BajaNomad

Water filter - upstream or downstream?

Alm - 12-11-2019 at 11:05 AM

Well water delivered by truck to pila, there is no city water. 3gpm/50psi pump pushing it to my shack. After a week or two water in pila gets slimy, so there is "something" in there besides visible sand/dirt. I am not trying to make it a potable water, this is only for shower/dishes etc. Still don't need extra bacteria or metals there.

With my plumbing it's easier to install filters upstream of the pump. But I see common setups with filters on the pressure side of the pump: Pila -> 50-100mk Strainer -> Pump -> 5mk sediment filter -> (sometimes) carbon filter, haven't decided on the latter yet.

Is there any reason not to install filter(s) upstream of the pump: Pila -> Strainer -> 5mk sediment filter -> carbon filter -> Pump ?

4x4abc - 12-11-2019 at 11:19 AM

anywhere you like

Bajazly - 12-11-2019 at 11:53 AM

There is something to be said about pushing the water thru rather than sucking it thru. If the filter clogs pushing, pump still full of water, filter clogs sucking then you may be buying a new pump.

Just an observation from my waterjet experience over the years.

David K - 12-11-2019 at 12:03 PM

Would simply adding bleach at each fillup kill the bacteria (what makes the slime)? Not sure if you can filter out bacteria and have high flow... like for a shower. No problem using a carbon filter for a drinking water tap, but the washing machine would take forever to fill and you would use up the life of a carbon filter very quickly.

Alm - 12-11-2019 at 01:05 PM

Bajazly, I hear what you're saying. Filter clogs upstream of the pump - pump runs dry. This model "can" run dry, though lifespan will likely shorten.

Mulege Canuck - 12-11-2019 at 02:41 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajazly  
There is something to be said about pushing the water thru rather than sucking it thru. If the filter clogs pushing, pump still full of water, filter clogs sucking then you may be buying a new pump.

Just an observation from my waterjet experience over the years.


Roger that.

Alm - 12-11-2019 at 04:18 PM

Thanks everybody.

John Harper - 12-11-2019 at 05:34 PM

Definitely want filter on the pressure side of the pump, so it works properly, most are designed that way. Most pumps can handle small particulates, usually centrifugal style. Maybe a finescreen strainer/filter on the outlet of the tank? Maybe some "prepper" websites have some systems? IDK.

John

[Edited on 12-12-2019 by John Harper]

Alm - 12-11-2019 at 06:47 PM

There surely will be a strainer on the tank outlet. I think this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072YVNRZN/ref=ox_sc_act_t...

There are other cheaper, but this one is brass, won't (hopefully) crumble to dust in 120F heat outside, and comes in any imaginable size of mesh. Mesh inserts are replaceable and available.

Alm - 12-11-2019 at 07:59 PM

Bob, that Amazon link is a mesh strainer on the storage tank, before the house pump. After the house pump there will be filters, they will - hopefully - take care of oil in water if it gets in there from delivery truck pump. Though I don't notice any oil yet. Only slime.

[Edited on 12-12-2019 by Alm]

pacificobob - 12-13-2019 at 07:42 AM

Discharge side of the pump. Any pump tech worth his salt would concur.

bajatrailrider - 12-14-2019 at 04:39 PM

I have a 4000 gal tank run filters both ends. A shot of bleach.good to go

Justbozo - 12-15-2019 at 09:50 AM

I have built from scratch and operated my own system for several years now.
It is basically the same as yours, truck delivered well water but I take my treatment farther so as to remove excess minerals and produce clean, clear odor free drinking water without RO.

Water, steam and electric systems have been my life's work since 1970.

This system is way beyond your wants.

All you need is a mesh strainer on the suction side of the pump. The discharge side filter is optional depending upon your desire of finished product.
The strainer is to protect the pump from debris. Everything from sand to dead stuff. Use a clear canister strainer to monitor or all stainless/brass and set yourself a schedule to check and clean.
The key to the system for you will be sanitizing. Start with an initial treatment of your pila using 3 ounces of good old fashioned laundry bleach. No fancy scents or concentrates! Use this water through your whole system ensuring that all lines and tanks , like water heaters, get flushed and exposed to this for at least 3 days.
After this initial treatment use 1 (one) ounce bleach per 100 gallons when filling your pila. This is the maintenance level treatment.
The discharge filter is optional and dependant on the condition of the water delivered and your final desire.
A 5 micron whole house sediment filter will remove most all suspended solids. If you don't care for a lite chlorine scent in the water you can use a 5 micron carbon filter to achieve both.
If the 5mc filters are not readily available 30mc or smaller will be helpful.

There you have it!
Pila, strainer, pump, filter and enjoy!

Fernweh - 12-15-2019 at 11:35 AM

Look also at systems with Bone Char filter media, to eliminate/reduce heavy metal content like Arsenic found in Baja water.....

pacificobob - 12-15-2019 at 11:44 AM

Arseniic test kits are cheap and easy to use