Best Iron Filter for Well Water in 2022: For The Whole House

Why Get The Best Iron Removal System For Well Water?

Nobody says, “I enjoy my home’s tap water to have a wonderful reddish brown color — the rusty sink stains are lovely and I can’t wait to consume it!”

Of course not, because high iron levels in well water can be a serious issue…

Furthermore, greater iron levels in laundry water will quickly destroy light-colored garments!

While it is not harmful to people in drinking water, it does not look nice, tastes bad, and frequently has an unpleasant odor.

So, how do you get iron out of well water?

Minerals with a high iron content can be found in some types of rock and soil in the United States. Iron dissolves into the water when rain or snowmelt seeps into this soil and rock. Iron casing or pipes in some well water systems may seep into the water over time. This can result in discolored pipes and appliances, as well as a metallic taste in food and beverages.

Fortunately, getting rid of your iron-related well water problems is as simple as purchasing an iron filter. In this study, I’ll highlight the best iron filter for well water for anyone seeking for the best iron water filter, and I’ll help you make the best pick depending on your specific iron removal needs.

Best Whole House Iron Filter for Well Water in 2022 Reviews

1. Springwell Well Water Filter and Salt Based Water Softener

The Springwell system provides two benefits in one: it removes iron from well water while also softening it and preventing scale buildup. It is made up of iron filters and a softener that remove hydrogen sulfide, iron, manganese, and calcium and magnesium hard water minerals.

The Springwell salt-based softener uses an ion exchange mechanism to swap hard water minerals for sodium minerals, converting hard water into soft water that won’t leave scale deposits on your appliances.

You may enjoy fixtures that are not only scale-free, but also devoid of unmistakable orange iron stains, thanks to the system’s iron filter, which is designed to remove sulfur, iron, manganese, and up to 7 PPM of iron from your water. Sulfur removal ensures that the rotten egg smell of water is reduced, making it much more desirable to drink.

The Springwell water filter for well water has a big advantage in that it is virtually maintenance-free – you don’t have to bother about changing the iron filters like you would with a standard whole house water filtration system.

This is due to the iron filter’s design, which employs an air injection oxidizing mechanism that oxidizes undesired pollutants in an air pocket at the tank’s top. These oxidized pollutants are then taken from the tank, where they are filtered out of the water.

When it comes to installation, you could want to hire a plumber, even if the filter system comes with everything you need. After you’ve fitted the filter, you can use the Well System head to alter and regulate the system’s settings to your specifications. The Springwell has an app that allows you to control your system from your smartphone.

2. SoftPro IronMaster

The SoftPro IronMaster is one of the best iron filters for removing iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide using AIO technology. The SoftPro, like all iron filters of this type, is extremely efficient at what it does and requires minimal maintenance during its existence. It can remove up to 30 PPM of iron and is IAPMO and NSF/ANSI certified for performance.

Using a revolutionary Water Intelligence EngineTM, this iron filter evaluates your iron-contaminated water and provides the optimum solution for your specific circumstance. It is one among the best for complete pollutant removal, eliminating significant levels of iron, up to 7 PPM of manganese, and up to 5 PPM of sulfur. Not all iron filters will remove as much iron as this one.

A control valve is included with the SoftPro water filter, which programs the filter to encourage high flow rates for whole-house use. It is a chemical-free filtering system that simply requires water for cleaning. It is built to withstand even the most corrosive water, and in the event of a power loss, the system will remember your prior inputted settings when you turn it back on.

You can use the SoftPro iron filter in your home if your well pump flow rate is 5 GPM or above. Everything you need to get started with the filtration system is provided, including a quick-connect hose kit in two sizes.

The redox filter medium has a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, depending on the iron, manganese, and sulfur levels in your water. If your water has a high iron level, you may need to change the media after fewer than 5 years. Most people, however, will be able to get at least a half-decade out of this iron filter, and you will only need to clean the system on occasion during this period.

