Most homeowners think water problems can be solved by installing a water filter, but sometimes, even after installing a filter, you may still face problems like low water pressure, cloudy water, and filter clogging. It is because of the wrong filters in your systems, which are not removing many contaminants from the water.
It is very important to choose the right filters with the right micron size for a better experience. The right micron filter is not just about choosing the smallest one. It should be chosen by comparing the micron sizing and the water flow you need.
Oaks well water filters are specially designed with filter sizes ranging from 5 to 1 microns to meet your needs.
Before diving into micron sizes, if you are looking to install a complete treatment setup, you can check our comprehensive [well water filtration system cost] guide for 2026 pricing.
What Is a Micron in Water Filtration?
A micron is 1/25000th of an inch and is a unit of measure for particle size; particles that well water filters can remove.
A small micron rating means finer filtration, removing very small particles from well water. A filter with 50 microns can remove visible sand particles, 5 microns can remove fine particles like dust and dirt, whereas 1 micron can remove microscopic contaminants.
What Does Micron Rating Mean?
Micron rating refers to the size of contamination particles that a filtration system can remove. It is not an exact number; it varies by filter type. You can estimate the micron rate for your system by checking the contamination type in your available well water.
The smaller the contaminated particles, the smaller the micron size you need in your system.
A smaller micron can remove smaller particles, but that does not mean the smaller one is best for every system. It may clog sooner, reduce water pressure, and increase maintenance costs. So always choose the micron size based on the particle size and the water pressure you need.
Why Micron Selection Matters for Well Water
Micron selection is not just a technical detail; it is a crucial step in maintaining your household and protecting your family from disease. It directly affects the water clarity, the system’s lifespan, and the water pressure. It is important as:
- Well water contains various contaminants, including sediments, bacteria, iron, manganese, and other minerals. All these contaminants have different sizes, and you need the correct micron size for each particle.
- The well water filter system’s efficiency depends directly on the correct micron rating. A larger micron cannot remove micro particles, whereas a smaller micron may clog the filters, resulting in poor performance.
Micron Filter Size Chart
| Micron Size | Function |
|---|---|
| 50–100 micron | Removes large debrisBest for heavy sediment |
| 20–25 micron | Common pre-filterProtects finer filters |
| 10 micron | Better clarityModerate clogging risk |
| 5 micron (MOST COMMON) | Ideal balanceWhole-house standard |
| 1 micron | Removes very fine particlesUsed as polishing stage |
| 0.5 micron | Drinking water filtrationNot ideal for whole-house |
Best Micron Filter Setup for Well Water
It is recommended to install an Oaks multi-stage micron filter setup for well water. A multi-stage micron filter may be better than one ultra-fine filter.
It is recommended to use a 20-50 micron filter in the first stage, a 5 micron filter in the second stage, and, lastly, a 1 micron filter for finer filtration to get pure, healthier water. It may not clog your system earlier, and you won’t need the extra maintenance required by an ultra-fine filter.
Scenario-Based Setups
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A typical well with moderate sediment requires a 20-micron pre-filter and a 5-micron main filter to provide you with clean water.
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A sandy Well with heavy sediment requires a 50–100 micron spin-down filter and 20 micron and 5 micron main filters.
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If you need a well water filter for drinking water, you need to install it with a 1 or 0.5 micron filter.
Mesh vs Micron
Before selecting a system, never confuse mesh with micron. Mesh refers to the number of openings per inch, whereas micron refers to the size of a particle a filter can remove.
Always choose the best micron size for your needs.
Why Water Testing Comes First
Never guess the micron size, as it varies and contains different types of contaminants.
Always test your well water, identify the contaminants and their sizes, and select a suitable micron size that meets your needs for pure water, water pressure, and peace of mind.
Maintenance & Monitoring
Regular monitoring and filter replacement can give you the best performance. The filters need to be changed every 3-6 months.
Always observe signs like reduced water flow, the pump running longer, and dirty water returning, and replace your filters immediately.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Micron Filter
Choosing the right micron filter comes with a lot of benefits that may prove long term comfort for you:
- Cleaner and healthier water
- Better household appliances performance
- Better water pressure
- Longer filtration system lifespan
- Reduced maintenance cost
- Improved system efficiency
Conclusion
The best micron filter is really important for a better experience and peace of mind. There is no single best micron filter for every house. The best one can be determined by testing your water and estimating your needs and choice.
You may choose more than one micron filter, but it must be in the correct combination and proper order. The larger one should be fitted first, and the smaller one last.
Feel free to contact an Oaks professional to tailor a well water filtration system with the correct micron ranking.
