Whole house filter

[shock]

I have the big blue 20" housing and would like assistance in determining which filter to use. When I open the housing the line coming in has some brownish residue. It is located after a system that removes iron and sulfide and before a UV light. Thanks in advance.

[Gary Slusser]

The UV light should have at least a 20 micron sediment prefilter and if your iron/H2S filter isn't doing as it should, a 5 micron but....

A big boy/big blue is a bit of overkill because you should be replacing the cartridge like once every 6-12 months and a 2.5" x 10" cartridge usually will be able to do that. And what you are seeing is normal invisible dirt build up, so water pipes always have some and it won't hurt you, or the pets. As you see it is in the pipe, and I bet you can't see it in a glass of water, right?

[shock]

Correct, I see nothing in the glass! Should I go to a 10" filter housing or would the 20" technically last longer than say the 6 month interval. The previous owner left a filter behind made of spun material. It looks as if it’s yarn but no markings to identify it.

[Gary Slusser]

Larger lasts longer but probably is overkill and costs more all around.

String wound is probably what you are looking at, a very common type that comes in many different micron ratings.

[shock]

It's been 6 months so I'll check the shape of the current filter. Based on your comment I should be able to go a year with the current 20" filter.

[Gary Slusser]

You can't check a cartridge by what it looks like.

They are supposed to be replaced based on pressure loss across the filter or on a timed basis; a 15 psi loss/drop or 6 months which ever comes first.

You are at 6 months regardless of what it "looks" like and you are using it for a UV light which is for health concerns from harmful bacteria....

[shock]

Is it possible to fasten the 10" housing to the 20" base it screw on to?

[Gary Slusser]

IIRC either 10" or 20" sumps can be screwed on the base.