3. AquaOx FE Edition

The AquaOx is one of the best iron filters available at a reasonable price. It removes both ferrous and ferric iron from water – ferrous iron must be oxidized for this to be possible. The system is most suited for high water iron, so if iron is a serious concern in your well water, the AquaOx is for you.

The AquaOx is relatively straightforward to install; simply connect your home’s main water line to the system’s inlet, then connect the line running into your home to the outlet, and plug the system into a power outlet.

After installation, there are no more difficult tasks for the rest of the system’s lifespan — it is maintenance-free, with no filters that need to be replaced, resulting in a substantially cheaper lifetime cost when compared to filter-based systems.

Despite the fact that the system has a 10-year warranty, it is expected to last for more than 20 years on average. Because the filter does not reduce water pressure, you may enjoy reduced iron levels in your water without sacrificing flow rate. The AquaOx is more efficient than other similar systems on the market due to its use of double vortex backwash technology.

AquaOx does not specify how the system eliminates iron from well water, but if oxidation is used, it will most likely include a manganese greensand filter or another material capable of oxidizing ferrous iron.

4. Pelican Iron & Manganese Water Filter

When it comes to extensive water treatment, the Pelican Iron series is the best iron filter for well water. The filter offers four stages of water treatment, including filtration, and eliminates up to 10 PPM of iron from your water, making it one of the most effective iron-removal filters on the market.

The water in this whole home filter is first passed through a 5 micron sediment filter, which removes debris, rust, and dust from the water. Water is then passed via an air injection chlorination system, which is a critical step in well water treatment because it disinfects the water and makes it safe to consume.

The greensand stage comes next, and it eliminates iron and manganese from well water by trapping the impurities in the filter medium and washing them away. The unique pump is self-priming and automatically backwashes, making it an easy way to improve the taste and smell of water. Finally, water passes through the carbon stage of the filter system, where chlorine, chloramines, tastes, and odors are reduced.

It’s uncommon to find a filter system as comprehensive as the Pelican Iron series, especially if you want one that can treat high iron levels while also ensuring that well water is clean and safe to drink. The system has a 5-year performance guarantee and a 10-to-15-year life expectancy. It also has third-party clearance in the form of a WQA Gold Seal Certification for NSF Standard 61 compliance.

This whole house water filter is available in two sizes: the WF4 for households with one to three bathrooms and the WF8 for households with four to six bathrooms. Everything you’ll need for installation is included in the price, however setup is extremely complicated, and most customers prefer to leave it to the professionals.

5. Crystal Quest Iron and Hydrogen Sulfide Filter For Whole House

The Crystal Quest whole house iron filter is another of the best iron filters for well water due to its effectiveness in eliminating iron, manganese, and sulfur. The filter has three stages of filtration: a sediment pre-filter that removes residual dirt and suspended solids; a mineral tank with iron and hydrogen sulfide reduction media; and a solid carbon block filter that reduces VOCs, pesticides and herbicides, and industrial solvents.

The media for the Crystal Quest whole home water filter is already included in the iron filter’s tank, so it’s ready to use as soon as you put it up. It’s relatively simple to install, and if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you should have no issue doing it yourself. Simply connect the in and out lines and attach it to a power source to begin backwashing. It is safe to use the filter in conjunction with a chlorine filter or another sort of pre-treatment.

The smaller 1.5 cu. ft. system has a maximum flow rate of 9 to 11 gallons per minute, while the larger 2 cu. ft. system has a maximum flow rate of 10 to 13. The average family requires a flow rate of 6 to 12 gallons per minute for appropriate appliance operation, so you can be confident that the Crystal Quest filtration system will not slow down your access to your home’s water.

The pollutant removal figures are particularly impressive: the system eliminates up to 15 ppm of iron, 5 ppm of hydrogen sulfide, and 10 ppm of manganese. While the iron removal medium in this water filter system lasts for the life of the system (at least 10 years), the sediment filter and carbon filter in stages 1 and 3 have a lifespan of 3 to 6 months.

If you don’t want to deal with the extra maintenance, you may use the water filtration system without the additional filters – you’ll only miss out on the additional contaminant removal benefits.

