This is a new well (200 feet) and a new house.

There is a whole house filter and it was installed with a 30 micron
filter.

For 6 weeks of normal water usage, there was no problem. Then, the
water would come out of the faucets/showers as if there was no water
pressure. I changed the filter (with another 30 micron), and
immediately everything was fine.

10 days later, the same thing happened. I changed the filter, and
water flow was back.

This cycle of loss of flow, replacing the filter and restoring the flow
repeated 4 days later, then 2, then 2, then 2, then 1, then 1, then it
was only after taking one shower that I had to replace the filter
again. The pump is producing plenty of water. The bladder tank is
producing enough pressure. It really seems to be the filter.

All the while, the filters don't "look" dirty (they were a light gray
color), meaning I couldn't scrape or wash away any muck or dirt. I've
tried 30, 20, and 5 micron filters, as well as the pleated paper,
"felt" material, and string types. I was told to try a 50 or 100
micron filter, but that doesn't seem to make sense (why do I want more
sediment to get through?). The water straight from the pump is clear
when coming out of a hose, but filling up a bucket shows that the water
is a bit cloudy (white/gray).

The only other tidbit of information is that around the time of the
first filter change there was a big rainstorm, and it has been pretty
wet ever since. There are a few drainage issues that the builder hs
yet to work out, so there is some standing water when it is not
raining.

Any help? Do I simply need a larger micron filter? Is this a normal
part of a new well and will it cear up in 2-, 3-, 6-months?

Thanks.

have you tried running water backwards thru the filter with say a
garden hose?

Maybe the pipe is too deep in the well.

You could also consider using 2 filters. A coarse prefilter and a second
fine filter after that.

Also try to find a filter that is 2 filters high. So the filters get
stacked in a case. You will get longer life out of the filters that way.


"DarMan" wrote in message
oups.com...
This is a new well (200 feet) and a new house.

There is a whole house filter and it was installed with a 30 micron
filter.

For 6 weeks of normal water usage, there was no problem. Then, the
water would come out of the faucets/showers as if there was no water
pressure. I changed the filter (with another 30 micron), and
immediately everything was fine.

10 days later, the same thing happened. I changed the filter, and
water flow was back.

This cycle of loss of flow, replacing the filter and restoring the flow
repeated 4 days later, then 2, then 2, then 2, then 1, then 1, then it
was only after taking one shower that I had to replace the filter
again. The pump is producing plenty of water. The bladder tank is
producing enough pressure. It really seems to be the filter.

All the while, the filters don't "look" dirty (they were a light gray
color), meaning I couldn't scrape or wash away any muck or dirt. I've
tried 30, 20, and 5 micron filters, as well as the pleated paper,
"felt" material, and string types. I was told to try a 50 or 100
micron filter, but that doesn't seem to make sense (why do I want more
sediment to get through?). The water straight from the pump is clear
when coming out of a hose, but filling up a bucket shows that the water
is a bit cloudy (white/gray).

The only other tidbit of information is that around the time of the
first filter change there was a big rainstorm, and it has been pretty
wet ever since. There are a few drainage issues that the builder hs
yet to work out, so there is some standing water when it is not
raining.

Any help? Do I simply need a larger micron filter? Is this a normal
part of a new well and will it cear up in 2-, 3-, 6-months?

Thanks.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Do you mean I should take the
filter cartridge out and run water through it to see if it is indeed
clogged? Please elaborate.

Art,

If we theorize the pipe is too far in the well (or that the problem is
something erroneous with the well installation), is there any way of
testing to see if that is true without having to physically pull up the
pipe (i.e. convince the well digging company they installed the pipe
incorrectly and to fix it)? Or is it a lot of trial and error?

Other than that, it sounds like you feel I simply have well water that
is carrying a lot of sediment and that additional filters or filtering
systems are needed, correct? I was told that it wouldn't be a health
hazard to remove the filter altogether, but that just sounds silly.

Thanks for your patience. I'm learning a lot about well water.

What hall is referring to is known as "backflushing". Basically, you
are cleaning the particles out of the filter by reversing the flow. It
is worth a try, but some filter designs are made to fall apart when you
do this, the filter makers want you to replace, not recycle.-Jitney

DarMan wrote:
This is a new well (200 feet) and a new house.

There is a whole house filter and it was installed with a 30 micron
filter.

For 6 weeks of normal water usage, there was no problem. Then, the
water would come out of the faucets/showers as if there was no water
pressure. I changed the filter (with another 30 micron), and
immediately everything was fine.

