Abstract:
A dry change water filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly includes a filter head including a water by-pass valve, and a filter body configured to removably attach to the filter head. The water by-pass valve is actuated by at least one of attaching the filter body to the filter head and removing the filter body from the filter head.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to water systems and, more particularly, to a water filter assembly and a filter cartridge for use therewith. 
         [0002]    At least some known water filter assemblies include water filters to remove elements such as carbon, lead, mercury, bacteria, and sediment (polyspun) from water flowing through the filter assembly. Generally, the water filter has a limited life-span and is required to be changed after a determined period of time. Often, changing the water filter requires removing and replacing the filter from a wet sump. This can lead to excess water leaking from the sump and/or dripping from the filter during replacement. Currently, known methods to prevent water leakage or dripping during filter replacement requires the water system to be shut-off. Generally, shutting off the system is time consuming, depletes water availability, and/or requires an elongated start-up operation. 
         [0003]    Further, at least some known filters do not meet the requirements to pass National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) 42 certification. Specifically, for a filter to be certified as one of NSF class one through NSF class five, the filter must achieve a minimum of an 85% reduction in sediment throughout the duration of the NSF test. At least some known filters are not capable of achieving such a reduction. Specifically, some known filters allow sediment to accumulate at the bottom of the sump. Often, this results in reduction in active surface of the filter and increases the pressure drop across the filter media. If the pressure drop exceeds the physical strength of the filter media it may collapse and allow sediment laden water to bypass. To address this problem, at least some known water filters require a different filter medium and/or at least some known water filters are derated to a lower NSF certification and/or at least some known water filters are not rated to the NSF certification. Generally, derating the filter and/or changing the filter medium results in increased manufacturing costs, decreased sale prices, and/or a limited sales market. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In one aspect, a dry change water filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly includes a filter head including a water by-pass valve, and a filter body configured to removably attach to the filter head. The water by-pass valve is actuated by at least one of attaching the filter body to the filter head and removing the filter body from the filter head. 
         [0005]    In another aspect, a water filter cartridge is provided. The water filter cartridge includes a thin-walled pressure vessel, a filter media positioned within the thin-walled pressure vessel, and a handle coupled to the thin-walled pressure vessel. The water filter cartridge also includes a sealable water inlet configured to channel water into the filter media, and a sealable water outlet configured to channel water from the filter media. 
         [0006]    In a further aspect, a water filter assembly is provided. The water filter assembly includes a sump, a filter cartridge positioned within the sump, and a circulation apparatus configured to circulate water to facilitate at least one of preventing sediment from settling at a bottom of the sump and providing an equal distribution of sediment across a surface of the filter cartridge. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an exemplary water treatment system. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view of an exemplary water treatment system including a plurality of filters, each filter having a by-pass valve. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view of a known water filter that may be used with the water treatment system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view of an exemplary water filter, in a by-pass mode, that may be used with the water treatment system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the water filter shown in  FIG. 4 , in a filtration mode. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a water filter, in a by-pass mode, that may be used with the water treatment system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the water filter shown in  FIG. 5 , in a by-pass filter placement mode. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the water filter shown in  FIG. 5 , in a filtration mode. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a water filter, in a by-pass mode, that may be used with the water treatment system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view of the water filter shown in  FIG. 8 , in a by-pass filter placement mode. 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the water filter shown in  FIG. 8 , in a filtration mode. 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is a sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a water filter, in a by-pass mode, that may be used with the water treatment system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view of the water filter shown in  FIG. 11 , in a by-pass filter placement mode. 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  is a sectional view of the water filter shown in  FIG. 11 , in a filtration mode. 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  is a view of an exemplary filter cartridge suitable for use with the water treatment system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  is an exploded view of a filter head that may be used with the water treatment system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 17  is an exploded view of the filter cartridge shown in  FIG. 14  and configured to be inserted into the filter head shown in  FIG. 15 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  is a top view of the filter head shown in  FIG. 15 , in a by-pass mode. 
           [0025]      FIG. 19  is a sectional view of the filter head shown in  FIG. 15 , in by-pass mode. 
           [0026]      FIG. 20  is a top view of the filter head shown in  FIG. 15 , in a filtration mode. 
           [0027]      FIG. 21  is a sectional view of the filter head shown in  FIG. 15 , in a filtration mode. 
