Home and Garden | Installing a Sediment Filter - Plumbing

A sediment filter clears up cloudy water by removing the inorganic particles causing the problem. It's not unusual to install a carbon filter to work in conjunction with the sediment filter. Both filters can be installed as in-line fixtures, making installation relatively simple.

However, be prepared to solder the water pipe, which you must cut to install the filters; you'll also need to install cutoff valves to isolate them.

PROJECT BASICS

Project: Moderate
Estimated Project Time: 2 hours
Start Tips: Be sure to locate the filters in an accessible area so that you can clean them on a regular basis
Safety Tips: Wear safety goggles when soldering and cutting the pipe. You also may want to wear work gloves when soldering
Recommendation: Do-it-Yourself

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Tubing cutter	Sediment filter
Propane torch	Male adapter fittings
Adjustable wrench	Solder flux
Hose (for backflush)	Shutoff valves
Sandpaper or wire brush

Fig. 1

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Cut the pipe
Remove a section of the supply line using a tubing cutter to accommodate the filter and threaded fittings. (Fig. 1)

Fig. 2

2) Sand the pipe
To help new solder fittings bond on existing copper pipes, use a wire brush or sandpaper to brighten the old metal. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 3

3) Solder
Solder a 3/4-in. copper male adapter fitting onto each open pipe end. Be sure to use lead-free solder. (Fig. 3)

Fig. 4

4) Install the filter
Install the filter body with shutoff valves on each side. The shutoffs should be full-flow gate or ball valves. (Fig. 4)

Fig. 5

5) How to backflush the filter
To backflush a sediment filter, attach a hose and drain it through the bottom. The element also can be replaced. (Fig. 5)