What are the components of traditional water filters and spin-out sediment filters?

Traditional Water Filter Components:

Filter Body: The filter head has the FPT inlet connection where the unfiltered water flows into the filter bowl, through the filter cartridge, and out through the FPT outlet connection. The head incorporates the top knife type seal that seals against the top of the filter cartridge, mounting pads to secure the mounting bracket to the filter unit, and an air release button.

Filter Bowl: The filter bowl is the cannister which holds the filter cartridge. The cannister threads into the filter body and is sealed by means of an O-Ring. The bowl incorporates the bottom knife type seal that seals against the bottom of the filter cartridge and ribs which engage with the filter wrench to tighten or loosen the filter bowl for cartridge replacement. Filter bowls are available in a clear color, allowing visual inspection of the cartridge. However, opaque, blue bowls have a much longer life expectancy. Opaque bowls could last up to 10 years whereas clear bowls should be changed every 5 years.

Filter Cartridge: This is where the actual filtering of the water takes place. There is an entire assortment of cartridges available with specialty applications. What cartridge you choose will depend on what you are trying to filter.

Filter Bowl Wrench: This tool engages with the ribs on the filter bowl providing a secure grip and the additional force required for tightening and loosening the filter bowl.

Mounting Bracket: This is used to secure the filter unit securely to the wall.

NOTE: Not every water filter is sold as a kit which includes the filter wrench, mounting bracket and hardware. Purchasing these items as a kit is typically more cost effective than purchasing all the components separately. In addition, it reduces errors such as failing to order all the required accessories or simply ordering the wrong accessories. Make sure you compare the price of all components included in the kit when comparing the cost against other filter housings only. All Boshart water filters include mounting brackets and hardware.

Spin-Out Sediment Filter / Separator Filter Components:

Spin-Out Filter Body: The filter head has the inlet connection where the unfiltered water flows into the filter bowl, through the stainless mesh filter element, and out through the outlet connection. The head incorporates a socket type seal that seals against an O-ring on the filter element. 1-1/2” & 2” filter heads have mounting pads to secure the mounting bracket to the filter unit.

Spin-Out Filter Bowl: The filter bowl is the cannister which holds the filter element or separator element. The canister threads into the filter body and is sealed by means of an O-Ring. The bowl incorporates a sediment storage compartment and ribs which provide added grip for hand tightening and loosening the filter bowl for element cleaning or replacement.

Spin-Out Filter Element / Separator Element: The element consists of a PVC core wrapped with a stainless steel mesh screen. The mesh rating determines the size of particulate which will be filtered out of the water.

Spin-Out Mounting Bracket: This is used to secure the spin-out filter unit securely to the wall. The 1” filter uses plastic brackets whereas the 1-1/2” and 2” units use metal brackets (see the photos above).

PVC Ball Valve: The ½” FPT PVC ball valve allows you to purge the sediment that accumulates in the sediment reservoir.

Additional Resources:

https://support.boshart.com/how-to-replace-a-whole-house-water-filter-cartridge