           [0028]      FIG. 22  is a sectional view an exemplary filter cartridge suitable for use with the water treatment system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 23  is a sectional view of another alternative water filter suitable for use with the water treatment system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 24  is a sectional view of yet another alternative water filter suitable for use with the water treatment system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 25  is a sectional view of an alternative water filter suitable for use with the water treatment system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 26  is a sectional view of another alternative water filter suitable for use with the water treatment system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 27  is a sectional view of another alternative water filter suitable for use with the water treatment system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0034]    The present invention provides a method and apparatus for filtering water in a water system. The system includes a water filter assembly configured to reduce an amount of sediment allowed to pass therethrough and/or configured to allow water to by-pass a filter element positioned therein. By reducing an amount of sediment allowed to pass through the filter, a higher National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) rating can be achieved without having to substitute a filter medium. Further, allowing water to by-pass the filter element allows the filter element to be changed without water leaking from the system and/or having to shut-down the system. In one embodiment, the water filter circulates sediment within water to facilitate increasing an amount of the sediment that is passed through the filter element. In an alternative embodiment, a by-pass valve is provided such that water can be directed through the filter without contacting the filter element. 
         [0035]    The present invention is described below in reference to its application in connection with and operation of a water treatment system. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that the invention is likewise applicable to any device suitable for filtering water and/or any other liquid. For example, the present invention may be used with appliances, such as, but not limited to, refrigerators, washers, and dry cleaning apparatuses. Further, the present invention could be used, universally, in home water systems. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an exemplary water treatment system  100 . As stated above, the water treatment system described herein is exemplary only, and the present invention is applicable to any device suitable for filtering water and/or any other liquid. Water treatment system  100  includes a water softener  102  coupled in flow communication with a plurality of filters  104 . In one embodiment, water treatment system  100  includes six filters  104 . In an alternative embodiment, water treatment system  100  includes any suitable number of filters  104 . Further, each filter  104  is configured to remove impurities including, without limitation, sediment (polyspun), taste, odor, lead, mercury, bacteria, and/or viruses. As shown in  FIG. 1 , water treatment system  100  also includes a plurality of valves  106 . Specifically, a first valve  108  is configured to by-pass system  100 , a second valve  110  is configured to drain a first series  111  of filters  104  and a third valve  112  is configured to drain a second series  113  of filters  104 . In an alternative embodiment, water treatment system  100  includes any suitable number of valves for draining any portion of system  100 . 
         [0037]    During operation, water flows into valve  108 , wherein the water by-passes system  100  or is channeled into system  100 . Water channeled into system  100  is channeled through first series  111  of filters  104 . Upon channeling the water into system  100 , valve  108  prevents the water from by-passing first series  111  of filters  104 . After passing through first series  111  of filters  104 , water is channeled to valve  110 , wherein the water is drained to valve  112  or is channeled through water softener  102 . Water channeled through water softener  102  is then channeled through second series  113  of filters  104 . Water channeled from water softener  102  is prevented from by-passing second series  113  of filters  104  by valve  110 . The water is then channeled into valve  112 , wherein the water is drained from system  100  as unfiltered water or is discharged from system  100  as filtered water. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view of an alternative water treatment system  150  including a plurality of filters  152 . As stated above, the water treatment system described herein is exemplary only, and the present invention is applicable to any device suitable for filtering water and/or any other liquid. Each filter  152  has a by-pass valve  153 . In one embodiment, water treatment system  150  includes six filters  152 . In an alternative embodiment, water treatment system  150  includes any suitable number of filters  152 . Further, each filter  152  is configured to remove from water impurities including, without limitation, sediment (polyspun), taste, odor, lead, mercury, bacteria, and/or viruses. As shown in  FIG. 2 , water treatment system  150  also includes a water softener  154  and two valves  156  coupled in flow communication with filters  152 . Specifically, a first valve  158  is configured to by-pass system  150  and a second valve  160  is configured to drain unfiltered water from system  150  or discharge filtered water from system  150 . In an alternative embodiment, water treatment system  150  includes any suitable number of valves. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , during operation, water flows into valve  158 , wherein the water by-passes system  150  or is channeled into system  150 . Water channeled into system  150  is channeled to a first series  161  of filters  152 . Each filter  152  includes by-pass valve  153  such that the water flows through a filter cartridge (not shown) positioned within each filter  152  or the water by-passes the filter cartridge to prevent water flow through the filter cartridge. Water flowing through first series  161  of filters  152  is then channeled through water softener  154  and into a second series  163  of filters  152 . Notably, filters  152  of second series  163  also include a by-pass valve  164  such that water is channeled through a filter cartridge positioned within a corresponding filter  152  or by-passes the filter cartridge. Finally, the water is channeled to valve  160 , wherein the water is drained as unfiltered water or discharged as filtered water. Notably, by preventing water flow through the filter cartridge, the filter cartridge can be replaced without water leaking from system  150  or dripping from the filter cartridge. Moreover, by-pass valve  153  and/or  164  facilitates replacing the corresponding filter cartridge without shutting down system  150 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a water filter  200  suitable for use with water treatment system  100 . Specifically, water filter  200  is an axial flow filter. Water filter  200  includes a sump  202  having an inlet  204  and an outlet  206 . In one embodiment, sump  202  is generally cylindrical in shape. In an alternative embodiment, sump  202  has any suitable shape. Sump  202  includes a filter cartridge  208  positioned within a chamber  210  defined by sump  202 . Filter cartridge  208  includes an axial chamber  212  extending therethrough. Specifically, axial chamber  212  extends from a top  214  of filter cartridge  208  to a bottom  216  of filter cartridge  208 , where chamber  212  is coupled in flow communication with outlet  206 . 