6. Tier1 Precision Series

The Tier1 Precision Series removes heavy metals, iron, sulfur, and manganese from water throughout the house, reducing foul odors and surface discoloration. This whole-house iron filter system combines catalytic carbon with aeration technology to oxidize typical well water pollutants without the use of additional chemicals or substances.

The filter adds oxygen to water by using compressed air, and as the water passes through this area of compressed air, followed by a particular filter medium, a chemical reaction occurs, causing soluble ferrous iron to oxidize into insoluble ferric iron.

This iron may then be readily removed from the system, leaving your household with clean, clear water. The carbon media bed, in addition to the oxidization tank, eliminates impurities that do not require oxidization, such as heavy metals.

The Tier1 whole home water filter looks after itself with an automatic regeneration mechanism to reduce water waste, requiring very little maintenance on your side. This iron filter system takes almost an hour to regenerate, and though you can still access water during this period, it will not be filtered. You can manually set a regeneration time using the digital control head to avoid instances when you’ll require access to filtered water.

If your water contains 4 PPM of iron or more, the Tier1 Precision Series filter is one of the best whole home iron filters for well water available. If you have the appropriate tools and skills, you should be able to install this iron water filter system yourself; otherwise, you should engage a professional to do the dirty work.

With a flow rate of 6 GPM, the filter is suitable for medium and large families of 1 to 6 persons without reducing water pressure.

7. Fleck Iron Pro 2 Water Softener Iron Filter

The Fleck Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener is a whole-house water softener with 64,000 grains that is designed to remove iron from well water. This system combines a whole-house iron filter and a water softener, eliminating up to 6-8 PPM of iron, up to 6 PPM of manganese, hardness up to 75 GPG, and silt and dust.

The Fleck Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener eliminates ferrous iron water, which causes rust stains, as well as hardness minerals, which cause scum and scale, utilizing a filter medium composed of fine mesh resin. T

he computerized metered control head monitors water consumption and regenerates only when necessary. You can also use the control head to program the system to regenerate at a time convenient for you.

This complete home filter and softener comes with an almond resin tank, a circular almond brine tank, fine mesh resin filter media, a bypass valve, and installation connections. You can install the system yourself by following the DIY instruction manual, and the majority of buyers claim it’s simple if you have basic plumbing expertise.

This system’s softener is salt-based, which is widely regarded as the most effective softening approach. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to keep a supply of softening salt on hand to replenish the brine tank when the salt levels are low.

The Fleck water softener and iron water filtration system is without a doubt the best iron filter for customers who want to reduce obvious evidence of iron in their home while also eliminating the effects of hard water on their plumbing and fixtures.

Buyers Guide For The Best Filter To Remove Iron From Well Water

When you understand how to remove iron and what to look for in a good whole house iron filter, deciding on the best iron filter for well water in your home will be a lot easier. This tutorial will address any questions you may have regarding iron in well water, such as how it gets into water, the impacts it can have on your home and health, how to remove it, and what constitutes a high-performing iron filter for well water.

How Does Iron Get Into Water?

The most prevalent route for iron into well water is through the earth’s soil. When snow and heavy rainfall on this soil, they break down the iron minerals that it naturally contains and transport them to underground well water systems. Another typical way for iron to pollute well water is if it is exposed to rusted or corroded pipes. Both the casing of your well and the pipes flowing into and through your home may be built of iron, and iron rusts – there is no way around it.

Types of Iron

  • Ferrous Iron (also known as soluble iron or clear water iron) is dissolved in the water and is not visible until it oxidizes and reacts to oxygen in the air.
  • Once oxidized, it becomes Ferric Iron (also known as precipitated iron or rust) that will change the color of water and leave rust stains.
  • Bacterial iron (also known as iron bacteria) is the presence of microorganisms that form a slimy film when combined with iron or manganese. This is not normally harmful to your health but can lead to other harmful bacteria.

Effects of Iron in Water and Why You Want Iron Water Filters

Both ferrous and ferric iron can cause a variety of problems in your water, both health-wise and environmentally.

