5 Best Whole Home Iron Water Filter For Well Water

by Jay | Posted on December 29th, 2022

Are you looking for a way to get clean, healthy water throughout your home? If so, investing in the best whole-house iron water filter is the perfect solution. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how installing such a system can help improve the quality of your home’s water and provide you with some of our top picks for whole-house iron filters.


Best Whole House Water Filters Systems

 Here are our top picks for the best water filter systems you can buy for your residential needs.

Grungy image of dirty brown water running from a water stained faucet

Springwell WS1

Springwell’s Well Water Filter System is the perfect solution for private wells. Utilizing the latest technologies in water filtration and designed for a more economical and environmentally friendly well water system.

If you have a private well with iron, manganese, sulfur, or a combination of these contaminants, this whole-house well filter system is for you! Enjoy clean, nonstaining, great tasting, and smelling water with zero drop in water pressure.

Pros

  • Easy to install and maintain.
  • Removes iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, and sediment from water.
  • Uses a three-stage filtration system which is designed for long-lasting performance.
  • Doesn’t require electricity or salt.
  • Certified by NSF/ANSI Standard 372 and NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for material safety, structural integrity, and system performance
  • Comes with a 10-year warranty on the tank and a 1-year warranty on the valve.

Cons

  • Expensive upfront cost.
  • High maintenance costs due to filters needing changing out every 6-12 months, depending on usage.
  • Not effective in removing chloramines from water (requires additional carbon filter).

iSpring Whole House Water Filter System

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The iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System is a great choice for improving their home’s water quality. This comprehensive system removes up to 99% chlorine and up to 95% sediment, rust, pesticides, herbicides, industrial solvents, VOCs, and other contaminants.

The third stage of the WGB32BM has an iron and manganese-reducing filter to help eliminate any further impurities. This system is easy to install at the main water supply line and comes with 20-inch Big Blue Sediment, Carbon Block, and Iron & Manganese Reducing filters. Enjoy clean, great-tasting water with the iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System.

Pros

  • Removes iron and manganese from drinking water
  • Reduces sediment and rust particles in water
  • Can handle up to 15 GPM (Gallons per Minute)
  • Easy to install and maintain
  • Long-lasting filter life of up to 3 years
  • 10-year warranty

Cons

  • Expensive upfront cost
  • Heavy and bulky – difficult to install in tight spaces
  • Requires professional installation for optimal performance

AFWFilters AIS10-25SXT AFW Air Injection Iron Removal Oxidizing Water Filter

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AFWFilters AIS10-25SXT AFW Air Injection Iron, Sulfur, and Manganese Removal Oxidizing Water Filter is a great choice for those looking to remove iron and sulfur from their water. It works without any chemicals and is designed to be used with well water with hydrogen sulfide.

It is available in almond or black color and silver 10 air injection from AFW Filters. This filter is excellent for providing clean and safe water for your whole house.

Pros

  • Effective at removing iron, sulfur, and manganese from water
  • Easy installation and maintenance
  • Air injection helps to oxidize contaminants
  • Compact design takes up minimal space
  • Economical compared to other filtration systems
  • Long filter life

Cons

  • Not effective at removing other contaminants such as lead or arsenic
  • Requires a source of compressed air for oxidation may
  • require additional chemicals for optimal performance.

Home Master Whole House Three Stage Water Filtration System

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The Home Master Whole House, Three Stage Water Filtration System with Fine Sediment, effectively filters iron from water. This system has a three-stage filtration process that efficiently removes iron particles from water, making it safe and clean. The system is easy to install and maintain, so you can be sure that your water will always be free of iron. With its friendly design, this water filtration system is the perfect choice for any home.

For well water with iron, the HMF3SdgFeC 3-Stage by Home Master is the finest filter cartridge option. Since it can remove manganese and hydrogen sulfide as well as sediment beneficial to your appliances and a variety of potentially hazardous substances and microbes as well as generally terrible water taste, the HMF3SdgFeC is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Reduces iron, sediment, and other contaminants from the water supply.
  • Easy to install and maintain.
  • Requires no backwashing or draining.
  • Includes a built-in fine sediment filter for additional protection.
  • Works with any home pressure system.
  • Low-cost filter cartridges that are easy to replace.

Cons

  • Not effective against chlorine and other chemical contaminants. It may
  • require additional filtration systems for complete protection. It can
  • be expensive to purchase and maintain in the long run.

Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener System with SST-60 Resin (for Iron Up to 15 ppm)

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If the iron concentration in the water exceeds 3 ppm, the Fleck 5600SXT with SST-60 resin is recommended. Depending on the application, the unique resin can withstand up to 15 ppm of iron contamination.

Pros

  • Easy to install and maintain
  • Affordable price
  • Highly effective in reducing hard water levels and iron content
  • Comes with a variety of settings and features to customize to your needs
  • Long-lasting resin tank that can last up to 10 years
  • Low salt consumption per regeneration cycle
  • Ability to filter out chlorine, sediment, rust, and other impurities

Cons

  • It can be noisy during operation
  • Not ideal for larger households due to the smaller tank size of 8″ x 48″
  • Requires periodic maintenance, such as cleaning the brine tank and replacing the filter media periodically

Understand How Iron Impacts Water Quality

Iron is a naturally occurring element in the environment, but too much of it can have an adverse impact on the quality of your water supply.