10 days later, the same thing happened. I changed the filter, and
water flow was back.

This cycle of loss of flow, replacing the filter and restoring the
flow repeated 4 days later, then 2, then 2, then 2, then 1, then 1,
then it was only after taking one shower that I had to replace the
filter again. The pump is producing plenty of water. The bladder
tank is producing enough pressure. It really seems to be the filter.

All the while, the filters don't "look" dirty (they were a light gray
color), meaning I couldn't scrape or wash away any muck or dirt. I've
tried 30, 20, and 5 micron filters, as well as the pleated paper,
"felt" material, and string types. I was told to try a 50 or 100
micron filter, but that doesn't seem to make sense (why do I want more
sediment to get through?). The water straight from the pump is clear
when coming out of a hose, but filling up a bucket shows that the
water is a bit cloudy (white/gray).

The only other tidbit of information is that around the time of the
first filter change there was a big rainstorm, and it has been pretty
wet ever since. There are a few drainage issues that the builder hs
yet to work out, so there is some standing water when it is not
raining.

I suspect that the rain and maybe some problems with the well
construction may be your problem. If you are getting ground water mixed in,
it could be causing the clogging and it also could be a danger.

If you can rule out the above, then I suggest using a larger micron
filter and or the duel filter idea, and or going to a large industrial size
filter that will handle the water problem you have and will back flow clean
out the larger sediment.

Good Luck


Any help? Do I simply need a larger micron filter? Is this a normal
part of a new well and will it cear up in 2-, 3-, 6-months?

Thanks.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

"DarMan" wrote in message
oups.com...
This is a new well (200 feet) and a new house.

There is a whole house filter and it was installed with a 30 micron
filter.

For 6 weeks of normal water usage, there was no problem. Then, the
water would come out of the faucets/showers as if there was no water
pressure. I changed the filter (with another 30 micron), and
immediately everything was fine.

My filters last a few weeks. When they need to be replaced they are caked
with crud.
I don't understand why your filter look clean when they are clogged; sounds
to me like crappy filters. What kind are they?

I have a coarse "sand" filter I haven't gotten around to installing. It is
50 microns and can be cleaned by simply opening a flush valve. That might
help you out; but I still have to wonder about why your filters clog without
any build up.

Toller,

Correct, the filters are not caked with anything--simply dirty
gray--and that is why this seems so mysterious. In the canister which
holds the filter there is usually about 2 to 3 millimeters of fine
gray sediment. The water is cloudy, and the particles do seem to remain
suspended in the water (I have a bucket which has been standing for a
couple days now and it doesn't seem to have settled).

The filters I've bought were from Wal-Mart, Lowes, and Home Depot. Ace
Hardware had the same types of filters, but nothing larger than 30
microns.

I have heard of the sand filter (my brother-in-law has one, but he had
a similar situation to yours with coarse sand), but I really don't
think the sediment I have is course enough for that to be effective.

Joseph,

If ground water is getting into the well quickly, then it may be of
benefit for me to get the well water tested to see what's in it. Any
suggestions for a simple way of finding out if the well construction is
to blame, or should I just get the guy who dug it out here?

Thanks.

"DarMan" wrote in message
oups.com...
Toller,

Correct, the filters are not caked with anything--simply dirty
gray--and that is why this seems so mysterious. In the canister which
holds the filter there is usually about 2 to 3 millimeters of fine
gray sediment. The water is cloudy, and the particles do seem to remain
suspended in the water (I have a bucket which has been standing for a
couple days now and it doesn't seem to have settled).

The filters I've bought were from Wal-Mart, Lowes, and Home Depot. Ace
Hardware had the same types of filters, but nothing larger than 30
microns.

I have heard of the sand filter (my brother-in-law has one, but he had
a similar situation to yours with coarse sand), but I really don't
think the sediment I have is course enough for that to be effective.

I hate to suggest this, but I would call a water treatment company; if only
to hear what they have to say about it.
My guess (and that's all it is) is that you have an enormous amount of fines
in your water and you probably need something more expensive than a hardware
store filter.
My water is clear and the coarse stuff that clogs my filter drops right out
in a bucket. (tastes like crap, but that's a whole other story...)

How much water have you run out of the well? Perhaps you need to run
water out onto the ground for a few days or weeks. Unfiltered, of
course. My neighbors had a new well installed and they ran water out
onto the driveway for many days. I guess the drilling company told
them to.

