iSpring spin down sediment water filters provide vital protection for your home against dirt, rust, silt and sand particles in the water supply. But which direction should they be installed for optimal performance?
In this guide, we’ll cover proper installation orientation for iSpring down filters, including:
- How spin down sediment filters work
- Ideal installation positions
- Retrofitting existing systems
- Spin down filter direction tips
- Correct vs incorrect orientations
- Maximizing filter lifespan
- FAQs on spin down installation
Follow along to ensure your iSpring spin down filter is setup correctly to deliver clean, sediment-free water for your household.
How Do Spin Down Sediment Filters Work?
Spin down water filters use centrifugal force to effectively trap sediment and particles from the water stream.
As inlet water enters the cylindrical filter chamber, it flows down the sides in a spiral motion. The circular flow path forces suspended particles outward due to centrifugal force.
Larger debris is captured in the outer layers while finer sediment accumulates further inward. In this way, spinning water action continually deposits particulate out of the water stream.
Purified water exits through the outlet at the bottom center, leaving contaminants trapped in the filter medium. Over time, the sediment capacity is consumed until flow becomes restricted. Then it’s time for replacement.
Ideal Spin Down Filter Installation Positions
For optimal performance, spin down sediment filters must be installed in the proper orientation that facilitates the circular water flow path inside.
The ideal installation positions are:
Vertically – Water enters from the top and flows downward through the filtration medium under gravity before exiting at the base.
Horizontally – Water enters on one side and spins laterally across the chamber before exiting the opposite side.
Both orientations take advantage of the incoming water pressure to create centrifugal action and maximize sediment trapping.
Retrofitting Existing Housings
Many water treatment systems utilize general housing filters that can be retrofitted with a spin down sediment filter using careful placement:
Vertical Filters – Ensure the spin down filter is oriented upright in the housing if possible so water enters from above.
Horizontal Filters – Install the filter so that water flows laterally across its chamber rather than entering and exiting the same end.
Observe Flow Direction – Note the intended direction of flow marked on the filter to maintain proper water ingress/egress.
While not ideal, retrofitted orientations can provide sufficient flow path for adequate sediment removal in many cases.
Tips For Ideal Spin Down Positioning
Follow these guidelines to optimize filtration performance when installing your iSpring spin down filter:
- Maintain the intended vertical or horizontal orientation.
- Position it closest to water source to treat water before other devices.
- Allow straight, unobstructed tubing runs into and out of filter.
- Keep 6″ clearance below for easy cartridge changes.
- Ensure arrow on filter shows direction of water flow.
- Minimize filtering sedimented water when on a well to prevent rapid clogging.
- Consider a 5 micron prefilter ahead of RO systems for maximum membrane life.
Taking a few minutes to correctly position your spin down filter makes a big difference in its contaminant removal efficiency and lifespan.
Correct vs. Incorrect Installation Positions
To visualize proper spin down filter orientation, here are examples of CORRECT vs. INCORRECT installation positions:
Correct: Vertical – Water flows downward through filter
Incorrect: Vertical – Filter upside down reverse of intended water flow
Correct: Horizontal – Water flows across filter chamber
Incorrect: Horizontal – Water enters and exits same end without spinning
Correct: Angle with unobstructed flow path
Incorrect: Horizontal with elbows restricting flow
Be sure to avoid installations like upside down, backward flow, or restricted inlet/outlet. This can greatly reduce performance. Checking your planned positioning against these examples can prevent orientation issues.
Maximizing Spin Down Filter Longevity
Optimizing filter lifespan ensures affordability and convenience. Here are tips to maximize the working life of your iSpring spin down sediment filter:
- Replace more frequently if on a private well with high sediment loads
- Use a 5 micron prefilter before RO systems to reduce membrane fouling
- Flush newly installed filters per instructions to prevent premature clogging
- Follow manufacturer’s recommended 6 month or earlier replacement schedule
- Periodically flush built-up particulate from the housing bowl
With heavy sediment, more frequent backflushing and filter changes may be needed. But proper maintenance keeps replacement intervals maximized.
FAQs About Spin Down Installation
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about positioning iSpring’s spin down water filters:
How do I know which direction is up on the filter?
An arrow on the filter shows the intended direction of inlet water flow. Position accordingly.
Can I install vertically with water flowing upward?
No, water should flow downward with gravity through the filter to achieve the spin effect.
Does orientation really make a difference?
Absolutely. Correct positioning maximizes centrifugal spinning action to trap and hold sediment.
Should I install the filter before or after my water softener?
Before. Removing sediment first extends the lifespan of downstream treatment components.
Can I position the filter lying flat under my sink?
This horizontal position can work with proper water flow across rather than into/out of one end.
What is flush flow rate for backflushing filters?
Open inlet valve fully until flow from flush port equals filter’s rated service flow in GPM.
We hope this gives you confidence in properly installing your iSpring spin down sediment filter for optimal performance and longevity. Don’t hesitate to contact our water treatment experts if you have any other installation questions. We’re happy to help get your filter oriented correctly!