Iron can cause discoloration and off-tastes in drinking water, leaving behind an unpleasant metallic taste. Iron can also cause staining of fixtures and fabrics, leaving behind a reddish-orange residue.

In addition, high levels of iron can interfere with the effectiveness of water treatment systems, leading to other issues, such as the growth of bacteria and algae. For these reasons, it is important to consider the amount of iron in your water supply before selecting a water filter.

How to know if iron is present in water:

In essence, water contains two types of iron. Ferrous Iron and Ferric Iron are two different types of iron. Water dissolves ferrous iron. A yellow, brown, or red precipitate known as ferric iron is formed when the iron is oxidized to ferric oxide.

Contrary to popular belief, ferrous iron does not alter the hue of water in any way. The water, on the other hand, has a metallic flavor. If the color of the water is dark or yellow, and the flavor is disagreeable, then the water contains iron. A filter that removes iron is an option.

How to check the iron present in well water

All other water elements are measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm), and iron is no exception (ppm). (mg/L = ppm)

Check for physical signs.

An orange sludge is a telltale sign when iron bacteria build up in the toilet tank or other areas where water collects. Because of its orange color and ability to discolor metal surfaces, ferric iron is easily detectable, even with unaided eyes in large concentrations.

If left in a glass of tap water for a few minutes, ferrous iron in lower concentrations can settle to the bottom. While the visual test is simple and affordable, it does not identify the concentration of iron.

Use home water test kits

When it comes to home water testing kits, the most common types are drop-in pills, liquids, and dip-in strips. Many water testing kits can detect a wide range of impurities in addition to iron, which can aid in determining the most effective water treatment.

Have it tested in the laboratory

Although laboratory testing is more expensive, it is currently the most accurate and trustworthy method. Laboratory testing is the most reliable and effective method for determining exactly how much and what contaminants are in the well water supply.

Sample specimens from the water supply might be submitted back to water testing facilities for testing purposes. Others may have professional water testers who visit one’s home to conduct the tests.

Impact of iron in water on health

It leaves a stream of stains, discoloration, and foul tastes in its path. Iron in water is not predominantly damaging to our health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is only considered a secondary contaminant, which means it does not directly impact our health.

Nevertheless, iron-containing water can leave your skin and hair feeling brittle and dry. It can even trigger eczema in some other individuals. More often than not, the amount of iron found in drinking water is 10 milligrams per liter, but then again, iron concentration as low as 0.3mg/l presents a metallic taste in water.

It also makes the water reddish-brown. Excessive iron absorbed by the intestines can pose a lethal threat to the human body.

Types of Iron in Water

Knowing the type of iron in your water allows you to choose the right filter for your household properly.

Ferrous iron

  • Not visible
  • Hard to eliminate using basic filters.
  • A type of iron that has dissolved in water
  • Leaves stains behind on surfaces when it’s exposed to air and oxidized into ferric iron

Ferric iron

  • Stains surfaces
  • easier to filter out
  • Commonly known as rust
  • The oxidized form of ferrous iron
  • gives water a reddish-brown look

Organic iron

  • Also known as pink water or heme iron
  •  consists of iron combined with dissolved organic matter in the water.

Colloidal iron

  • hard to remove.
  • Remains suspended in water

Benefits of a whole house iron filter

A whole-house iron filter is a great investment for any home with well water. Not only does it protect your home from the harmful effects of iron in the water, but it also provides several other benefits.

The most obvious of these is your water’s improved taste and smell. With a whole-house iron filter, you won’t have to worry about unpleasant metallic tastes or odors in your water.

Additionally, iron filters can help to protect your plumbing and appliances from the buildup of iron deposits, which can cause clogs and damage. Finally, an iron filter can help to protect your family from potential health risks associated with drinking water that contains high levels of iron.

What to consider when buying an iron filter

Check that the filter is certified for iron removal

When looking for an iron filter for well water, it is important to ensure that it is certified for iron removal. Certification from a reputable organization such as NSF International or the Water Quality Association (WQA) will ensure that the filter will effectively remove iron from your water supply.

It is also important to check the filter’s specifications to ensure that it can handle the amount of iron in your water supply. If the filter is not certified or does not have the correct specifications, it may not be effective in removing the iron from your water.

Iron type

Knowing the iron type is important so you can choose the right filter. That’s why it is important to have your water tested. Some filters only remove rust, while others remove ferrous or soluble iron.

Iron quantity

Various iron filters have maximum iron content. For some, it’s a low 1ppm, and others can handle as much as 15ppm.

User-friendliness

A lot of iron filters are easy to install. You need the same tools and fittings. That is why there is a need to check the accessories that come with the filter. If you do not want to spend extra money on the installation, find a filter designed for DIY setup.

Flow Rate

When shopping for an iron filter, it’s important to check the maximum flow rate of the filter. This is the maximum amount of water the filter can process per minute. If the flow rate is too low, the filter won’t be able to process enough water for your needs.