Iron & Your Health

We require trace amounts of iron to maintain our health, however drinking too much iron in well water can have the following consequences:

  • Iron bacteria may thrive.

Bacteria that are dangerous to humans can live on iron. If the iron in your water gets onto your surfaces, the leftover bacteria may be transferred to your skin and into your body, making you sick.

  • Skin problems can be caused by iron.

Shower water iron has the potential to clog your pores. This might aggravate other skin issues and produce acne breakouts.

  • Iron can be harmful to your organs.

Ingesting high levels of iron from well water might disrupt your body’s metabolic functions, particularly organs that retain iron, such as the heart and liver.

Iron & Your Home

The visual consequences of iron on your property are more evident than the undetectable impacts it may have on your health. Here’s what you could have seen if you have high iron levels in your well water:

  • Plumbing problems can be caused by iron.

Iron from well water deposits in your plumbing as brown slime, which can create blockage in pipes and fixtures and limit water pressure.

  • Iron has the potential to discolor your surfaces.

The simplest approach to check for iron is to look for the distinctive orange staining in your bathroom sink or tub. Iron is renowned for coloring anything it lingers on, with the toilet tank being one of the greatest culprits.

  • Iron imparts a metallic flavor.

If you’re attempting to reduce your consumption of single-use water bottles, it may be difficult if your well water iron levels are so high that your water has an unpleasant metallic taste, which naturally leads you to seek out bottled water alternatives.

Iron Removal Systems from Well Water

Water Softeners

Yes, you may now eliminate iron from your water supply by installing a water softener at the point of entrance into your property. Because not all water softening systems can remove iron from water, you’ll need to double-check that a device can do so if you want to say goodbye to hard water minerals and iron in your drinking water.

Water softeners only operate for low iron concentrations where the majority of the iron is soluble (ferrous iron). Though ion exchange is a highly effective approach for exchanging hard water minerals for sodium ions, it is not as effective with iron ions. That is why it is typical to see water softener iron removal systems paired with the best iron filters for well water in order to remove as much iron as possible.

If you buy an iron-removal water softener, it will also remove calcium and magnesium, but no other contaminants unless paired with an extra filter. Some water softeners, for example, have a sediment filter, which eliminates bigger pollutants like dirt particles that are typically present in well water.

Whole House Filters

Whole house iron filters for well water are a more frequent method of iron removal and are placed at the point of entrance into your home. Because these filters are not specifically designed for iron removal, they also remove chemicals like as chlorine, pesticides, and herbicides; heavy metals such as lead; silt; VOCs, and other contaminants.

The disadvantage of a whole-house filter providing the broadest spectrum of contaminant removal is that this sort of water filtering system is unlikely to provide the most effective method of iron removal. This is due to the fact that a whole-house filtration system does not often include an air injection process (see below), which means that while it can filter insoluble iron particles from water, it cannot extract soluble ferric iron.

Iron is often removed by the sediment filter of a whole-house water filtration system. Because these filters are typically capable of eliminating particles with a particle size of 5 PPM or more, specks of iron and rust can be effectively filtered using this technique.

Air Injection

By far the most complete and cost-effective iron removal method is air injection. This type of filter is typically installed between a well and the main water supply in your home.

When water enters an air injection iron water filter, it passes through a compressed air section where oxygen is injected. The water is then passed through a bed of filter media containing a substance that separates the oxidized iron from the water.

These insoluble iron particles will now be visible in the water as suspended particles, and they will become caught in the filter bed. When the iron-free water exits the system and enters your plumbing, the air injection filter system restarts the oxidization process. The filter will regenerate after about three days, cleaning away the insoluble iron and restoring the air bubble.

Air injection iron filter systems typically have a control head that allows you to set your preferred regeneration time. These systems are typically the most cost-effective option because they require little to no maintenance. The filter media does not need to be replaced because it is not exhausted during the iron removal process and lasts as long as the system itself.

