Are you dealing with well water? Is iron in your water is a concern to you?
Then, iron water filter is the solutions to get rid of this unwelcome mineral.
I can assume that as a well-water user you’re finding yourself relating to any of these common situations:
foul tastes and muddy-colored glasses of drinking water.
bright orange-colored stains in toilets, and appliances.
bright discoloration in the bathtubs and showers from iron concentrations in water.
If so, this review of best iron water filters is for you.
With the best iron filter for well water, you can eliminate these threats and have healthy, sustainable water anytime.
Read along our best iron water filter reviews!
How This Best Iron Water Filters Review Will Help You?
In this post, you’ll find important information about iron in the water. Also, you’ll learn how an iron filtration system can help to keep you safe from consuming very high concentrations of this mineral.
Additionally, our buying guide will help you to find out what top features are to look for in the best water filter for well water so that you can get a system that actually works.
By the end, you’ll have everything you need to keep your household and drinking water healthy and free of iron.
Our Top Picks
Short in time? Here’s a glimpse of the 5 best iron removal filters you can get.
You’ll find out more about these well water filters in the detailed reviews below.
- Editor’s Choice: DuraWater Air Injection Iron Eater: A black iron water filter that removes iron up to 12ppm, manganese and Sulphur, features a Fleck 5600SXT digital control valve,10 x 54” mineral tank, 1” plastic by-pass, is easy to install and affordable.
- Best Air Injection: AFWFilter AIS10-25SXT AFW air injection: A water filter that features a 2510SXT digital control head, silver 10 air injection, eliminates up 2mm manganese and 10 pm iron, is chemical-free, is easy to install and comes with a 1-inch FNPT thread for a secure connection.
- Best Cost-Effective: iSpring WGB32BM: A 3-stage filtration system that features a CTO carbon filter, a PP sediment filter and an iron-manganese filter, removes up to 95% chlorine, VOCs and other contaminants and is also easy to install and maintain.
- Best 3 Stage: APEC 3-Stage Whole House Iron Water Filter: A whole house iron water 3-stage filtration system that boasts heavy-duty construction, has a high-capacity iron filter, 25-micron carbon filter, 30-micron reusable filter, filters up to 80,000 gallons of water and boasts a 15 GPM flow rate
- Best Well Water Whole House: Home Master HMF3SdgFec: This 3-stage well water filtration system eliminates up to 95% contaminants, has a greater dirt holding capacity, improved flow rate, comes with a steel mounting bracket, fully assembled and eliminates up to 3ppm iron.
A Brief Background of Iron in Well Water
Before we jump into the list of the best iron filters for well water, we wanted to go over some important topics. We believe understanding the problem will be more helpful while finding the best solution for well water with iron.
What Is Iron in Well-Water?
In simple terms, iron is a mineral found in nature. It’s one of the most common and widespread minerals available.
Iron naturally appears in lakes, rocks, soil, sediments, rivers and underground water. Moreover, it seeps into water source from ores, wastes and iron-relating reactions.
Types of Iron Found in Well-Water
Iron may appear in well water in the three different forms.
1. Ferric iron
It’s an insoluble form of iron, known as rust. In general, ferric iron appears in the oxygen-rich water source.
If your well water is bright orange or red rust colored, it’s an indication you’re dealing well water with ferric iron.
Ferric iron is sticky and causes clogs in the water system.
2. Ferrous iron
Ferrous iron is found in well where the water is less exposure to sunlight and doesn’t carry oxygen. It’s a soluble form of iron.
The presence of ferrous iron makes no turbidity or discoloration to the groundwater. So, it’s also known as clear-water iron. But when exposed to air, it oxidizes and transforms to ferric iron and makes the water cloudy.
It has staining properties and also affects the smell and taste of water.
3. Bacterial iron
It’s the nastiest configuration iron. When bacteria in the well water makes bonding with the iron, this form of iron occurs. It’s a bright red colored sludge.
Bacteria iron causes severe stains, odors and blockages that ultimately ruins water booster pumps, water filters, and softeners.
This configuration may create the harmful conditions where noxious pathogenic bacteria can grow.
Iron in Well Water Sources – How Does It Get In?
