There are three basic types of sediment water filters (pleated, melt-blown, string-wound, and spin-down). All three sediment filters have a limited lifespan, but pleated sediment filters have the extra benefit of being washable and reusable. Pleated sediment filters are composed of washable synthetic fiber pleated filters, while melt-blown, string-coiled, and spin-down filters are formed of paper material that is discarded once clogged. What is the best way to clean a pleated sediment filter at home?
Continue reading to learn how to clean a pleated sediment filter at home in simple stages.
How to clean pleated sediment filter at home step by step
- Close the shut-off valve that regulates the system’s flow.
- To relieve the pressure, open the faucet where the filtered water comes out.
- Loosen the filter housings by hand or with a housing wrench. Because the filter housing is full of water, be careful to maintain it upright.
Place a bucket beneath it to catch any spills. Drain the housing water into the sink or outside.
- Remove the cartridges from the housing.
- The filter housing has O-rings in them. Remove the o-rings so they can be cleaned.
- To clean the pleated sediment filter, you’ll need to purchase a cleaning agent. You can use either oxalic or muriatic acid in this circumstance. Both oxalic and muriatic acid are available in most stores.
Best muriatic acid
SUNNYSIDE CORPORATION 710G1 1-Gallon Muriatic Acid
Best oxalic acid
If you have muriatic acid, it comes pre-mixed and ready to use. However, for oxalic acid, you must make your own solution by dissolving two ounces of the acid powder in a gallon of water.
- To begin cleaning the pleated sediment filter, use a high-pressure hose to spray the debris out of the water filter.
Watch the video below on how to clean a pleated sediment filter using a garden hose
- Clean the housing with water to remove any large particles.
- Place the filter back in the housing. Fill the housing with acid solution and let sit for 20 minutes.
You do not need to scrub the filter because you might damage it and need to replace it.
- Remove the cartridge and housing from the mixture after twenty minutes and thoroughly rinse them with water.
Note: The acid and water mixture should not be poured down the kitchen sink since it will destroy the pipes and is harmful to your health.
Add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda to the acid mixture, which will neutralize the mixture and make it safe to flush down the drain.
- At this stage, you can decide to sanitize the filter to kill germs and bacteria using a sanitizing solution. This is optional.
- Pour the sanitizing solution into the housing and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Remove the filter from the sanitizing solution.
- The filter is clean, sanitized, and ready to use.
- Return the filter to the housing. Screw the housing on the filtering system.
- Check any leaks and turn the shut-off valve.
If you didn’t go through the sanitizing stage, make sure the filter is dry before returning to the main part of the filtering system.
If you have sanitized your filter and housing, return the filter back to the housing. Screw the housing back onto the filtering system to flush out the sanitizing solution.
To flush the cartridges, open the valve, bypass, and feed water straight into the housing for 5 minutes to flush.
Although a pleated water filter has a life span, you can save the cost of replacing it with a new one and save the environment by cleaning and reusing it. Cleaning extends the life of items, saves money, and is good for the environment.
However, if you’ve cleaned the sediment filter several times and the dirt still won’t come out, the filter cartridge is worn out and needs to be replaced.
shop for the pleated sediment filter
I hope the above instructions will assist you in cleaning your pleated sediment filter at home. To learn more about how to clean a pleated sediment filter, see the video below.
