Washing Machine Water Filter Guide: And Some Types We Really Like

Do you live in a place where the hardness of water is very high? In case it is a yes, it can presumably have an adverse effect on your washing machine and clothes too. Hard water gets its hardness from the dissolved minerals or salts, and it, for the most part, contains a very high amount of calcium and magnesium.

These mineral salts can cause a limescale buildup in the washing machine. This eventually affects the health of your washing machine, causing it to malfunction frequently (for which Washing Machine Repair is often needed). Not just that, when your clothes come in contact with hard water with cleansing agents or detergents, it can cause a buildup on the clothes. It will end up making your clothes look dull and stiff after every wash.

In case you are tired of the buildup in your washing machine, this article is for you.

Washing machine filters differ in terms of price, size, and even place of installation. Due to all of these options available in the market, choosing an ideal choice for your situation can be befuddling. In case that you are considering purchasing a water filter for your washing machine, this article will give you a lot of data to assist with buying the right kind of filter to suit your need.

But, before that, let us discuss about the signs your washing machine needs a water filter!

Quite often, we hear about people saying that they’d rinse off the sand from their clothes before putting them in a washing machine as it might damage their machine. But, they would not consider using a water filter for the sand-sized particles that come through their taps. Funny, isn’t it?

Sediments that enter your washing machine can scratch up the drum and damage the plastic parts. In the long run, the wear and tear of your washing machine can cause a few issues, including:

  • A decreased life expectancy of your washing machine.
  • A rough interior of the machine.
  • It can damage your delicate clothes.
  • Your machine might develop rust which might end up staining your clothes.
  • Lastly, molds and mildews might grow too.

Hence, here are your signs of getting yourself a washing machine water filter:

  • No water going into the washing machine.
  • A slow filling speed.
  • The Inlet valve filter needs cleaning every now and then.
  • A buildup of sediments in the washing machine door seal.
  • If you run your hand in the drum and it feels rough, it indicates that sand-sized particles are getting into your washing machine.
  • There are no Point Of Entry (POE) sediment filters, for example, whole house filters, equipped to your main inlet water supply.
  • Parts of rust, sand, scale, or different sediments are showing up in your washing machine or on your washed clothes.
  • Lastly, the clothes are coming out with rust or dirt stains.

There are four different ways to filter water for your washing machine including:

  1. A whole house filtration system
  2. Whole house sediment filter
  3. Inline filter
  4. Wall-mounted washing machine filter

People prefer using an inline or a wall-mounted filter since they can install it themselves, and it removes sediments and other unwanted substances before they can even enter your washing machine.

This post will cover the advantages and disadvantages of each type of filter and teach you how to install an inline and wall-mounted washing machine filter by yourself. We will also talk about what are the signs you might have to install a washing machine filter, what the delta valve sediment filter does, and how to clean it.

Without any further adieu, let’s get started!

What are the Classifications of Washing Machine Water Filters and Which is the Best One?

Washing Machine Water Filter

Washing machine water filters are divided into two categories Point Of Entry (POE) or Point Of Use (POU). The main difference between the two is the place where they are installed in your washing machine.

The Point of Entry (POE) filters are installed on the main water inlet (as it goes into your home) – usually installed by an expert.

The Point of Use (POU) filters are attached to the inlet water pipe of your washing machine – you can easily do this without anyone’s help.

So, which one is the better one?

Everybody has their own choice and preference, and however, for washing machines, we would suggest the POU filter. These are either the inline or wall-mounted water filter types. They are simply less expensive to buy, easier to install yourself, and they remove foreign substances it goes into your washing machine instead of when it comes into your home. If you still want a little more clarity for the particular make and model of your washing machine, a consultation with experts from a reputed Appliance Repair Services should do the needful.

That being said, let us discuss the two types of filters in a bit more detail to help you out in the best way possible when it comes to getting your hands on a washing machine water filter.

Whole house sediment filters

water filters for washing machines

Whole house sediment filters are Point Of Entry filters. They will not remove all the pollutants that are present in water like whole house water filters, but they function admirably as the first step of filtering the water. They help with safeguarding your washing machine by filtering out more extensive sediments like sand, rust, dirt, and lumps of scale.

But, a few people say that even with a whole house sediment filter, they get sediments in their washing machine and on their clothes.

Whole House Water Filter System

water filter for washing machines

Whole house water filter systems are Point Of Entry filter systems. These can be very costly, but they filter water for the entire house, as the name states!

They work on filtering water for your washing machine and work on filtering water for drinking, showering, and even water used in your garden/yard. They will also help in ensuring things that can be damaged by sediments in the water, including:

  • Washing machine
  • Hot water tank
  • Cooler
  • Dishwasher
  • Toilet

While the whole house filter systems and whole house sediment filters (discussed below) can function admirably, a lot of people say that when water reaches the washing machine, there can be traces of sediments in the water.

However, one must also remember that this can be caused due to unclean pipes.

Inline Water Filters

Inline water filters are Point Of Use filters (attach them directly to the inlet water pipe of your washing machine). They are mostly cheaper as compared to the whole house filter options. You also shouldn’t be bothered with any special devices to work with them – apart from a wrench – and you can without any help from others.

We don’t mean to look down upon Inline filters. However, we indeed have our qualms about cheap plastic ones for a couple of reasons that we will discuss in detail as we proceed.

All we can say is that assuming you need to install an inline water filter for your washing machine. Then, at that point, it is worth putting in a bit of extra money to get a brass inline water filter to stay away from it leaking or any other potential damage.

