A large-capacity, typically cylindrical housing, often blue in color, designed to hold a filtration cartridge. This device is specifically engineered to remove particulate matter, such as sand, silt, rust, and scale, from water sources. These units are frequently installed at the main water line entering a building, providing whole-house filtration. An example application is pre-filtering well water before it enters a home’s plumbing system.
These filtration systems offer significant advantages, including protecting plumbing fixtures and appliances from damage caused by sediment buildup. This extends the lifespan of water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers, and prevents clogs in showerheads and faucets. Historically, simpler screen filters were used, but these units offer greater filtration capacity and require less frequent maintenance due to their larger size and increased surface area.