Water filitration system

[David M]

A related question

As I'm about to put together the filter/UV system for the new catchment at the new house, I ponder this -

Placement of the sediment filters, UV lamp, pressure tank.

Curious to hear how others have done it. My original thought was to plumb the pump into the filters, then the UV, then the pressure pump and then line to house. I wonder if it is better to have the UV before or after the pressure tank? Would it be more sensible to plumb the pump into the pressure tank, then the filters, then the UV and onto the house line? Looking forward to hearing how others are done.

David

Ninole Resident

[Daniel]

Davidm,

Usually filter, valves, meters, etc... come AFTER the tank. At least in the systems that we sell. The reason is if your pump gets stuck running the pressure relief valve mounted on your tank tee will blow and not something else. Always put your sediment filters before your uv lamp.
I would suggest using 10 inch filters, they are less expensive and easier to find. Remember the more stuff you put in your line the less your pressure will be. If you would like a charcoal filter I would suggest putting in on your drinking water source (sink, fridge, etc...) so as to not limit pressure to the rest of the house.

Daniel R Diamond

Edited by - daniel on 07/14/2007 20:44:47

[Kelena]

Thanks, Daniel and all for the great suggestions. Daniel -- your suggestion about putting the charcoal at the source of use seems like a good idea. My limited experience with this is that if you really load up the system with filters, no pressure. Not sure if you can compensate for that by getting a bigger pump. But then that costs more in electricity. No perfect solutions but I am sure I can do better than having just one sediment filter! YIKES.

[Les C]

Ours treatment system is laid out this way: main holding tank, pressure pump, pressure tank, 20 mic. sediment filter, 5 mic. carbon filter, UV light, house. Water is cleaned up after the pump and before the UV light. It's best to have the water clean and clear for the UV to do the most effective job of killing pathogens. I would think that it's better for the pump to pressurize the pressure tank directly instead of through the filters and UV chamber.

I was made aware of something else regarding pressure: if you use the larger 20" jumbo filters (4.5" diam.), the pressure is not affected very much. In fact, I changed from our original 10" jumbos (20 mic. sediment, 10 mic. carbon/cellulose combo) to 20" jumbos (20 mic. sediment, 5 mic. carbon/string combo, smaller pores on this one) and I haven't seen any decrease in pressure; I have a pressure gauge after the 2nd filter. The 20" filters cost more but not significantly more, and they are supposed to last longer. If they last 8-12 months as I was told, the cost savings will be well worth the switch. I was able to use the same filter housing heads, the O-ring mating was the same for both sizes. While the 5 mic. in the 20" x 4.5" size didn't seem to make a difference in pressure, I'm not sure how a 1 mic. filter would do.

I've heard a concern that not filtering sediment before the pump could jeopardize the inner workings. But I've also heard that this isn't a problem.

Edited by - Les C on 07/15/2007 16:07:17

[David M]

Great responses - thanks
A little more background. My smaller system is set up pretty much as stated -Tank - pump - pressure tank - sediment filter - carbon filter - house (no UV). Having decided that we'd add UV at the new house, been looking at various setups. Someone was somewhat convincing in the argument of having the filters/UV pre pressure tank based on the theory of storing the water in its cleanest state. Seemed reasonable when I heard it.

I'm back to the more conventional sequence - pump - pressure tank - filtration - house. I'll keep the carbon filter in sequence and not point of use.

and thanks Beachboy, I went to Hawaii Catchment to buy my 20 inch filters - nice ladies.

David



Ninole Resident

[Beachboy]

quote:

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and thanks Beachboy, I went to Hawaii Catchment to buy my 20 inch filters - nice ladies.

David

Ninole Resident

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I know it's a business, but they are like"diamonds" to me..priceless. First time I went there, Leena's sister Lisa took it on her own to bring water to my dog who was waiting in the car for me. Neither of these ladies seemed to mind my crazy questions concerning UV light system, nor did they force their product on me. Even before I bought my system, Leena said if you ever have any questions feel free to call or come on by. The way I was treated there, I knew much search of a UV system was over no matter if their product was inferior[sp?]. But lucky for me it was top of the line!
So any chance I get to wave the flag for Hawaii Catchment, I'm on it.
Yes, those twenty inches are awesome too aren't they David & John? Replaced once a year is right up my alley too