Primarily, this mineral gets into well water by seeping in from the earth hardened layer.
Rainwater pervades the soil and the underlying geologic formations helps to dissolve iron. And it deposits into the underground aquifers, sources of groundwater for wells.
No matter how diligently you maintain your well, the presence of iron in well water is unpreventable.
This mineral can also get into your well water from exposer to corroded and rusty plumbing.
Old and corroded iron pipes running from your well water sources leave brown or red-colored flecks in water and stains on the drains.
Effects of Too Much Iron in Water
Too much iron in drinking or household water has various Health Effects and Other Issues. Let’s explore them.
Is it safe to drink well water with iron?
An acceptable iron levels in well water is beneficial to human health. In fact, iron in water is essential to a healthy, balanced diet that transports oxygen throughout the body and contributes to red blood cell production.
But if it goes beyond the safe levels, iron may create adverse effects.
- Iron in your water can change its flavor, the taste of beverage, tea and coffee.
- It also leaves an unpleasant, sharp odor in drinking water.
- Drinking well water with high concentrations of iron can cause toxicity such as Hemochromatosis.
- Iron’s staining also effects on the human body. High concentrations of iron in shower water turns your hair orange and leave your hair lifeless and brittle.
- Iron in water effects on skin. Bathing in high-concentrated iron water negatively affects your skin. It adds a reddish tint on your skin.
- High –concentration of iron in shower water may dry out pores, and also worsen skin conditions like acne and eczema.
How does iron in water negatively effect your household?
- Iron forms a horrible bright-colored stain on linked surfaces, which may harm your household appliances.
- Coarse orange or yellow marks may appear in your toilet bowl.
- Bright yellow and red trails may appear surrounding the drains and around the rim of the kitchen or bathroom sink.
- Showers and bathtubs become discolor due to iron concentrations in water.
- Your laundry and dishes may get red and brown staining after being washed in iron water.
- Iron residue accumulates inside your plumbing and clogs pipes and reduce household overall water pressure.
- Any appliance and fixtures that use iron water will fall victim to iron build-up, which may lead to frequent and costly replacements.
How to Remove Iron from Well Water Source
How to Remove Ferrous Iron from Well Water
There are various methods to get the job done.
1. Using an Iron Filter
This system is useful if your water has 7 to 15 mg/l ferrous iron. By oxidizing the ferrous iron into the insoluble ferric iron, this process produces precipitation. Finally, the ferric iron precipitation is sorted out.
Iron filters use two common ways to do this job.
a. Using an oxidizing filter media
b. Pumping chlorine, ozone, or air into the water
This system is not recommended to use if there is organic matter in water. Again, it can’t treat bacterial iron in well water.
2. Using an Oxidizing Agent + Filter
This method is applicable to a higher amount of ferrous above 10mg/l. The chemical oxidation plus water filter treatment is the cheapest way to remove iron from well water.
This method uses an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide or chlorine. The agent oxidizes the iron present in water. Finally, the filter eliminates the oxidizing agent before you use the water.
Downside of this system is it requires regular backwashing and chemical refilling.
3. Using an air injection with filter media
To remove ferrous iron, you can use an air injector in combining with the filter to remove the iron up to 30 mg/l.
An air injector injects air to create an oxygen-rich environment. It oxidizes the iron to converts the ferrous ion into a ferric iron and then the filter strain out the precipitates.
The drawback of this system:
The produced ferric iron is sticky, which may cause clogging in the system.
You know only 20% of oxygen exists in the air. So not all iron will be oxidized.
How to Remove Ferric Iron in Well Water
By using a filter system with sub-micron rated sediment filter, you can get rid of ferric iron from well water.
Sediment filter lets the water flow through it while preventing iron precipitate that has emerged from the iron well water.
Make sure the filter has a sub-micron rating to capture the ferric iron adequately.
However, it won’t be useful if your well water has ferrous iron along with ferric iron.
How to Remove Bacterial Iron from Well Water
Shock chlorination method is perfect for removing bacterial iron from well water. This method involves three stages: Chlorination, Retention and Filtration.
It uses a high concentration of chlorine to a well. Thus the process thoroughly sanitizes both the water and the physical well itself.