-rev

DarMan wrote:
Joseph,

If ground water is getting into the well quickly, then it may be of
benefit for me to get the well water tested to see what's in it. Any
suggestions for a simple way of finding out if the well construction
is to blame, or should I just get the guy who dug it out here?

Thanks.

I would guess the best way is going to get someone, maybe not the one
who put it in, to take a good look and see what they think. The original
professional, may overlook something that he overlooked the first time. A
new set of eyes is more likely to find something if it is there.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

The Reverend Natural Light wrote:
How much water have you run out of the well? Perhaps you need to run
water out onto the ground for a few days or weeks. Unfiltered, of
course. My neighbors had a new well installed and they ran water out
onto the driveway for many days. I guess the drilling company told
them to.

-rev

That is a good point.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/privatewells/faq.html

Art wrote:
Maybe the pipe is too deep in the well.

You could also consider using 2 filters. A coarse prefilter and a second
fine filter after that.

Also try to find a filter that is 2 filters high. So the filters get
stacked in a case. You will get longer life out of the filters that way.


"DarMan" wrote in message
oups.com...
This is a new well (200 feet) and a new house.

There is a whole house filter and it was installed with a 30 micron
filter.

For 6 weeks of normal water usage, there was no problem. Then, the
water would come out of the faucets/showers as if there was no water
pressure. I changed the filter (with another 30 micron), and
immediately everything was fine.

10 days later, the same thing happened. I changed the filter, and
water flow was back.

This cycle of loss of flow, replacing the filter and restoring the flow
repeated 4 days later, then 2, then 2, then 2, then 1, then 1, then it
was only after taking one shower that I had to replace the filter
again. The pump is producing plenty of water. The bladder tank is
producing enough pressure. It really seems to be the filter.

All the while, the filters don't "look" dirty (they were a light gray
color), meaning I couldn't scrape or wash away any muck or dirt. I've
tried 30, 20, and 5 micron filters, as well as the pleated paper,
"felt" material, and string types. I was told to try a 50 or 100
micron filter, but that doesn't seem to make sense (why do I want more
sediment to get through?). The water straight from the pump is clear
when coming out of a hose, but filling up a bucket shows that the water
is a bit cloudy (white/gray).

The only other tidbit of information is that around the time of the
first filter change there was a big rainstorm, and it has been pretty
wet ever since. There are a few drainage issues that the builder hs
yet to work out, so there is some standing water when it is not
raining.

Any help? Do I simply need a larger micron filter? Is this a normal
part of a new well and will it cear up in 2-, 3-, 6-months?

Thanks.


I've never had experience with home filters, but a lot of experience
with micron filters in the lab, and they gunk up very easily before
they get the surface crud, because of the construction. But as
suggested, a regular (paper in the lab) type filter even just sitting
right on on top of them would catch all that stuff without itself
clogging, because of the difference in construction, leaving only the
bacteria etc. to get stopped by the micron filter, which would no
longer clog.

Rev,

I have heard of what you could call "bloodletting" the well, but the
thing is we had about 6 weeks of water without changing the filter, and
the frequency of filter changes has increased seemingly exponentially.
I'm not sure if our useage of the the well for 6 weeks has caused this
problem, but I do not seem to have any problem with the volume of water
directly from the pump (before the filter).

Thanks.

DarMan wrote:
This is a new well (200 feet) and a new house.

There is a whole house filter and it was installed with a 30 micron
filter.

For 6 weeks of normal water usage, there was no problem. Then, the
water would come out of the faucets/showers as if there was no water
pressure. I changed the filter (with another 30 micron), and
immediately everything was fine.

10 days later, the same thing happened. I changed the filter, and
water flow was back.

This cycle of loss of flow, replacing the filter and restoring the flow
repeated 4 days later, then 2, then 2, then 2, then 1, then 1, then it
was only after taking one shower that I had to replace the filter
again. The pump is producing plenty of water. The bladder tank is
producing enough pressure. It really seems to be the filter.

All the while, the filters don't "look" dirty (they were a light gray
color), meaning I couldn't scrape or wash away any muck or dirt. I've
tried 30, 20, and 5 micron filters, as well as the pleated paper,
"felt" material, and string types. I was told to try a 50 or 100
micron filter, but that doesn't seem to make sense (why do I want more
sediment to get through?). The water straight from the pump is clear
when coming out of a hose, but filling up a bucket shows that the water
is a bit cloudy (white/gray).