         [0041]    During operation, water is channeled through inlet  204  into sump  202 , wherein the water is circulated with respect to filter cartridge  208 . In one embodiment, filter cartridge  208  facilitates removing impurities including, without limitation, sediment (polyspun), taste, odor, lead, mercury, bacteria, and/or viruses from the water as the water is channeled through filter cartridge  208  into chamber  212 . Filtered water in chamber  212  is then discharged through outlet  206 . 
         [0042]      FIGS. 4 and 5  are partial sectional views of a water filter  250  suitable for use with water treatment system  150 . Specifically,  FIG. 4  is a view of water filter  250  in a by-pass mode  252 ; and  FIG. 5  is a view of water filter  250  in a filtration mode  254 . Water filter  250  includes a by-pass valve  256  for facilitating allowing water flowing through water filter  250  to by-pass a filter cartridge  258  defined within water filter  250 . By-pass valve  256  includes a plunger chamber  260  that includes a plunger  262  having a pair of  0 -rings  264  that seal chamber  260 . 
         [0043]    Plunger  262  is moveable between a first position and a second position. Specifically,  FIG. 4  illustrates plunger  262  in the second position and  FIG. 5  illustrates plunger  262  in the first position. With plunger  262  in the first position, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a first  0 -ring  266  is positioned between an inlet  268  and an outlet  270  that are defined in the wall of by-pass valve  256 . In this position, water channels through inlet  268  and into a by-pass valve filtration channel  272 . The water flows through channel  272  and is directed into filter cartridge  258 , wherein the water is filtered. Filtered water from cartridge  258  is channeled into plunger chamber  260  and is discharged through outlet  270 . 
         [0044]    With plunger  262  in the second position, as shown in  FIG. 4 , first O-ring  266  and a second a O-ring  274  are positioned within chamber  260  such that inlet  268  and outlet  270  are both positioned between O-rings  266  and  274 . In this position, water channels through inlet  268  and is directed immediately to outlet  270 . As such, the water entering water filter  250  does not channel through filter cartridge  258 . Moreover, in this position filter cartridge  258  becomes sealed such that any water within cartridge  258  is not able to escape or leak from the chamber. 
         [0045]    In one embodiment, a biasing element, such as a spring  276 , is coupled to plunger  262  and an end  278  of by-pass valve  256 , such that spring  276  biases plunger  262  towards the second position. When filter cartridge  258  is coupled to by-pass valve  256 , spring  276  is compressed, such that plunger  262  is biased into the first position. 
         [0046]    As such, during operation, when filter cartridge  258  is removed from by-pass valve  256 , spring  276  biases plunger  262  into the second position. As such, water filter  250  is positioned in by-pass mode  252 , such that filter cartridge  258  is sealed and water by-passes cartridge  258  by being channeled directly to outlet  270 . By channeling the water directly to outlet  270 , by-pass valve  256  facilitates changing filter cartridge  258  without water leaking from water filter  250 . 
         [0047]    When filter cartridge  258  is replaced, spring  276  is compressed by plunger  262  and plunger  262  moves into the first position. With plunger  262  in the first position, water filter  250  in positioned in filtration mode  254 . As such, the by-pass valve first position facilitates filtering impurities from the water. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 6-8  show sectional views of an alternative embodiment of a water filter  300  suitable for use with water treatment system  150 . Specifically,  FIG. 6  shows water filter  300  in a by-pass mode  302 .  FIG. 7  shows water filter  300  in a by-pass filter placement mode  304 .  FIG. 8  shows water filter  300  in a filtration mode  306 . Water filter  300  includes a sump  308  having a by-pass valve  310  positioned therein. A filter cartridge  312  having a filter  314  is configured to be coupled at least partially to a top end  316  of sump  308 . Sump  308  also includes an inlet  318  and an outlet  320 . 
