How Does Sediment Filtration Differ from Carbon Filtration

Sediment and carbon filters both work to remove harmful particles from water, but they function differently. Small sediments like sand and silt are commonly found in drinking water, which often impair taste quality; In contrast, carbon is an organic compound like coal, wood, charcoal etc., so it removes more than just bad odors.

Sediment filters filter out small bits of dirt and sediment while carbon removes impurities through oxidation reactions (changing hydrogen atoms into hydroxyl radicals). CFS stocks a wide range of sediment & carbon cartridge filters (browse here).

What is Sediment Filtration?

Sediment filters are an important part of any water filtration system. Its main function involves catching dirt and sediment that would otherwise be filtered out by the rest / additional equipment, which often results in buildup of bacteria over time.

A sediment filter is attached at the point where water comes into your system. This device has a bed of natural media that traps unwanted dirt particles as they pass through, leaving you with clean and clear water coming into your system.

Sediment Filters are common in many homes, but they have limited functions. They remove trapped sediment in the bed of natural media and leave behind all other types of particles like trace pathogen elements, heavy metals or volatile organic compounds, which can still be found within your water. In most cases, these filters do a good enough job to reduce unwanted particle levels while ensuring safe drinking quality for you and your family!

What is Carbon Filtration?

Carbon filters remove sediment; plus, chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors and unpleasant tastes from water. They contain activated carbon, which strengthens the bond as water passes through it. As impurities like VOCs bind to the filter's active coal when passing through, heavy metals are removed once they make contact with this special material. The water that leaves the filter is much cleaner than when it went in.

Carbon filters are great for removing impurities that bond to carbon. However, some contaminants like sodium can pass through the filter without being removed, which is why Commercial Filtration Supply sells high-quality carbon filters to prioritize your health at all times. So, each carbon filter removes 100 of 129 harmful pathogens found in tap water!

What are the differences between Sediment and Carbon Filtration?

Sediment and carbon filters do different things, but you don't have to choose between one or the other. A two-stage system can be installed in your home and provide both types of filtration for optimal water quality around the house. A two-stage water filtration system starts with a sediment filter, which removes dirt particles that would otherwise clog up the carbon filter quickly. Once the sediment has been removed through this initial stage of filtration, cleaner water can move into the carbon filters where it is then bonded to remove any remaining unwanted compounds without concern for corrosion or other negative effects on your pipes.

Did you know that sediment and carbon filters work together to purify your water? By working separately, they can remove some of the things which make it bad-smelling or unpleasant. But when used in tandem with each other, these two filter types will eliminate enough impurities so as to leave a fresh taste and smell on tap for all time!

Need help selecting the proper filter cartridge specifically for sediment removal? We put together this post to assist in making that selection.