To remove the excess chlorine in the water, you may need to use filter media using activated carbon.
** Using a filter may not be an effective solution if you’re facing a severe level of water iron problem. Based on the mineral types and contaminants present in your well water, you may need to use filters and softeners combo.
Buying Guide
So, what to look for when buying the best iron removal filters?
Before deciding to buy a unit, make sure you read the buying guide carefully.
Good news, the following section will help you a lot on this regard.
Consider the factors below before making a final decision.
Type of iron in water & Filter performance
Before you consider buying an iron filter, it’s essential to know what kind of iron you’re dealing with. Test the water of your well to make sure the nature of iron present in the water source.
If you notice reddish tint in your water, the reason is ferric iron (also called rust). Ferrous iron water doesn’t show any visual clue to identify primarily. It’s a soluble menace.
Iron bacteria is another culprit of well water sources. It’s a usually brown or red slimy jelly-like substance.
Once you come to grips with the type of iron existing in your well water, you can begin to look at the systems to treat it effectively.
Moreover, you should know the hardness and iron levels from your water test before deciding on a unit. And then decide on whether you need a single or three-stage filtering system for iron removal.
Filter size or capacity
Based on your need, decide the better size and capacity of the filter. Investing in the wrong size unit will only waste your money. Moreover, take into consideration your family size or members of your family. For a family of four members, a small size unit is enough. On the other hand, a big family will require a big size unit.
Ease of maintenance
Maintaining the system is one of the most significant considerations when choosing the best water filter, especially one that removes iron. The best iron filters for well water should be easy to operate and manage. A systems lifespan depends on the lifespan of the filter cartridges. And the effectivity of the filter media is dependent on water hardness and your water usage.
In general, a system works well from five to 10 years. But some models offers one year warranty. In this case, you may require to replace the filter. Go for a unit that parts are easily available and offers easy filter replacement.
Ease of installation
Choose the model which is easy to install. If you go for a whole house water filter check it’s easy to connect to the water supply line for the whole house.
Easy to maintain
Maintaining the system is one of the most significant considerations when choosing the best water filter, especially one that removes iron. The best iron filters for well water should be easy to operate and manage. A systems lifespan depends on the lifespan of the filter cartridges. And the effectivity of the filter media is dependent on water hardness and your water usage.
In general, a system works well from five to 10 years. But some models last about a year. In this case, you may require to replace the filter. Go for a unit that parts are easily available and offers easy filter replacement.
Flow rate
You should take into consideration the water flow pressure that is important and also the demands of peoples.
Enough chit-chat. Let’s get right to the best iron water filter reviews.
Here are the Best Iron Water Filters in 2024 Review
So, you’re looking for a good-quality, reliable iron filter that actually works?
Great!
But the chances are that you get lost in the numerous options of filter market.
No worry!
Take a look at 5 recommended model below as we spent the time to experience and shortlist the best ones.
1. Durawater Air Injection Iron Eater Filter (Black Series)
Key Features
- Removes Iron (up to 12 ppm), Manganese, sulphur
- Fleck 5600SXT digital control valve
- cubic ft centaur carbon
- 10×54” mineral tank
- 1” plastic by-pass
Durawater air injection iron eater filter is not only efficient for removing iron and sulphur but also cost-effective.
Unlike the traditional filter, it’s a single tank system that put the whole process inside one tank. Thus, it keeps downtime and maintenance time to a minimum.
So, how does the system work?
By utilizing “air pocket”, the Iron Eater oxidizes sulphur and iron. At the final step, the filter media eliminates the minerals from the water. This unit can remove up to 12 ppm iron, 2 ppm manganese and 8 ppm hydrogen sulphide.
Importantly, the Fleck 5600 SXT air injection control head automatically does the backwash. It removes accumulated iron and flushes everything down the drain. It also automatically starts the regeneration process to add fresh air pocket to the system.
This complete iron filtering system is simple to set up. Even if you’re not a professional, you’ll still benefit from the instructions that help you to set it up with some basic plumbing skills.
A distinctive feature of this unit is it comes pre-loaded with the media for easy installation. It also includes by-pass valve, and all necessary support bed and media for individual application.