Oxygen, another critical component of the filtration system, does not need to be replenished manually because it is abundant in the air. And because the regeneration process is mostly driven by your home’s water pressure, the filtration system, though being powered by electricity, adds very little to your annual energy expenditures.

Most air injection iron water filters can remove iron and manganese, and many can also remove hydrogen sulfide.

Factors To Consider For The Best Iron Filter for Well Water

Before you buy an iron filter, it’s a good idea to know what you need and what’s available. Your neighbor’s greatest iron filter for well water may not be the greatest answer for you. Being aware of the following considerations will assist you in making an informed selection about a water filter for your home:

Water Quality & Other Contaminants

The first step before purchasing iron filters for well water is to test the quality of your water. Knowing exactly what is in your water and to what amount will allow you to make more informed decisions about contaminant removal.

For example, if you have a lot of chlorine in your water, you might want to consider buying an iron filter and a carbon filter in one. Similarly, if your water is hard but your iron levels aren’t too high, it could be advisable to invest in a water softener with iron removal capabilities, which can soften water while also eliminating iron.

It’s also vital to know how much iron is in your water, because some systems are built to filter specific levels of PPM. If your water has more than 0.3 PPM of iron, it will have an effect on the quality of your drinking water. Keep in mind that iron is not always visible in water; ferrous iron is totally dissolved, and even clear water may contain significant levels of this form of iron.

It is advised that we have no more than 0.3 PPM of manganese in our water, and if your levels are higher than this, you should consider installing an air injection filter (these can typically filter up to 10 PPM of manganese). The air injection technique also removes hydrogen sulfide, another frequent pollutant in water.

Filter Capacity

The capacity of an iron filter affects how much filtered water it can produce on a minute-by-minute basis. The majority of filtration systems are designed for households with up to three bedrooms, although some are also available for homes with up to six bedrooms.

The capacity of your filter is significant since it impacts the flow rate of water in your home. If you have a house with 5 bedrooms, for example, you are more likely to have double the number of water-based appliances than if you have a house with 2 bedrooms. If you choose a filter with a smaller capacity, your water flow may be insufficient to deliver an adequate quantity of water to your entire home. If you prefer taking power showers, make sure to purchase a filter with a large enough capacity for your property.

Filter Type

The sort of iron filter you choose will be determined primarily by your own tastes (as well as the impurities in your water – see above). Different filters necessitate varying amounts of care; for example, a salt-based water softener needs regular salt top-ups, whereas whole-house filters typically necessitate maintenance on an annual or bi-annual basis.

Filter Longevity

On the same topic, the life of an iron filter is usually determined by the type of filter used as well as the quality of the filter purchased. Salt-based water softeners typically have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years if regular maintenance is performed.

A whole-house filtration system has a similar lifespan, but you’ll have to change the individual filters every 6 months or so, which might add up over time. Air-injection or greensand filters typically last 4 to 8 years before the filter media needs to be replaced.

Installation & Maintenance

Whatever iron water filtration system you choose, it will almost certainly require installation at your home’s point of entry (POE) — the point at which water enters your home. Some iron filters can also be installed outdoors, between your home and your well, but you should double-check this if you require an outside installation.

Installation typically takes around an hour or two. It is usually quite simple for someone with little to no plumbing knowledge, but because it entails cutting your water line, not everyone will be comfortable with the job. If you intend to hire a plumber to install an iron filter for you, keep in mind that this will be an additional expense.

The type of filtration system you choose will determine how much maintenance is required. Whole-house iron water filters typically contain multiple stages of filtration, and each of these water filters will need to be replaced at different periods. Because failing to replace your iron filters practically renders the entire filtration system inoperable, it is an unavoidable maintenance task. Iron filters should be replaced every 6 months to a year on average.

Iron filters using redox or oxidation medium have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years. This material can sometimes last longer than ten years, but this is not frequent. Depending on the filtration system you choose, your media may need to be replaced in less than 5 years if your water contains a high concentration of iron, manganese, or other impurities. However, if you don’t want the trouble of filter changes, this sort of water filter is still an excellent low-maintenance alternative.

