Removing Sand And Sediment From Well Water And The Four Most Effective Systems

Person scrubbing a plate with a sponge under running tap water in a modern kitchen sink, highlighting everyday water use.

This week’s blog covers well water treatment systems for removing sand and sediment, which are common issues for many well owners.

Sand and sediment can clog pipes, reduce water pressure, and damage fixtures and appliances like washing machines.

These particles can wear out plumbing and shorten the lifespan of home equipment.

Fortunately, many affordable well water filters can remove sand and sediment effectively when used properly. In this post, we’ll highlight the best filter systems for solving these problems.

Step One: Identify the Source of Sand or Sediment in Water

Start by checking if the sediment comes from the well or from corroded pipes and fixtures inside your home.

Galvanized iron pipes can corrode, causing flakes that look like sediment. Another common source is a degrading water heater tank. Over time, the glass lining may break down and release sand-like or brittle particles.

A corroded anode rod can also create brown, sand-like debris that clogs faucets and appliances. If your washing machine clogs but the toilet tank is clear, the water heater may be the source.

Run water directly from the well into a white bucket to check for visible sediment.

Step Two: Get your water tested

The second step is to have the water tested for iron, manganese, hardness, tannin, sulfates, and turbidity.

If feasible, have the lab perform a particle count to determine the number of particles in the water. If your water is high in iron, manganese, sulfates, or tannin or possesses an odor of sulfur or ‘rotten eggs,’ then further treatment other than sediment filter systems becomes necessary.

Well water filters intended for sediment and sand removal aren’t appropriate for most water that contains iron and manganese because the iron and manganese are dissolved in the water and are not actual particles that can be filtered.

Step 3: Choose the most effective well water filters

Choose between 4 types or combine the 4 for maximum performance and low maintenance:

Centrifugal Sand Separators: The sand separator works on the principle of centrifugal force, removing over 98% of all 200 mesh-sized particles (74 microns) and greater.

There are no moving parts to wear out, screens, cartridges, cones, or filter elements to clean or replace. The separator must be periodically purged, which is best done while the system is operating and the water flows.

The accumulation of sand can then be manually flushed out by opening a ball valve at the bottom of the separator, or periodically automatically flushed out by an auto-flush valve.

Rusco Spin Down Filter Screens

Spin-down filters use a screen to filter out and trap coarse sand and sediment.

You need to periodically open the spin-down filter’s manual flush valve to flush out any accumulated sediment.

Unlike finer micron filter cartridges that require frequent replacement or cleaning, the spin-down filter cartridge lasts much longer and typically doesn’t need to be removed or cleaned—just flush it by opening the bottom valve.

Use the coarsest mesh (typically 30 to 60 mesh) deemed acceptable to filter the materials you want to remove. This will help extend the life of your system and reduce the frequency with which the filter requires cleaning.

Micron-Rated Sediment Filter Cartridge Systems

Filter cartridges are produced to strain out particles as small as a certain micron dimension.

Household well water filters that take out particles 5 microns in size will also take out 99% of the particles found in most well water. A 1-micron filter or an ultra-filter system that filters down to less than 0.1 microns is required in some cases.

Start with the biggest dimensions that will work for your application to minimize costs and reduce servicing demands.

Auto-Backwash Sediment Filtration Systems

The lowest maintenance type of filter has no filter cartridges. In place of filter cartridges, it uses a type of loose filter media that is automatically back-washed. These work well for removing sediment but are not recommended for sand removal.

In some cases, if the well water has both sand and sediment, a centrifugal sand separator is first in line, followed by a sediment backwash filter.

These types of filter systems use either a filter and media or a combination of sand and anthracite coal to filter the water right down to the ten-micron range.

Ceramic filter media devices are also available that will filter the water down to 5 microns and auto-wash. The centrifugal sand separator spins the water in a circular motion, forcing large particles to settle at the bottom, where you can easily flush them out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What causes sand and sediment in well water?

Sand and sediment can enter your well water from natural sources underground, loose soil surrounding the well casing, or aging plumbing fixtures like galvanized pipes or a deteriorating water heater.

2. Is sand in well water dangerous?

While sand isn’t harmful to human health, it can damage your plumbing system, clog fixtures and appliances, and increase maintenance and replacement costs over time.

3. How do I know if sand is coming from my well or plumbing?

Try collecting water directly from the well before it enters your home using a white bucket. If sediment appears, it’s likely coming from the well. If not, corroding pipes or your water heater may be the cause.

4. What’s the difference between sand and sediment?

Sand consists of larger, heavier particles typically sourced from the well casing or aquifer, while sediment can include finer particles, rust, mineral buildup, or organic material that forms from pipe corrosion or aging water heaters.

5. Can I use a regular water filter to remove sand?

No. Standard cartridge filters are often too fine and will clog quickly with sand. A centrifugal sand separator or spin-down filter is more appropriate for large-particle removal.