What is a water filter housing?
Water filter housings are simply containers that hold filters and facilitate the water filtration process. Housings come in a variety of sizes, to fit a number of different filter types, such as pool and spa applications, or traditional whole-home filter setups.
What materials are water filter housings made from?
Housings are usually made from polypropylene, a durable plastic that is used in a wide variety of everyday products, from food and beverage packaging to toys. Some housings are metal, such as those used to house ultraviolet light filters, and other synthetic resins and plastics may be used in high-heat application housings.
How to choose the right water filter housing
For most users, industry-standard 2.5”x10 or 4.5”x10” housings are a great choice for a whole-home system, though if you require more filtration power, you can step up your system to 20” housings. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer here as such–it all depends on your filtration goals. Determine first what you are trying to remove, and how much filtration media you need to meet those goals, and choose your housings accordingly.
Where can I buy a water filter housing?
Housings are available at plumbing supply stores, and through a variety of online retailers. An excellent ecommerce option is AllFilters, who carry a variety of housings options for modular whole-home system creation. They also offer a large selection of filters to go in the housings, making it a one-stop shop for your home setup.
How do I determine the correct size for my water filter housing?
Seeking out professional advice on this point is a good idea. To determine the size that would best address your water’s needs, you need a good idea of what is in your water. A great place to start is by having your water professionally lab-tested. Many labs offer mail-in testing services for your convenience.
Can water filter housings handle hot water?
Typical housings have a temperature range of around 40°F to 125°F (4.4°C to 51.7°C), though there is variation across brands and materials, so be sure to check the specifications on your housing. There are also custom hot-water housings made of materials with higher heat tolerances.
How often should I replace my water filter housing?
If housings crack or begin to leak, they should be replaced immediately. Absent any structural damage, most manufacturers recommend replacing housings every ten years or so.
What are the signs of a failing water filter housing?
As noted, any structural damage is clear evidence of aging and brittle plastic. If your water begins to develop an unusual taste, it could be an indication that it’s time to upgrade the old polypropylene housings as well. If your housings are routinely subjected to significant temperature fluctuations, that can also shorten their lifespan.
Are water filter housings resistant to chemicals?
Polypropylene is a synthetic plastic resin that belongs to a broader class called “polyolefin resins,” all of which possess very good chemical resistance across a wide range of chemicals and solvents. These resins are susceptible to various acids, but not the sort that are usually likely to be coming in via the water supply.
How do I install a water filter housing?
The housings hold the filters, and are connected to one another, and the water line and your various appliances and water fixtures, via pipes. Connections can be ¼” NPT up to 1” NPT and beyond. Consult a plumber or home installation expert before attempting a job like this.
What maintenance does a water filter housing require?
The housing itself should require little to no maintenance beyond occasional cleaning as necessary when changing out filters. Provided you replace your filters regularly, the housings shouldn’t need much special attention, unless there is a specific contaminant problem in your area, such as low pH water, or microbiologically suspect water.
Can I clean my water filter housing instead of replacing it?
Cleaning the housing is certainly advisable, but after ten years or so, the plastic has worn, and the potential for cracks or weak spots in the housing increases. After a decade or so of continuous use, you are better off replacing the housing.
Are there different types of water filter housings?
There are a number of types of filter housings, differentiated according to size and intended purpose. 2.5” diameter and 4.5” diameter, of varying length, are the most common sizes for residential and commercial use, though industrial housings can be larger still. Pool and spa filters require specialty filter housings, as do custom filters such as ultraviolet light filters.
What factors affect the lifespan of a water filter housing?
The biggest single factor in the life of your water filter housing is the condition of the incoming water. If you live in an area with low pH water, that can degrade the plastic over time, while water that is high in organic matter and microbial growth will likely require more regular cleaning and maintenance to get the most out of its potential lifespan. Know your water, and speak to a professional in your area to determine if there are any specific threats to your housings.
The Bottom Line
Filter housings come in many shapes and sizes, and all of them perform a vital function in their respective water filtration role. Thankfully, the industry is standardized enough that you can generally mix and match your filters and housings across brands, provided you match your filter and housing specs correctly. This puts the power in your hands to create a custom system that will meet your specific needs.