Overall, the system is totally worth it.
Pros
- Efficient and cost-effective
- Auto backwash and regeneration
- Super easy installation process
- Good customer support
Cons
- Expensive but no significant issues found
2. AFWFilters AIS10-25SXT AFW – Best Air Injection Iron Filter
Key Features
- 2510SXT digital Control Head
- Silver 10 air injection
- Low-cost sediment filtration media
- Standard 1″ FNPT thread
- Single tank design
- Almond resin tank
Staining, odor or water-quality issues due to well water? Then, AIS10-25SXT AFW is one of the most recommended options available to solve this problem. It’s a whole-house system perfect for an average-size home.
It’s an excellent choice to rid your water of iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide. This model uses air injection silver system to provide low cost way to get rid of these unwelcome minerals.
And the result? – Extremely pure, amazing taste water without sulfur or rotten egg odor.
There is a specialized digital control head that eliminates the necessity of expensive pumps and separate air tank like traditional systems. The control head is easy to set up and shows system status at a glance.
The system helps to keep the maintenance and downtime to a minimum. By utilizing a patented piston, it puts the whole oxidization process inside one tank. Moreover, it eliminates up to 2 ppm manganese and 10 pm iron at a fraction of the cost of expensive iron filter media.
No chemicals needed at all!
Yes, you’ve heard that right.
AIS10-25SXT AFW is a chemical-free solution. More specifically, a bubble of pressurized air at the top of the tank super oxidizes the contaminants. Then, these are trapped by sediment filtration media at the bottom of the tank.
Installation of this thing is a breeze. It includes 1-inch FNPT thread for secure connection to your plumbing. The included guidelines allow you to install the system yourself.
In essence, it’s an outstanding solution to remove iron from your well water. It’s worth the investment.
Pros
- Able to remove higher contaminate levels
- Requires less maintenance
- Super easy DIY installation
- Chemical-free and cost effective
- Automatic backwashes
Cons
- Backwash discharges water loudly.
- It does not remove TDS. Reverse osmosis is what you would need for that.
3. iSpring WGB32BM – Best Well Water Filtration System
Key Features
- 3-stage filtration
- PP layered sediment filter
- CTO carbon block filter
- Iron manganese filter
This iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage whole home water filters is an excellent Point of Entry (POE) system that ensures clean, freshwater from every output in your home. It’s the perfect solution for cleaning up well water.
But why I’m saying this?
WGB32BM is a three-stage filtration system where the third stage is very useful for well water filtration.
The specially designed 3rd stage filter FM25B is incredibly useful to remove the common contaminants and plethora of heavy metals found in well water supplies.
And it lasts up to 3 times longer than greensand providing you hassle-free services.
Also, note the in the first stage, the sediment filter eliminates dirt and other larger sized particles. It can achieve filtration down up to 5-micron.
Whereas, CTO Carbon Block filter in the second stage play a role to maximize efficiency and filter life. It’s highly effective in removing organic chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, etc. Moreover, it removes up to 95% chlorine from water. It also knocks out odors and bad tastes.
Of course, it does its works keeping healthy minerals in your water.
It’s nice to know that the PP sediment filter and CTO carbon block filter both have a capacity of 100,000 gallons of water. Indeed, it’s enough to supply a family of four with fresh water for a year.
But wait- that’s not all.
The design is simple enough for easy DIY installation. With Big Blue 20” x 4.5” filter cartridges and 1” NPT inlet/outlet, the iSpring whole house water filter requires minimum maintenance.
Overall, this three stages whole house water filter is excellent for well water supplies. It also plays a vital role in saving your budget and time while still providing quality water amounts.
Pros
- Multi-layer filtration
- Requires minimum maintenance
- Top-notch quality filters
- Removes up to 95% of chlorine, VOCs and other contaminants
- Iron & manganese removal
- Easy to install
Cons
- It does not soften water
4. APEC 3-Stage Whole House Water Filter System
Key Features
- Premium 3-stage filtration
- 30-micron reusable sediment filter
- High-capacity iron filter
- 25-micron carbon filter
- Filter up to 80, 000 gallons of water
- 15 GPM flow rate
- Heavy-Duty, durable Housing
APEC CB3-SED-IRON-CAB20-BB is one of the whole house well water filters available. It’s also perfect for light commercial and industrial uses.
