Last Revised: 1/23/26
Has someone told you about the Big Blue sediment filter, and you’re trying to figure out if it’s worth the investment? It typically costs around $1,200 to install, so it’s a fair question.
If your water-based appliances are failing prematurely, your tap water is coming out cloudy, or you’re noticing grit and particles in your water, sediment contamination is likely the culprit. Sand, dirt, rust particles, grit, and debris flowing through your pipes will slowly clog your plumbing, damage your appliances, and make your water unpleasant (or unsafe) to drink.
That’s why we often recommend a Big Blue sediment filter, because it removes these contaminants and prevents thousands of dollars in premature appliance replacements that sediment causes. But here’s what most plumbers won’t tell you upfront: this filter isn’t the right solution for every home. It depends entirely on what’s actually contaminating your water.
In this article, we’ll give you the complete breakdown on Big Blue sediment filters. You’ll learn what they actually do, what problems they solve (and which ones they don’t), how to maintain them, and whether your home would genuinely benefit from one, or if you’d be better off with a different solution.
What is The Big Blue Sediment Filter?
The Big Blue sediment filter is a large-capacity whole-house water filtration system that excels at removing dirt, sand, rust, and other particles from your water supply. It’s typically installed on your main water supply line right where it enters your home, usually in the basement, garage, or utility room. It’s positioned after the water meter and main shutoff valve but before the water branches out to different fixtures throughout the house.
These filters use a 4.5” diameter housing (the outside shell that holds the filter) and come in either 10” or 20” lengths, which is significantly larger than standard under-sink filters. Hence the “big.” The “blue” refers to the housing color, though these systems are also available in clear, white, and black variations.
The filter cartridge is replaceable and physically traps sediment as water flows through it. Water enters through the top, travels down through the filter media, and exits on the other side. The result: clean, filtered water delivered to every faucet, shower, and appliance in your home.
How Does The Big Blue Sediment Filter Work?
The filtration process is straightforward but effective. When water enters your home’s main supply line, it flows into the Big Blue housing and passes through the filter cartridge media inside.
The filter cartridge contains specialized materials like pleated polyester, wound string, or spun polypropylene that physically capture particles as water passes through. These materials are rated by the size of particles they can trap, or “micron size.”
For example, a 5-micron filter removes anything larger than 5 microns (70 times smaller than the width of human hair). This includes visible sediment like sand and rust, as well as microscopic particles too small to see that cause cloudy and discolored water.
What Does a Big Blue Sediment Filter Remove?
Big Blue sediment filters are great for removing physical particles from your water supply, and they’re particularly effective at eliminating the cloudiness in water (turbidity).
These filters also protect your home’s plumbing and appliances from damage. Sediment buildup will clog pipes over time, reducing water pressure throughout your house. Sediment buildup also damages dishwashers and washing machines, often taking years off their operational lifespan. Water heaters will accumulate sediment, causing their heating elements to lose efficiency and shorten the tank’s lifespan. Faucets, toilets, and showerheads will gradually lose water pressure with extended sediment exposure.
However, it’s important to understand what a Big Blue sediment filter doesn’t remove. They won’t eliminate hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium, nor will they address iron, manganese, chlorine, chloramines, bacteria, viruses, or other chemical contaminants. For these contaminants, you’d need additional filtration technologies like water softeners, acid neutralizers, reverse osmosis (RO) systems, or the Seagull IV filter. In many homes, a Big Blue sediment filter is recommended to be installed along with at least one other type of filter.
Not sure where to start? We can help you identify which combination of filters your home needs. Schedule a water quality assessment to get personalized recommendations.
Do You Need a Big Blue Sediment Filter in Your Home?
If you’re on well water, a whole-house Big Blue sediment filter is highly advisable. Groundwater naturally contains higher levels of sediment than municipal water supplies, and stormwater or flooding can introduce additional debris into your well.
Even if you’re on city water, you might benefit from a Big Blue filter if you notice any of the following:
- Cloudy or discolored water
- Particles floating in your water
- Sediment settling at the bottom of glasses
- Reduced water pressure at faucets and showerheads
- Water-based appliances are failing prematurely
The investment in a sediment filter (typically about $1,200 to install) often pays for itself by extending the life of your water heater, dishwasher, washing machine, and other appliances. Even if you don’t install any other type of water treatment, a sediment filter provides essential protection for your home plumbing system.
Choosing the Right Filter Cartridge Micron Rating
Not all Big Blue filter systems use the same filter cartridge. The right micron rating depends on what you’re trying to remove from your water.
- 20-micron filter: Handles larger particles and is ideal as a first stage in homes with heavy sediment.
- 5-micron filter: Effectively removes dirt, sand, and visible rust. The most recommended choice for most homes.
- 1-micron filter: Provides finer filtration and is often used as a pre-filter for UV systems or reverse osmosis units.
For homes with significant sediment issues, many water treatment professionals recommend a multi-stage approach. At Mattioni, we test your water and get results the same day to recommend the best combination of water filters (if more than one is needed) for your water supply.
Which Micron Rating Do You Need?
Choose based on your water quality and filtration needs
20-Micron Filter
Best for: Heavy sediment, first-stage filtration
Removes:
Large dirt particles, sand, visible debris
5-Micron Filter
Best for: Most homes, general protection
Removes:
Dirt, sand, rust, cloudiness, most visible sediment
1-Micron Filter
Best for: Fine filtration, pre-filtration for UV/RO
Removes:
Microscopic particles, finest sediment, turbidity
💡 Pro Tip: Homes with significant sediment may benefit from multiple filters for optimal protection.
How Often Should You Replace Big Blue Filter Cartridges?
Replacement frequency depends on your water quality and household water usage, but you should expect to replace sediment filters every 3 to 6 months for most residential applications.
Some homeowners choose clear filter housing specifically so they can visually monitor when the filter is getting dirty and needs changing. This takes the guesswork out of maintenance schedules.
What Makes Big Blue the Industry Standard?
At Mattioni, we’ve been serving Greater Philadelphia homeowners for over 75 years, and we’ve installed and maintained countless Big Blue filtration systems during that time. These systems have earned their reputation as the industry standard for whole house sediment filtration because they’re reliable, durable, and built to handle high flow rates without reducing water pressure.
The heavy-duty housings withstand Philadelphia’s variable water conditions, and the wide variety of available filter cartridges means we can customize the system to your specific water quality needs. Whether you’re dealing with occasional sediment or persistent turbidity issues, we’ll help you select the right configuration for your home.
Ready to Find Out If Big Blue Is Right for Your Home? Schedule Your Water Quality Assessment & Enjoy Cleaner Water and Protected Appliances
Our 5-star rated technicians will test your water, inspect your current plumbing, and recommend the right Big Blue system configuration for your home’s specific needs. We’ll explain exactly what you need (and what you don’t) in plain language you can understand.
Contact Mattioni today at (610) 400-8510 to schedule your water quality assessment and discover how a Big Blue sediment filter can make a difference in your Greater Philadelphia home.