With higher flow rates, the filter will be able to process more water, but it will also need to be replaced more often. Therefore, it’s important to strike a balance between flow rate and filter life. When checking the flow rate, look for one suitable for your needs.

Filter Life/Capacity

We need to bear in mind that we need to have a filter that has a high capacity and that can last a year before any filter replacements.

Build Quality

Check how well the filter is built. Low-quality filters may have a lower flow rate and be susceptible to leaking. Spend more on a filter that will serve you well for years.

Look for a long-term warranty on the filter

When considering the best water filter for iron, it’s important to make sure you choose one with a long-term warranty. Iron can be a troublesome mineral to remove from water, and the filter may not completely remove it from your water supply.

A long-term warranty will give you peace of mind that the filter will continue to work, even if the iron levels in your water supply change over time. Be sure to look for a warranty covering parts, labor, and any damage caused by the filter. Additionally, ensure that the manufacturer offers the warranty, as third-party warranties may not be as comprehensive.

Compare prices and reviews before purchasing

When buying an iron filter, price should not be the only factor to consider. It is important to compare prices and reviews from multiple sources to ensure you get the best value for your money.

It is also a good idea to read customer reviews to better understand how the filter performs in different conditions. Doing some research can ensure that you are investing in a water filter that will last for many years and effectively remove iron from your water supply.

Natural and affordable ways of removing iron

If you want to remove iron, you must decide how much iron there is. A water iron test is the first step.

Oxidizing agent and filter

This procedure uses a pump to introduce an oxidizing chemical to the water. Water is then held in a separate tank or pressure tank for around 20 minutes to precipitate and settle the iron. Finally, manganese greens and or activated carbon removes iron from the water.

Sediment filters

Sediment filters allow water to flow freely while keeping solid particles out of the plumbing system. Drinking water contaminants like dirt, silt, and cloudiness are easily removed with sediment filters. A micron rating fine enough to capture iron should be the goal of your sediment filter. People with low iron levels can benefit from this solution, as it is entirely ferric.

Ion-exchange filter

Ion-exchange water softeners can remove small amounts of ferrous iron from water. As with calcium and magnesium, the positively charged cations of iron attract the spheres of the anion resin beads and swap their sodium ions for those of the anion resin beads’ negatively charged counterparts. You’ll need a sediment pre-filter containing ferric iron if your water includes it.

Test your well’s water for iron, pH, manganese, and hardness using a low-cost test kit. There are two types of iron: soluble and insoluble. To figure out which type you have, you need to know which type of iron you have. Depending on the type of iron, a water-softening system or a whole-house water filter may be used to remove it. The iron and other minerals in water are removed by water softeners using salt.

Chlorination

Because chlorine turns dissolved iron into oxidized iron that precipitates, if continuous chlorination is used to get rid of iron bacteria, a filter may be needed to get rid of the oxidized iron.

Ozonation

Ozone oxidizes the iron in the water, forming insoluble metal oxides or sulfuric acid. Insoluble particles are removed via post-filtration using media such as activated carbon, manganese dioxide, and others.

Ion exchange

Iron removal from water is a frequent process in chemical and petrochemical plants and oil refineries. With minimal salt content in the fluid, an extremely acidic cation exchange resin such as AmberSepTM G26 H Resin is employed.

Aeration

It is through aeration that dissolved gases (such as carbon dioxide) are removed, and metals (such as iron) that have been dissolved are oxidized.

Manganese Greensand filter

Manganese greens and filters remove iron, manganese, and arsenic from groundwater. Iron and manganese have been precisely removed from manganese green sand using a special treatment process.

Common Issues with Whole House Iron Filters

When maintaining a whole-house iron filter, it is important to be aware of some of the common issues that can arise.

Iron buildup in the filter can lead to clogging, reducing the filter’s efficiency and causing it to become ineffective. It is important to regularly check the filter to make sure that it is operating properly and that the filter is not clogged.

Additionally, the filter may need to be backwashed or descaled periodically to remove iron buildup. If the filter is not regularly maintained, it can lead to premature failure or inability to effectively filter out iron from the water.

Frequently asked questions

Can Brita and PUR filters remove iron from the water?

No. Unfortunately, this cannot remove the iron in the water.

Is boiling water an effective way of removing iron?

No. Using this method is not a good way of removing iron.

Why is there iron in water?

Like other minerals such as magnesium, sulfur, and calcium, iron finds its way into the water. More so for iron since it is the most abundant element on the earth’s crust.

Can reverse osmosis remove iron?

RO is an effective way of removing iron and treating drinking water.

Conclusion

There are several methods for removing iron from a drinking water supply. Even though all have their benefits, it is imperative to know the makeup of the water supply so we can correctly apply the right system. 

Jay

Jay is a health and wellness enthusiast with expertise in water quality and nutrition. As a knowledgeable advocate for holistic well-being, Jay successfully manages Type 2 Diabetes through informed lifestyle choices. Committed to sharing reliable and authoritative insights, Jay combines firsthand experience with a passion for enhancing health."