Bag filters generally can be effective at removing particulate between 5-200 microns in size. However, as bag filters accumulate debris, the units will cause water pressure to drop until the bags are manually cleaned or replaced. Additionally, operators must be careful not to rupture the bag during filtration.

Cartridge filters can be effective for fine filtration, usually between 0.5 and 50 microns, until they need to be changed. Then the filter vessel must be taken offline during changeout, which also requires manual labour.

Sand filters do not usually require routine replacement because the filter media can be backwashed with clean water and reused, and particulate disposed of in a drain. However, sand filters must be offline during the backwash process. Also, the backwash can dull the sand granules by grinding their sharp edges against each other, making them less effective at capturing and holding particulate.

Basket strainers are typically inexpensive to purchase, but normally only remove larger particulate of 3,000+ microns through perforated screen elements. Cleaning the units is also usually labour intensive.