Are There Different Types of Whole House Carbon Filters?
There are two different types; “Cartridge Filters” and “Tank Filters”
The Cartridge Filter is a large filter housing, about 20”, which allows for a very large cartridge to be installed. These cartridges can handle high flow rates and are able to remove a broad range of chemicals. The cartridges should be replaced every 6 months and can be easily changed by the homeowner or by Clean Water America’s Service Department.
The Tank Filter, which are between 4 and 6 feet tall, consist of three different types:
- Automatic Backwash Valve
- Manual Backwash Valve
- Non Backwash Standard Head.
The Automatic Backwashing Valves consist of Timer and Meter Heads:
- The Timer head backwashes the carbon according to a clock only and can be pre programed by multiple day settings.
- The Meter head backwashes the carbon according to the amount of water used. It is the more efficient filter head and saves excess water usage.
- The Manual Backwash Valve System needs to be periodically backwashed to fluff up the carbon granules so pressure drop does not occur.
- The Standard head in/out valve is a fully automatic, non backwashing system and is the least expensive of the trio.
All carbon filters need to be re-bedded on a periodic basis when the mineral is exhausted.