Sediment Filter

[brrrss]

We have been using a filter that we now have to change every 25 days to a month. These should last at least 2 months at a time. We originally used W5CPHD, but we started using the Culligan, which may be a little smaller. Anyway, we are looking for a sediment filter. Our water comes directly from the Aquafir, so its great water but leaves a discoloration in the shower, tubs and toilets if its not filtered. Is there a better filter that would last a little longer maybe or can we go back to the American Plumber filter W5CPHD?

[waterfilters]

Pentek and American Plumber filters are both made by Pentair. The Pentek ECP5-BB is the same as the American Plumber W5CPHD.
http://www.waterfilters.net/Pentek/wholehouse/Sediment_Filters/ECP5-BB.htm

The ECP5-BB has more dirt holding capacity than the CP5-BB so it should help for the lifespan of the filter.

You could also try a higher micron rating such as the ECP20-BB filter:
http://www.waterfilters.net/Pentek/wholehouse/Sediment_Filters/ECP20-BB.htm
This is a 20 micron filter so it filters less sediment than the 5 micron filter. It won't fill up with sediment as fast. Your human hair is about 40 microns to give you an idea of how large a micron is. You can't see sediment as small as 5 micron or 20 micron so it's hard to know if your water has more sediment in it now than it did previously. The level of sediment will determine how often the filter needs to be changed. The level of sediment can vary over time in aquafir's. Here's some reading on aquafir's that explains how what is going at the surface can affect the quality of the water:
http://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas/hydr/concepts/gwater/aquifer.htm

I'm not sure if you have a drinking water system but it is a good idea since aquifer's can have contaminated water as well. The contaminants can also vary over time depending on what surface run-off there is that gets down into the groundwater. This is a very good RO system and is easy to maintain:
http://www.waterfilters.net/Good-Water-Warehouse/Reverse-Osmosis/systems/PuROTwist-4000.htm

Thank you,
WaterFilters.NET