         [0049]    In one embodiment, by-pass valve  310  includes a biasing element, such as a spring  322 , coupled to a bottom end  324  of a by-pass valve body  326  and a lower surface  328  of sump  308 . Body  326  defines a by-pass chamber  330  and a filter chamber  332 . With filter cartridge  312  removed from sump  308 , spring  322  biases or urges body  326  into by-pass mode  302 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , wherein by-pass chamber  330  provides flow communication between inlet  318  and outlet  320 . As such, water entering sump  308  through inlet  318  is channeled through by-pass chamber  330  to outlet  320 . Thus, filter cartridge  312  can be removed from sump  308 , while preventing or limiting water from leaking through top end  316  of sump  308 . 
         [0050]    With filter cartridge  312  initially placed on sump  308 , water filter  300  remains in by-pass mode  302 . Specifically, water filter  300  is in by-pass mode with filter placement mode  304 . While in mode  304 , water continues to channel from inlet  318  through by-pass channel  330  to outlet  320 . Filter cartridge  312  is securely locked onto sump  308  via a locking mechanism  334 . In one embodiment, locking mechanism  334  is threadedly coupled to filter cartridge  312 . In alternative embodiments, any suitable locking mechanism couples filter cartridge  312  on sump  308 . 
         [0051]    With filter cartridge  312  secured to sump  308 , filter cartridge  312  forces by-pass valve body  326  downward such that spring  322  is forced into a compressed configuration and water filter  300  is placed in filtration mode  306 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . As such, filter chamber  332  is aligned with inlet  318  and outlet  320  such that water entering inlet  318  is channeled through filter chamber  332  into filter cartridge  312  and through filter  314 . In one embodiment, the water circulates through filter  314  wherein impurities including, without limitation, sediment (polyspun), taste, odor, lead, mercury, bacteria, and/or viruses are removed from the water. After circulating through filter  314 , the water is channeled back to filter chamber  332  and discharged through outlet  320 . 
         [0052]    In one embodiment, body  326  defines an angled by-pass chamber  330  and filter chamber  332  defines a downward channel  336  circumscribed by an upward channel  338 . Specifically, upward channel  338  channels water into filter  314 , and downward channel  336  channels water from filter  314  to outlet  320 . In alternative embodiments, by-pass chamber  330  and/or filter chamber  332  have different configurations.  FIGS. 9-11  show an alternative embodiment of by-pass chamber  330  and filter chamber  332  suitable for use with water filter  300 . Further,  FIGS. 12-14  show another alternative embodiment of by-pass chamber  330  and filter chamber  332  suitable for use with water filter  300 . 
         [0053]    Moreover,  FIGS. 9-11  and  12 - 14  show water filter  300  utilizing a friction fit rather than a biasing spring  322 . Specifically, water filter  300  includes a plurality of O-rings  340  positioned about by-pass valve body  326 . In one embodiment, water filter  300  includes three O-rings  340 . In an alternative embodiment, water filter  300  includes any suitable number of O-rings  340 . O-rings  340  provide a friction fit between body  326  and a sump inner surface  342 . As such, water filter  300  is moved between by-pass mode  302  and filtration mode  306  by applying a force to body  326  that is greater than the friction force created by O-rings  340 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 15  shows an exemplary filter cartridge  350  suitable for use with water treatment system  150 .  FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of a filter head  351  that may be used with water treatment system  150  and is configured to receive filter cartridge  350 .  FIG. 17  is a perspective view of filter cartridge  350  configured to be inserted into filter head  351 .  FIG. 18  is a top view of filter head  351  in a by-pass mode  352 .  FIG. 19  is a sectional view of filter head  351  in by-pass mode  352 .  FIG. 20  is a top view of filter head  351  in a filtration mode  353 .  FIG. 21  is a sectional view of filter head  351  in filtration mode  353 . 
         [0055]    Filter cartridge  350  may be used with any by-pass valve embodiment discussed above. In one embodiment, filter cartridge  350  includes a cylindrical capsule  354  defining a suitable chamber for housing a cylindrical filter element  355 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . In an alternative embodiment, capsule  354  and/or filter element  355  have any suitable shape to enable filter element  355  to be housed within capsule  354 . In the exemplary embodiment, capsule  354  is a thin-walled pressure vessel capable of being expanded under pressure. Specifically, capsule  354  is configured to be positioned within a sump (not shown) such that, when under pressure, capsule  354  expands and makes contact with an inner wall of the sump. In an alternative embodiment, capsule  354  is made from an suitable material capable of functioning as described herein. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, capsule  354  includes a water channel therein that is configured to reduce an amount of air collected therein. Moreover, in one embodiment, capsule  354  is transparent, such that the capsule chamber is visible. 
