The sediment filter is the first stage of almost every RO purifier. It is cheap, but if you ignore it, the expensive parts behind it – the carbon filter, pump and membrane – wear out much faster.
What does a sediment filter do?
It traps sand, rust, mud and other particles before water reaches the carbon filter and RO membrane. Most RO sediment filters are rated 5 micron, which stops visible dirt and fine particles but does not remove dissolved salts or germs.
Types of RO sediment filters
| Type | Where it is used | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Spun (PP) cartridge, 10 inch | Inside a pre-filter housing (bowl) – most common | Kemflo Purefite PS-05 Spun Filter – 5 Micron RO Pre-Filter – ₹25 |
| Inline sediment filter | Compact purifiers with inline (capsule) filters | Blue Mount Inline Sediment Filter – 5 Micron PP Pre-Filter – ₹190 |
| 20 inch / jumbo spun | Big housings, commercial plants, whole-house | CGK PP Spun Filter 20 Inch – 5 Micron Sediment Cartridge – ₹200 |
See all sediment filters and inline filters.
How often should you change the sediment filter?
- Clean municipal water: every 6 months.
- Borewell, tanker or muddy supply: every 2–3 months.
- Whenever it looks dark brown or the flow drops noticeably.
5 signs your sediment filter is choked
- Water flow from the RO has reduced.
- The filter is brown/black when you open the housing.
- The pump sounds strained or the RO takes much longer to fill.
- Water from the purifier smells or tastes off.
- You cannot remember when it was last changed.
How to change it
Close the inlet valve, switch off power, open the housing with a housing spanner, replace the cartridge, re-seat the O-ring and tighten. Flush for a few minutes before drinking. Full steps: how to change RO filters at home.
Changing all pre-filters together? The Basic RO Service Kit (₹399) has sediment, carbon and alkaline filters in one pack.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash and reuse a sediment filter?
Not recommended. Washing removes surface dirt but the pores stay blocked, and it can grow bacteria. Replace it – it is cheap.
Is 1 micron better than 5 micron?
Finer filters catch more but choke faster. 5 micron is the standard for RO pre-filtration.
Why does my sediment filter turn black quickly?
Your supply has a lot of rust or mud. Consider an extra pre-filter housing before the RO.
Need help choosing the right part? Send a photo of your RO or its model name on WhatsApp (96252 23245) and we will tell you exactly what fits. Original parts at wholesale rates, Cash on Delivery and All India delivery.
Need the right part for your RO?
Original filters, membranes and pumps at wholesale rates. Send us a photo of your RO – we will tell you exactly what fits.