The only other tidbit of information is that around the time of the
first filter change there was a big rainstorm, and it has been pretty
wet ever since. There are a few drainage issues that the builder hs
yet to work out, so there is some standing water when it is not
raining.

Any help? Do I simply need a larger micron filter? Is this a normal
part of a new well and will it cear up in 2-, 3-, 6-months?

Thanks.

If this was a problem with a new well I would have expected the
opposite. that is filter clogging very quickly and getting better and
better as time progressed.

If there was a lot of sediment shown on the filter a courser prefilter
would be a good idea.

You seem to be indicating a lot of very fine particulate matter which
tends to stay in suspension.

I would take a water sample and get it tested. Your local health
department may be able to do it for you.

Once you identify the material causing the problem you can start
searching for the right solution. It might be practicle to filter only
your kitchen faucets and leave the others unfiltered.

The only whole house filter I have ever used was about 3 feet long and
8 inches across. Washed down every 3-6 months and changed annually.

marks542,

That is a good synopsis/analysis of the situation, and a good course of
action to pursue.

Thanks.

DarMan wrote:
Rev,

I have heard of what you could call "bloodletting" the well, but the
thing is we had about 6 weeks of water without changing the filter,
and the frequency of filter changes has increased seemingly
exponentially. I'm not sure if our useage of the the well for 6 weeks
has caused this problem, but I do not seem to have any problem with
the volume of water directly from the pump (before the filter).

Thanks.


I believe the volume and total among to water you used over 6 weeks
would not give the same effect as the suggested procedure would.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

My own well has a problem with rust. The water was so bad that it
would clog a filter in a couple of days and I couldn't even wash cars
with it. And the more water I'd use, the worse it would get. Finally
I called a drilling company in desperation.

They sent a crew out to pull the pipe from the well (plastic,
thankfully), raise the pump a few feet, and run all the water out of
it. It ran straight out of the well pipe onto the yard at full blast
for 45 minutes. So much rust came out that it actually stained the
yard. About half way through it started to clear up and was pretty
much clear water at the end.

Now I run the garden hose for a couple hours twice a week or so, and
it's almost crystal clear all the time. Combined with 35 micron
filters (used 5 micron before), the filters last for months.

Oh, and if you haven't already installed two filters in parallel, I'd
recommend it. Two filters last much more than twice as long as a
single.


-rev

"DarMan" wrote in message
oups.com...

or should I just get the guy who dug it out here?


That's what I would do. I know there are procedures for new well to flush
them. He should be able to help you because as it is, the well is about
useless. You should not have that much solids in it.

"DarMan" wrote in message
The filters I've bought were from Wal-Mart, Lowes, and Home Depot. Ace
Hardware had the same types of filters, but nothing larger than 30
microns.


I use 5 micron. They last for six weeks or so. 30 microns is getting the
rocks out.

DarMan wrote:
This is a new well (200 feet) and a new house.

There is a whole house filter and it was installed with a 30 micron
filter.
....
This cycle of loss of flow, replacing the filter and restoring the flow
repeated 4 days later, then 2, then 2, then 2, then 1, then 1, then it
was only after taking one shower that I had to replace the filter
again. The pump is producing plenty of water. The bladder tank is
producing enough pressure. It really seems to be the filter.

All the while, the filters don't "look" dirty (they were a light gray
color), meaning I couldn't scrape or wash away any muck or dirt. I've
tried 30, 20, and 5 micron filters, as well as the pleated paper,
"felt" material, and string types. I was told to try a 50 or 100
micron filter, but that doesn't seem to make sense (why do I want more
sediment to get through?). The water straight from the pump is clear
when coming out of a hose, but filling up a bucket shows that the water
is a bit cloudy (white/gray).
....
I would agree with the others that say to get the water tested.
You might hire a professional other than the driller to help you
analyze the situation. Of course it doesn't hurt to talk to
the driller.

How was the well drilled? "Air rotary"? or did he using "drilling mud"?
If the latter, there may be a lot of drilling mud (which I believe is
mostly clay) that is clogging your filter. Clay will clog filters
real fast. It could be that a higher water table after your rains
washed some mud that was previously above the water line into the well.

Again, I (like most others here) am just guessing. If you can't figure
it out yourself, hire a professional.

Thanks for all the perspectives. I definately have several avenues to
pursue.