         [0056]    In the exemplary embodiment, filter cartridge  350  also includes a cap  356  configured to retain and enclose filter element  355  within capsule  354 . Cap  356  includes a stop  357  configured to prevent rotation of filter cartridge  350 , as described below. Further, filter element  355  includes a sealable inlet  358  and a sealable outlet  360  that extend through capsule  354  and couple to filter head  351 . Moreover, in an alternative embodiment, filter cartridge  350  includes a handle. Filter cartridge  350  is configured to couple to filter head  351  in an upright position, an inverted position, and/or a horizontal position. In an alternative embodiment, filter cartridge  350  is configured to couple to a standard filter head and/or a custom filter head. 
         [0057]    Filter head  351  includes a rotatable diverter  368  positioned within a filter head manifold  370  that includes an inlet  372  and an outlet  374 . Filter head manifold inlet  372  is in flow communication with and configured to receive water from water treatment system  150 , and filter head manifold outlet  374  is in flow communication with and configured to discharge water into water treatment system  150 . Moreover, in one embodiment, filter head manifold  370  includes ducting configured to equalize pressure within the filter cartridge  350  and filter head  351  assembly. Diverter  376  includes a filter circuit  378  and a by-pass circuit  379 . A first portion  380  of filter circuit  378  extends from an inlet  382  defined in a side  384  of diverter  376  to an outlet  386  defined in a top portion  388  of diverter  376 . A second portion  390  of filter circuit  378  extends from an inlet  392  defined in top portion  388  to an outlet  394  defined in side  384 . Filter circuit first portion outlet  386  is configured to receive and retain filter cartridge inlet  358 , filter circuit second portion inlet  392  is configured to receive and retain filter cartridge outlet  360 . By-pass circuit  379  extends between an inlet  398  defined in side  384  to a outlet  400  also defined in side  384 . 
         [0058]    Diverter  376  is rotatable within filter head manifold  370  between by-pass mode  352  and filtration mode  353 . Specifically, diverter  376  rotates between by-pass mode  352  and filtration mode  353  until stop  357  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) comes in contact with a ridge  402  (shown in  FIG. 18 and 20 ) extending from filter head manifold  370 . In the exemplary embodiment, diverter  376  rotates approximately ninety degrees between by-pass mode  352  and filtration mode  353 . In an alternative embodiment, diverter  376  rotates within a range of approximately thirty degrees to one hundred and fifty degrees between by-pass mode  352  and filtration mode  353 . In another embodiment, diverter  376  rotates within any suitable range that functions as described herein. In by-pass mode  352 , by-pass circuit  379  is aligned with manifold inlet  372  and manifold outlet  374 . Specifically, by-pass circuit inlet  398  is aligned with manifold inlet  372 , and by-pass circuit outlet  400  is aligned with manifold outlet  374 . As such, water from water treatment system  150  is channeled into manifold inlet  372 , through by-pass circuit  379 , through manifold outlet  374 , and back to water treatment system  150 . 
         [0059]    In filtration mode  353 , filter circuit  378  is aligned with manifold inlet  372  and manifold outlet  374 . Specifically, filter circuit first portion inlet  382  is aligned with manifold inlet  372 , and filter circuit second portion outlet  394  is aligned with manifold outlet  374 . As such, manifold inlet  372  receives water from water treatment system  150  and channels the water through filter circuit first portion  380  and into capsule  354 . The water channeled to capsule  354  is passed through filter element  355  such that filter element  355  facilitates removing impurities including, without limitation, sediment (polyspun), taste, odor, lead, mercury, bacteria, and/or viruses from the water. The water is then discharged from capsule  354 , through filter circuit second portion  390 , through manifold outlet  374 , and back to water treatment system  150 . 
         [0060]    Further, diverter  376  is configured such that, with water filter cartridge  350  attached to diverter  376 , diverter  376  is rotated into the first position. As such, water is enabled to channel into capsule  354 . When water filter cartridge  350  is removed from diverter  376 , diverter  376  is rotated into the second position such that water is enabled to by-pass filter cartridge  350 . Further, when filter cartridge  350  is removed, filter cartridge inlet  358  and filter cartridge outlet  360  seal to prevent or limit excess water within filter element  355  from leaking from capsule  354 . 
         [0061]      FIGS. 22-27  illustrate water filters that are configured to facilitate at least one of preventing sediment from settling at a bottom of a sump and providing an equal distribution of sediment across a surface of a filter cartridge. Specifically, if the settlement is not equally distributed along the surface of the filter cartridge, portions of the filter cartridge may become clogged with sediment. Moreover, sediment that settles at a bottom of the sump may cover and clog a portion of the filter cartridge. As such, a pressure drop caused by a reduction in an active surface area of the filter cartridge may exceed a strength of the filter cartridge causing the filter cartridge to collapse and allow sediment laden water to pass therethrough. 