Water softener systems have a wide range of maintenance requirements. The most vital task is to feed salt to the water softener, which serves as the fuel that keeps everything working. The ion exchange process cannot occur without salt, and water cannot be softened. Check your brine tank every few months and make sure the salt levels are three to four inches above the water. You should also clean your softener once a year and repair any worn parts, such as O rings.

Warranty

It goes without saying that any water filter for iron you purchase should come with a warranty. Warranties are intended to protect a filter for a specific number of years and usually include a replacement part/system if the filter becomes damaged or broken in a way that meets the requirements of the warranty.

Unsurprisingly, if you subjected your filter to damage that did not reveal a manufacturing flaw, such as falling it from a great height, it is unlikely that you would be able to acquire a replacement water filter under the terms of your filter warranty. However, a guarantee is available to you if a filter becomes broken due to a design error that is beyond your control.

The majority of iron water filter warranties are divided into parts. The tanks are typically covered by a 10-year warranty, while the control valve is covered by a 5- to 7-year warranty. The tanks on a conventional water softener are warrantied for ten years, while all other parts are warrantied for one to three years. A whole-house water filter usually comes with a 10- to 12-year warranty on the system itself, but not on the filter cartridges.

Conclusion: Get Your Whole House Iron Filter Now!

If you notice or smell any of the adverse effects of iron, manganese, or hydrogen sulfide in your water, you should consider installing a whole house iron filter system.

A water test is required to determine the level of contamination, and other test results (such as pH and hardness) will influence the sort of equipment required to clean your water. While a whole-house water filtration system can be costly, so can not treat your home’s water supply!

Rust stains, damaged clothes, corrosive buildup in pipes and appliances, and even dry skin and elevated blood iron levels can all add up to significant costs…

Installing one of the best iron filters for well water in your home is a terrific long-term investment and a wise choice if you have water problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it expensive to buy an iron filter?

Looking at the upfront expense of your iron filtration system, the answer appears to be “yes.” However, the greatest varieties of iron filters for well water are built to last so long that the initial investment is well worth it. Filter for well water that do not require maintenance are extremely valuable in the long run.

Wait – isn’t iron good for you?

Yes, in modest doses. Iron is a necessary vitamin for humans since it is a component of hemoglobin, which distributes oxygen throughout the body. However, elevated iron levels have been related to a variety of negative health impacts, ranging from damaged blood vessels to kidney and liver disorders. Thus, you should really consider getting the best iron filter for your daily usages.

Should I call an expert to install my filter?

It all depends on how handy you think you are. Installing an iron filter for well water isn’t as simple as putting together IKEA furniture, but it’s also not rocket science. The majority of iron filtration systems include step-by-step installation instructions that ensure success — if followed correctly.

What should an iron filter remove?

The obvious: iron, manganese, and perhaps sulfur. It all depends on the filter you choose. The best iron filter will, of course, remove both ferrous and ferric iron, but not all of them do. That is why it is critical to understand your home’s water situation so that you may make the best selection depending on your needs.

Why bother with a filter when water bottles are cheaper?

If you can’t drink your well water because it contains too much iron, manganese, or sulfur, the cheapest option isn’t to keep buying water bottles. In the long term, an iron filter is a considerably more cost-effective alternative. Calculate your average daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly water bottle spending to understand what I mean.

How do you filter rusty well water?

Rusty well water can be solved by using filter for well water, in particularly the sediment filter and equipped with an air or chemical injection system and a water softener.

When is it not suitable to use an iron filter?

If your water supply is indicating a ridiculously high amount of sediments or any organic matter, it is best not to use your iron filter for well water. However, it is safe to use house water filters if you’ve install a pre-treatment system prior to that that would avoid any form of damages to the iron filtration system.

Furthermore, a well water iron filter usually is designed to cater for a specific purpose. For example, if you’re looking to remove ferric iron from your water supply then ordinary house water filters may work but it is sufficient because ferrous iron requires a very specific type of iron filters for well water.

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