Also make sure the wires going down to the pump are in a pipe. Every time
the pump starts it twists the wires a bit and they hit rocks and eventually
break. This can be prevented by putting them in their own pipe to protect
them.


"Joseph Meehan" wrote in message
...
DarMan wrote:
Joseph,

If ground water is getting into the well quickly, then it may be of
benefit for me to get the well water tested to see what's in it. Any
suggestions for a simple way of finding out if the well construction
is to blame, or should I just get the guy who dug it out here?

Thanks.

I would guess the best way is going to get someone, maybe not the one
who put it in, to take a good look and see what they think. The original
professional, may overlook something that he overlooked the first time. A
new set of eyes is more likely to find something if it is there.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

On 3 Jan 2006 16:29:29 -0800, "DarMan" wrote:

Thanks for all the perspectives. I definately have several avenues to
pursue.

First, I would consider a large water storage tank. You know, like
those sitting beside a windmill. 500 gal or more. Above ground if
possible.

That would let the water sediment settle out before you pipe it into
your house. Then only filter the sink water.

"WM" wrote in message

That would let the water sediment settle out before you pipe it into
your house. Then only filter the sink water.

Filtering only the sink water will still allow sediment to get through to
other parts of the plumbing. Auto fill halves for heaters, fill valves on
toilets. will all be affected. Over time, the abrasiveness of the sediment
will cause pre-mature wearing of seals and seats. The real solution is to
find the problem and fix it. I had a problem with rust in the town water.
I'd replace faucet seals every six months until I put in a filter, now they
last for years, many years as not one has needed replacing in over 15 years.
Quite a difference.

On Fri, 06 Jan 2006 03:16:41 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski"
wrote:


"WM" wrote in message

That would let the water sediment settle out before you pipe it into
your house. Then only filter the sink water.

Filtering only the sink water will still allow sediment to get through to
other parts of the plumbing. Auto fill halves for heaters, fill valves on
toilets. will all be affected. Over time, the abrasiveness of the sediment
will cause pre-mature wearing of seals and seats. The real solution is to
find the problem and fix it. I had a problem with rust in the town water.
I'd replace faucet seals every six months until I put in a filter, now they
last for years, many years as not one has needed replacing in over 15 years.
Quite a difference.


And how large was you storage tank - which lets the sediment settle
to the bottom?

The problem is sediment in the water, and the solution is a large
storage tank.

"WM" wrote in message

And how large was you storage tank - which lets the sediment settle
to the bottom?

The problem is sediment in the water, and the solution is a large
storage tank.

I have no tank. 'City water. I'm at the end of the line and get all the
crap. Five filters a year solved my problem much easier than a 500 gallon
tank.

If anyone is interested in the progress of this problem. Here's an
update:

I contacted Culligan, and they came out to do a water test. The
gentleman who did the test is very confident we are suffering from
"colloidal clay" (which is pretty much liquified clay). Also, the
water is a bit acidic (5.8) and hard (3gpg). He is taking a sample to
their lab for confirmation, but he's pretty sure this is what it is.

He said that the causes for this point, most likely, to a problem with
how the well was drilled. Either the casing down the well is cracked,
or the well was dug a bit larger than the casing, but either way ground
water is coming down and gettinng into the well. He said that the
water is prematurely getting in the well from above somehow because
these results (except hardness) don't usually occur naturally at this
depth of well.

The solution is either to install a Reverse Osmosis filtering system or
dig a new well.

"I contacted Culligan, and they came out to do a water test .... The
solution is either to install a Reverse Osmosis filtering system or dig
a new well."

That doesn't sound right. Your current filter is doing it's job.
Another filter will plug up just the same. And, if it is surface water
then it's undoubtedly carrying bacteria as well. Have you had the
water tested for coliform bacteria?

It's interesting how a water filtration company would recommend a new
high dollar water filter.


-rev

Rev,

I'm very well aware of the conflict of interest. Although, he
actually suggested to pursue investigating the well first, before going
down the road of the expensive filter, which has to count for
something.

Actually, in the two weeks since starting this thread, the whole house
filter hasn't become clogged at all, but the water is extremely cloudy.
So, I'd have to disagree that the filter is doing it's job. If we
really are dealing with colloidal clay, it is so fine its almost a
homogeneous solution (its not, but the question is what sort of
physical filter would be needed to extract it where I wouldn't have to
change that filter every other day?).

The water is being tested by a different lab even as we speak.

Thanks.