         [0062]      FIG. 22  is a sectional view of an exemplary water filter  550  suitable for use with water treatment system  150 . Specifically, water filter  550  is an axial flow filter that is configured to prevent settling of sediment within a sump, such that an entire surface of a filter cartridge, positioned within the sump, is equally utilized. Specifically, water filter  550  facilitates equally distributing sediment along a surface  552  of a filter cartridge  554 . 
         [0063]    Water filter  550  may be suitable for use with at least one apparatus described above. In one embodiment, water filter  550  includes a cylindrical sump  556  defining a chamber  558  having filter cartridge  554  substantially centered at least partially therein. In an alternative embodiment, sump  556  has any suitable shape. Sump  556  includes an inlet  560  and an outlet  562 . Each of inlet  560  and outlet  562  is oriented a distance D 1  from a lower surface  564  of sump  556 . Filter cartridge  554  includes a chamber  566  extending axially therethrough. Specifically, chamber  566  extends from a top  568  of filter cartridge  554  through a bottom  570  of filter cartridge  554 , where chamber  566  is coupled in flow communication with outlet  562 . 
         [0064]    During operation, water from water treatment system  150  is channeled into sump  556  through inlet  560 , in the direction of flowpath F 1 , and is circulated around filter cartridge  554 , in the direction of flowpath F 2 . Water circulated around filter cartridge  554  is channeled through filter cartridge  554  to chamber  566  to facilitate removing impurities therefrom. Filtered water in chamber  566  flows in the direction of flowpath F 3  and is discharged, in the direction of flowpath F 4 , through outlet  562 , where the filtered water returns to water treatment system  150 . The circulation of the water in the direction of flowpath F 2  facilitates at least one of preventing sediment from settling at a bottom  572  of sump  556  and providing an equal distribution of sediment across surface  552  of filter cartridge  554  to facilitate increasing a life span of filter cartridge  554 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 23  is a sectional view of another exemplary water filter  600  suitable for use with water treatment system  150 . Specifically, water filter  600  is an axial flow filter that is configured to prevent settling of sediment within a sump, such that an entire surface of a filter cartridge, positioned within the sump, is equally utilized. Specifically, water filter  600  facilitates equally distributing sediment along a surface  602  of a filter cartridge  604 . 
         [0066]    Water filter  600  may be suitable for use with at least one apparatus described above. Water filter  600  includes a cylindrical sump  606  defining a chamber  608  having filter cartridge  604  substantially centered at least partially therein. In an alternative embodiment, sump  606  has any suitable shape. Sump  606  includes a fluteson portion  609  that extends from a bottom  610  of sump  606  to an inlet  612 . Bottom  610  has a diameter D 2  and an inlet opening  614  has a diameter D 3  that is smaller than diameter D 2 . Fluteson portion  609  includes a radius portion  616  that narrows from diameter D 2  at bottom  610  to diameter D 3  at inlet opening  614 . Sump  606  also includes an outlet  618  positioned at a top  620  of sump  606 . Filter cartridge  604  includes a chamber  622  extending axially therethrough. Specifically, chamber  622  extends from a bottom  624  of filter cartridge  604  through a top  626  of filter cartridge  604 , where chamber  622  is coupled in flow communication with outlet  618 . 
         [0067]    During operation, water from water treatment system  150  is channeled through inlet  612 ,in the direction of flowpath F 5 , to inlet opening  614 . The water flows through fluteson portion  609  and is circulated, in the direction of flowpath F 6 , such that the water flow enters sump  606  and is circulated around filter cartridge  604  in the direction of flowpath F 7 . Water circulated around filter cartridge  604  is channeled through filter cartridge  604  to chamber  622  to facilitate removing impurities therefrom. Filtered water in chamber  622  flows in the direction of flowpath F 8  and is discharged, in the direction of flowpath F 9 , through outlet  618 , where the filtered water returns to water treatment system  150 . The circulation of the water in the direction of flowpath F 6  facilitates at least one of preventing sediment from settling at bottom  610  of sump  606  and providing an equal distribution of sediment across surface  602  of filter cartridge  604  to facilitate increasing a life span of filter cartridge  604 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 24  is a sectional view of yet another exemplary water filter  650  suitable for use with water treatment system  150 . Specifically, water filter  650  is an axial flow filter that is configured to prevent settling of sediment within a sump, such that an entire surface of a filter cartridge, positioned within the sump, is equally utilized. Specifically,water filter  650  facilitates equally distributing sediment along a surface  652  of a filter cartridge  654 . 
