, rust, or sediment, you’ll need to replace it frequently. On average, sediment cartridges last 3-6 months, depending on how dirty your water is.

How To Find the Right Type of Sediment Filter for Your Home

Here’s how:

• Identify your water source: Does your water contain mud and rust? Then it’s borewell water. If you see more dust and silt, it’s likely municipal or tanker water. Knowing this matters because it helps you choose the right micron level.

• Choose the right micron rating: For borewell water, go with a two-stage setup - a 20-micron pre-filter followed by a 5-micron filter. And for municipal or tanker water, you can opt for a single 5-micron filter. 

• Select your housing size: Most homes use a 10-inch filter for taps or smaller setups. For main lines or overhead tank - a 20-inch filter is a better choice as it supports higher water flow and provides longer-lasting performance.

• Pick the right cartridge material: The right cartridge depends on the type of impurities and your water source. So, identify your water quality first, then refer to the cartridge section of this blog to find the one that matches your requirements.

At RiverSoft, we design a range of sediment filters specifically for Indian water conditions. Whether it’s borewell, municipal, or tanker water, you’ll find a filter that fits your home perfectly.  With easy installation and affordable cartridge replacements, you can keep your water clean and your appliances protected. Check out Riversoft sediment water filters. 

Conclusion

Now you know everything you need to choose the right type of sediment filter for your home.  What a sediment filter does, how microns and sizes affect performance, and which cartridge suits your water type best. With this knowledge, you can confidently pick the perfect setup for your needs. And if you’re ready to make the switch, RiverSoft has filters made just for Indian homes - easy to install, affordable, and built to keep your water clear and your appliances protected.