This whole house system lets you enjoy clear, clean and iron-free, healthy water at every faucet and appliances of your home. It also helps protect and prolong fixtures and plumbing’s life
So, what’s the speciality of this thing?
The system comes equipped with three filters that work together to remove the harmful minerals and contaminants of your water effectively.
First, pleated sediment filter captures sand, dirt, rust and silt. Second, the advanced iron filter uses high-purity manganese dioxide to eliminate the metallic taste of water.
It also removes orange, red and brown iron stains. Finally, the carbon filter removes chlorine and ensure odor-free, healthy water to every outlet in your home.
Noticeably, this system can filter up to 80, 000 gallons of water before changing the cartridges.
This product is proudly designed, manufactured and assembled in the USA. It uses world-class materials selected globally to ensures premium quality.
It includes three industry-standard bb housings. The heavy-duty construction can withstand a wide range of water pressure for various applications. They are pre-attached to a mounting bracket for easy installation. There is also 1-inch input inlet and outlet ports for fast-flow rates.
In summary, this thing is entirely worth every penny.
Pros
- Premium quality
- Long-lasting performances
- Effective contaminants and iron removal
- Fast flow rate (GPM)
- Comes pre-assembled
- Pretty easy installation
Cons
- Not designed to soften the water
5. Home Master HMF3SdgFeC – Best Well Water Whole House Water Filtration System
Key Features
- 3- stage filtration
- Multi-gradient depth sediment filter
- Radial flow iron reduction filter
- Radial flow granular activated coconut shell carbon filter
- Massive filter housings with 1-inch port
Home Master HMF3SdgFeC is a three-stage well water filtration system. It works well for well water with manganese, iron and sulfur problems up to 3 ppm.
Primarily, it can eliminate up to 95% of sediment, chemical and other contaminants that create odors and bad tastes.
Home Master uses the powerful combination of three filters in this model, which give this unit enough power for excellent purification.
The 1st stage filter us multi-gradient that filters down to 1 micron. Moreover, the 4 layers of sediment filter enhances dirt holding capacity. This filter is replaceable.
On the other hand, the iron reduction filter effectively eliminates iron in well water up to 3 ppm.
Finally, the activated carbon filter removes chemicals, staining, foul tastes and odors.
Usefully, it has a massive filter housing with 1-in. ports that ensures stable water pressure— up to 15 gal/ minute.
Still not CONVINCED?
Home Master HMF3SdgFeC is designed with your convenience and comfort in mind. The design ensures your water pressure never falls short while delivering clean, clear water to every faucet and bath in your home
Not only it’ll improve flow rate, but it also reduces maintenance frequency. That means, it’ll save you money, time and inconvenience in turns.
Finally, it includes a steel mounting bracket with bolts, housing wrench, instructions for easy installation.
To summarise, if you have a private well on your land and looking for an efficient whole house water filtration system, this is the best unit that you should not overlook. It guarantees healthy water from a well water source for your entire home.
Pros
- Finer filtration
- Greater dirt-holding capacity
- Improved flow rate
- Require less frequent service
- Comes fully assembled
Cons
- Not recommended for chlorinated city water
FAQ
I need to use a water softener with a water filter. Where will I place the filter- after or before the softener?
If you need to use an iron filter with a water softener, set the filter before the softening system. It’ll help to reduce contamination in the resin bed and thus prolong the lifespan of the system.
Is there any way to remove iron naturally from well water?
Unfortunately, you have no options to remove iron from water naturally. An iron filter, water softener, or an oxidizing agent or air injector combined with a filter are good option to remove iron.
My pool water has iron. How can I remove this mineral?
You can follow the same methods used for well water to treat iron for removing iron from pool water,
Conclusion
This shortlist of best iron water filters provides you with a selection of the most reliable products available.
Now it’s your turn!
I hope our iron filtration system reviews and the other information will help you to pick the right model to treat iron in your water.
Remember to test your well water condition first to choose the most suitable one for you.
Thanks for taking your time to read our in-depth review.