[Joseph1430]

Recently we delt w/ a partial blockage of our boiler heating coil. We assumed it was from calcification but after the blockage was flushed by the heating repair person, we found it to be small chips of rock/sand. To prevent it further I would like to filter the water as it comes into the house from the well(chips also collect in our faucet screens). Does anyone have recommendations on a type of filter, and is this something I can install?

[labman]

This shouldn't be a big expensive project. There are a number of filter housings available and most take the same cartridges. Check with Lowe's, Ace Hardware, a plumbing supply, etc. The housings are about 4'' in diameter and 10'' high. I don't know that any one brand is much better than another. Choose a convenient section of line between the pressure tank and before any point use. If you have a softener, just before it would be good. If it has a threaded joint better yet. You will need to remove about 10'' of a horizontal line. Most water lines are 3/4''. You will need two 3/4'' ball valves*, 2 short 3/4'' pipe nipples, the filter, and whatever fitting you need to go from the pipe to the 3/4'' female pipe threads. At least one of those fittings must be a ''union'', something allowing you to tighten all the pipe joints. You may even be able to start at an existing valve. Connect things up with a valve on each side of filter. You need to be able to shut the water off when you change the filter. Unscrew the housing and stick a filter cartridge in. If you are not having taste and odor problems, you can go with the cheaper cartridges. Try a couple of them and see which does a good job. I use the more expensive charcoal one to remove the bad taste and odor from our water.

Some of the details will vary with the type of pipe you have and the type of joints you are comfortable with. If you need more help, ask.

*Ball valves cost about the same as the old gate valves and are easier use and leak less.

[Joseph1430]

Thanks labman. It sounds like a project I could do. How often do you find yourself changing the filter cartridge(estimate)? These filters shouldn't affect or house water pressure, correct(as long as cartridge is not clogged)?

[labman]

We seldom go a month without changing the cartridge, and some times not 2 weeks. However the regular filters last much longer than the charcoal taste and odor ones we use. A fresh cartridge has little effect of water pressure, or actually flow. It slows as the cartridge loads, and then suddenly drops way off signaling time to change.