The invention relates to a dirt filter for water pipes of the type used for carrying water for household and industrial use. The filter defines inlet and outlet chambers with an apertured dividing wall therebetween. An upper lid and a lower dirt collecting container and attached with threaded connections to the housing. A filter insert is disposed between the lid and the dividing wall and the insert has a carrier with upper and lower cylinder rings which respectively engage the lid and the chamber dividing wall. The interior of the filter has fluid communication with the inlet chamber through the opening in the chamber dividing wall. An annular, cup shaped insert keeps the flow in the inlet chamber away from the interior of the dirt collecting container but permits the drop of dirt into this container.