         [0069]    Water filter  650  may be suitable for use with at least one apparatus described above. Water filter  650  includes a cylindrical sump  656  defining a chamber  658  having filter cartridge  654  substantially centered at least partially therein. In an alternative embodiment, sump  656  has any other suitable shape. Sump  656  includes an inlet  660  oriented a distance D 5  from a sump upper surface  662  and extending a distance D 6  from a sump sidewall  664  such that inlet  660  extends tangentially to filter cartridge  654  a distance D 7 . Sump  656  also includes an outlet  668  positioned at a bottom  670  of sump  656 . Filter cartridge  654  includes a chamber  672  extending axially therethrough. Specifically, chamber  672  extends from a top  674  of filter cartridge  654  through a bottom  676  of filter cartridge  654 , where chamber  672  is coupled in flow communication with outlet  668 . 
         [0070]    During operation, water is channeled from water treatment system  150  through inlet  660 , in the direction of flowpath F 10 , and into sump  656 . Specifically, the water is channeled tangentially to filter cartridge  654  and circulates around filter cartridge  654 , in the direction of flowpath F 11 . Water circulated around filter cartridge  654  is channeled through filter cartridge  654  to chamber  672  to facilitate removing impurities therefrom. Filtered water in chamber  672  flows in the direction of flowpath F 12  and is discharged, in the direction of flowpath F 13 , through outlet  668 , where the filtered water returns to water treatment system  150 . The circulation of the water in the direction of flowpath F 11  facilitates at least one of preventing sediment from settling at bottom  670  of sump  656  and providing an equal distribution of sediment across surface  652  of filter cartridge  654  to facilitate increasing a life span of filter cartridge  654 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 25  is a sectional view of an alternative water filter  700  suitable for use with water treatment system  150 . Specifically, water filter  700  is an axial flow filter and is configured to mix sediment to prevent settling within a sump, such that an entire surface of a filter cartridge, positioned within the sump, is equally utilized. Specifically, water filter  700  facilitates equally distributing sediment along a surface  702  of a filter cartridge  704 . 
         [0072]    Water filter  700  may be suitable for use with at least one apparatus described above. Water filter  700  includes a cylindrical sump  706  defining a chamber  708  having filter cartridge  704  substantially centered at least partially therein. In an alternative embodiment, sump  706  has any suitable shape. Sump  706  includes an inlet  709  oriented a distance D 9  from a sump upper surface  710 . Sump  706  also includes an outlet  712  positioned at a bottom  714  of sump  706 . Filter cartridge  704  includes a plurality of paths  716  extending along surface  702 . Filter cartridge  704  also includes a chamber  718  extending axially therethrough. Specifically, chamber  718  extends from a top  720  of filter cartridge  704  through a bottom  722  of filter cartridge  704 , where chamber  718  is coupled in flow communication with outlet  712 . 
         [0073]    During operation, water is channeled from water treatment system  150  through inlet  709 , in the direction of flowpath F 14 , and into sump  706 . The water is channeled along helical paths  716  such that the water circulates around filter cartridge  704 , in the direction of flowpath F 15 . Water circulated around filter cartridge  704  is channeled through filter cartridge  704  to chamber  718  to facilitate removing impurities therefrom. Filtered water in chamber  718  flows in the direction of flowpath F 16  and is discharged, in the direction of flowpath F 17 , through outlet  712 , where the filtered water returns to water treatment system  150 . The circulation of the water in the direction of flowpath F 14  facilitates at least one of preventing sediment from settling at bottom  714  of sump  706  and providing an equal distribution of sediment across surface  702  of filter cartridge  704  to facilitate increasing a life span of filter cartridge  704 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 26  is a sectional view of another alternative water filter  750  suitable for use with water treatment system  150 . Specifically, water filter  750  is an axial flow filter that is configured to mix sediment to prevent settling within a sump, such that an entire surface of a filter cartridge, positioned within the sump, is equally utilized. Specifically, water filter  750  facilitates equally distributing sediment along a surface  752  of a filter cartridge  754 . 
         [0075]    Water filter  750  may be suitable for use with at least one apparatus described above. Water filter  750  includes a cylindrical sump  756  defining a chamber  758  having filter cartridge  754  substantially centered at least partially therein. In an alternative embodiment, sump  756  has any suitable shape. Sump  756  includes an inlet  760  and an outlet  762 . Each of inlet  760  and outlet  762  is oriented a distance D 10  from a sump upper surface  764 . Inlet  760  includes an inducer  766  extending a distance D 11 , into sump  756 . Filter cartridge  754  includes a chamber  768  extending axially therethrough. Specifically, chamber  768  extends from a bottom  770  of filter cartridge  754  through a top  772  of filter cartridge  754 , where chamber  768  is coupled in flow communication with outlet  762 . 