Well, this was all for the types of washing machine water filters, now. Let us discuss the parameters through which you can evaluate which filter works well for you.

How To Select The Best Washing Machine Water Filter?

Don’t worry if you are dicey or confused about settling on which washing machine water filter you should get. We are here to help you out with that. We have formed a list of few things that you must take into consideration while making a buying decision. Also, it is a guarantee that you will be able to make the right choice after this epic guide.

Water Filtration Performance

The above all else thing that you should look at is the filtration performance of a water filter you plan on buying. This factor simply relies on the filter type it uses, like some water filters use activated carbon filters. A few manufacturers give the usual sediment filters, where some of them give a multi-stage filter.

Compatibility

We are simply trying to address the importance of the compatibility of water filters with different washing machines. In case you are looking for a washing machine filter for a while now, you might know what compatibility means as far as these filters and the significance of this factor. Isn’t it?

Nonetheless, when it comes to washing machine filters’ compatibility, there are a zillion options available in the market as of now. Furthermore, choosing one of them may be confusing for you, particularly if you do not know much about washing machines’ water filters.

In any case, we recommend that you should look for a filter that is compatible with both programmed and self-loaded washing machines and with both top load and front load models. Nonetheless, the similarity of these filters isn’t just restricted to washing machines, however; there are also a few alternatives available in the market that can work well with different types of machines, for example, dishwashers and different appliances that require water inlets.

Cartridge Life Span

The majority of the filters you will find in the market for washing machines mostly come with an in-built cartridge. You can easily change the cartridge when it gets blocked by water impurities and minerals. The cartridge’s life expectancy is something that matters a lot, and you should not disregard it while buying a water filter for washing machines.

A lot of times, you will see that the life of the cartridge varies from machine to machine. We recommend that you go with a filter that comes with a refillable cartridge with a minimum nine-month life span for front load washing machines and a six-month life expectancy for top load washing machines.

Flow of Water

This is one of the most essential features for the people who use fully automatic programmed washing machines since this kind of washing machine requires a consistent pressure and water supply. However, if you use a water filter for a fully automatic washing machine that offers a poor water flow, it is not suitable for your washing machine’s life.

Installation

It is the most critical factor that people generally disregard and do not pay much attention to while picking the right kind of washing machine filter. In any case, this is a part that requires a lot of consideration since you might not want to screw up with the installation process. Isn’t that so? Tracking down the easy installation enabled water filter is not so difficult. For that, you simply need to remember some essential things. Here we are discussing some important things; for example, your preferred filter should not need any unique installation tool, and it does not come with different parts.

A lot of you might have a question in your head that washing machines don’t come with an in-built water filter? Well, we are now covering that topic for you!

Both top loader and front loader washing machines do come with a primary sediment filter; however, they simply just catch the bigger particles.

These filters are usually called inlet filter screens or inlet valve filters.

Both the hot and cold-water inlets will have these tiny filters. They are usually made of plastic but get clogged easily and even break down at times.

You can clean inlet valve filters by removing the water supply at the back of the washing machine and give them a splash with some soapy water from a spray bottle.

Or, you can also use lineman forceps to get a handle on the plastic end and gently pull out so that they don’t unscrew. Remember, it might break if you twist it.

Clean under a tap, or you can use soapy water (or vinegar) and a toothbrush to help you with removing the unwanted particles.

How to install water filters for a washing machine?

Usually, many people purchase inline water filters or a wall-mounted water filter for their washing machines, so we will be covering how to install these and not the whole house ones.

The installation of these two filters is pretty much the same. However, there are a few changes.

Let us get started on the installation process:

Step 1: First, clear out the inlet valve filter on your washing machine as you would normally.

Step 2: Drop in your filter cartridge to the filter casing and carefully tighten it. Then, use the housing wrench that comes with it, so you don’t overtighten it.

Step 3: Now, attach the cold and hot water filters to a wall that is easy to get to. Make sure that you screw securely into a wall stud. If you can not do this, you might have o get your hands on a self-drilling machine and some plastic anchors to screw it on a drywall.

Another option you can go for if you don’t have any wall space is to plink the filters right into a small container behind or near the washing machine.

Step 4: On the topmost part of the filter, there are the IN and OUT words written near the brass fittings of the filters. Attach a braided stainless steel washing machine hose from your tap to the IN part – Remember to use the plumber’s thread tape.

Step 5: Connect another hose from your washing machine to the OUT part – Use a plumbers thread tape for this too. You might want to buy two standard stainless steel braided washer hoses with female fittings.
Step 6: Ensure you connect the cold and hot water filters to the correct taps. And you are all set!

Now, let us also read a step-by-step guide on how to install an inline water filter for a washing machine!

The main difference between installing an inline water filter and a wall-mounted (inline) filter is:

  • There won’t be a different filter for hot or cold water.
  • Some inline filters connect to your tap, while others connect simply to the back of the washing machine.

Here is how you can install an Inline Water Filter:

Step 1: Clean the inlet valve filter on your washing machine.

Step 2: Search for IN and OUT or water flow directional arrows to check if you have the filter the right way.

Step 3: Now, connect the filter to either the tap or washing machine (depending upon what type you purchased) – use plumbers thread tape.

Step 4: After that, connect the braided washer hose to the filter – use a plumbers thread tape for this too.

Step 5: For plastic inline filters, ensure you don’t use a lot of tapes and don’t over-tighten it cause you might end up damaging it.

We hope this in-depth washing machine water filter guide helps you in making the right choice and answers all your doubts.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top