         [0076]    During operation, water is channeled from water treatment system  150  through inlet  760 , in the direction of flowpath F 18 , and into sump  756 . The water is directed by inducer  764  to circulate around filter cartridge  754 , in the direction of flowpath F 19 . Water circulated around filter cartridge  754  is channeled through filter cartridge  754  to chamber  768  to facilitate removing impurities therefrom. Filtered water in chamber  788  flows in the direction of flowpath F 20  and is discharged, in the direction of flowpath F 21 , through outlet  762 , where the filtered water returns to water treatment system  150 . The circulation of the water in the direction of flowpath F 19  facilitates at least one of preventing sediment from settling at a bottom  774  of sump  756  and providing an equal distribution of sediment across surface  752  of filter cartridge  754  to facilitate increasing a life span of filter cartridge  754 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 27  is a sectional view of another water filter  800  suitable for use with water treatment system  150 . Specifically, water filter  800  is an axial flow filter that is configured to mix sediment to prevent settling within a sump, such that an entire surface of a filter cartridge, positioned within the sump, is equally utilized. Specifically, water filter  800  facilitates equally distributing sediment along a surface  802  of a filter cartridge  804 . 
         [0078]    Water filter  800  may be suitable for use with at least some of the apparatuses described hereinabove. Water filter  800  includes a cylindrical sump  806  defining a chamber  808  having filter cartridge  804  substantially centered at least partially therein. In an alternative embodiment, sump  806  has any suitable shape. Sump  806  includes an inlet  809  and an outlet  810 , each oriented at a distance D 12  from a sump upper surface  812 . Inlet  809  includes a tube  814  coupled thereto and extending to a sump lower surface  816 . In the exemplary embodiment, an end  818  of tube  814  includes a plurality of apertures  820 . In an alternative embodiment, end  818  includes any suitable outlet(s). Filter cartridge  804  includes a chamber  822  extending axially therethrough. Specifically, chamber  822  extends from a bottom  824  of filter cartridge  804  through a top  826  of filter cartridge  804 , where chamber  822  is coupled in flow communication with outlet  810 . 
         [0079]    During operation, water is channeled from water treatment system  150  through inlet  809 , in the direction of flowpath F 22 , and through tube  814 , in the direction of flowpath F 23 . The water is discharged through apertures  820  such that water circulates around filter cartridge  804 , in the direction of flowpath F 24 . Water circulated around filter cartridge  804  is channeled through filter cartridge  804  to chamber  822  to facilitate removing impurities therefrom. Filtered water in chamber  822  flows in the direction of flowpath F 25  and is discharged, in the direction of flowpath F 26 , through outlet  810 , where the filtered water returns to water treatment system  150 . The circulation of the water in the direction of flowpath F 24  facilitates at least one of preventing sediment from settling on lower surface  816  of sump  806  and providing an equal distribution of sediment across surface  802  of filter cartridge  804  to facilitate increasing a life span of filter cartridge  804 . 
         [0080]    In one embodiment, a method for assembling a water treatment system is provided. The method includes providing a tap configured to receive water, coupling a drain in flow communication with the tap, configuring the drain to discharge water, and coupling a plurality of water filters in flow communication between the tap and the drain. In a particular embodiment, coupling at least one water filter includes coupling an inlet of a sump to the tap and coupling an outlet of the sump to the drain. The inlet is configured to receive water from the tap and the outlet is configured to discharge water to the drain. Coupling at least one water filter also includes positioning a filter cartridge at least partially within the sump and coupling a by-pass valve in flow communication between the inlet and the outlet. The by-pass valve is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the by-pass valve channels water through the filter between the inlet and the outlet. In the second position, the by-pass valve channels water from the inlet to the outlet by-passing the filter cartridge. 
         [0081]    The above-described system and method for filtering water and/or replacing a water filter allows water systems to achieve increased sediment removal, while being easily maintained. More specifically, the system facilitates mixing sediment within the filter to increase an amount of sediment channeled through a filter element. Further, the system facilitates replacing the filter element without water leaking from the system. As a result, a more efficient and more easily maintainable water system is provided. 
         [0082]    Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for facilitating enhancing sediment removal in a water filter are described above in detail. Further, the apparatus and methods facilitate replacing the water filter when necessary. The apparatus and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the apparatus and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. Further, the described apparatus components and/or method steps can also be defined in, or used in combination with, other apparatus and/or methods, and are not limited to practice with only the apparatus and methods as described herein. 
         [0083]    As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Further, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. 
         [0084]    While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.