Best Iron Filter for Well Water: Taste the Difference

Best Iron Filter for Well Water: DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT Iron Pro 48,000 Grain Water Softener Ships Pre Loaded with Resin In MIn Tank for Easy Insatllation

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Does the water from your well taste like “blah”? Good News! You can once again enjoy fresh, pure, and clean water with the best iron filter for well water.

There’s no question that water from a private well beat tap water in every way. It’s cheap (as in free), reliable, and it’s healthier.

You don’t have to worry about broken water mains miles away from home or nasty chemicals getting in your water between home and the water treatment facility.

And, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), almost 15 percent of the American population drinks and uses water from a private well.

But while well water is naturally cleaner than tap, there are still things you must do to help maintain its purity. One of those things involves ensuring that you have the best iron filter for well water.

Why Is the Best Iron Filter for Well Water so Important?

water filter installed on a faucet

Image by hardwarehank from Flickr

Although well water has many advantages over tap water, there are still some inherent challenges involved in keeping it clean. Contamination hazards such as microorganisms, nitrate, nitrite, organic chemicals, radionuclides, and fluoride can affect water from your well.

However, heavy metal contamination, such as iron, polluting your supply is a common problem.

How iron affects the body

How iron in water can affect your skin

How iron in water can affect your hair

How iron can be lethal

Other damage caused by iron

How iron gets into the water

Setting expectations for the best iron filter for well water

Types of Iron Filtering Systems: Softeners vs. Air Injection vs. Whole House Filters — Which Is the Best?

On The Go OTG3NTP1DS Double STD Water Softener

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The three most common types of water filtering systems are softeners, air injection, and whole house filters — each system as their benefits and drawbacks. The best type of iron filtration system depends on your needs.

Softeners

If your home has harder water, it can certainly benefit from having a softner, which can also reduce calcium buildup. Like iron, this type of accumulation also can affect water flow as well as the life of pipes and appliances. However, you should not rely on a softner alone to remove iron from your well water. While a softener can remove ferrous (clear water-soluble iron), it will likely become clogged with iron deposits over time (even if you have low levels of iron).

Softeners tend to work better when used in conjunction with other types of filters more suited for removing heavy metals.

Determining water hardness

Water hardness is the measure of how much magnesium and calcium dissolved in your water. You can measure water hardness in either milligrams-per-liter (mg/L) or grains per gallon (GPG). However, GPG is the industry standard way to discuss water hardness.

It’s imperative to determine the right water hardness before buying a water softening system. Guessing at this number will likely result in obtaining an improperly sized system. Plus, when programing your softener, it will ask you for the hardness value. You must adjust the hardness value if there’s iron present in the water. For every 1.0 parts per million (ppm) or mg/L of iron, you need to add 3 GPG of hardness to the total hardness value.

Whole house filters

Whole-house filtration systems are very popular options for homes that want to make sure each water source is filtered. These systems work best if you have low iron content and usually filters out ferrous and ferric (rust) iron, manganese, as well as other impurities. These filters can provide clear, clean, and good tasting water.

A whole-house system consists of three separate filters, each playing a specific role, such as filtering out iron or sediment. Most of these filtration systems do not incorporate a softner component, so you may need to purchase that separately.

Air injection

Air injection converts ferrous iron into ferric (clear to rust), which makes the iron particles easier to filter out. This system is effective but is not guaranteed to reduce all the iron oxides, which means you may end up with a clogged filter and other components.

Things to Consider Before Investing in the Best Iron Filter for Well Water

Once you’ve determined that you need the best iron filter for well water, there are a few factors you need to look at before making your purchase.

Size

Filter replacements

Installation

Testing your water for iron

After Installing Your System

These are a few things to look at after you’ve installed the best iron filter for well water system. If self-installing, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter and contact them if you have any questions. Never make assumptions or ignore concerns. Make sure all your fittings are adequately tightened and check for leaks.

Retest your water

You’ll need to retest your water to ensure that your iron removal system is working correctly. Insufficient removal could indicate a defect in the system, a mistake made during installation, or the wrong equipment altogether. While testing kits are relatively inexpensive, you may want to consider using a professional service for the most accurate results.

Maintain your system properly

The chances are that you’ll make a substantial investment into the best iron filter for well water. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations to ensure your system continues working smoothly.

How We Found the Best Iron Filter for Well Water

During our search for the best iron filter for well water, we examined many of the top filters recommended by professional reviews as well as homeowners. We measured such factors as ease of installation, warranty, price, and overall filtration performance. After comparing customer reviews, we found the six models that rate highest in customer satisfaction.

Here Are the Best Iron Filter for Well Water Models

These are six of the best iron filter for well water systems on the market. Most systems include warranties that cover different components, ranging from 1 to 10 years. And, some models also offer water softening features.

AFWFilters IRONPRO2 Pro 2 Combination Water Softener Iron Filter Fleck…

  • Ships pre loaded water softener, iron filter, all in one! High flow…
  • Fine mesh resin designed for high iron removal & long life — ships…
  • Fleck 5600Sxt digital metered valve for efficiency and ease of use, 5…

The Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener and Iron Filter not only removes iron, but it also removes the black build-up of calcium and manganese (scale) in hard water.

Plus, the filter is easy to install, use, and only regenerates when needed, which means the filter lasts longer and works more efficiently. This model is available in multiple colors and five different sizes.

It has a 5600SXT digital control head which lets you control the amount of water you need softened and filtered. The meter-based regeneration system only treats what you need, and can handle 12 GPM, allowing quick and convenient access to safe treated water.

The 32,000-grain system weighs 85 pounds and measures 48 by 9 by 9 inches. The 40,000-grain system is 53 pounds, measuring 54 by 10 by 10 inches, the 48,000-grain system is 92 pounds and 54 by 10 by 10 inches. Then there’s the 64,000-grain system which weighs 95 pounds and measures 52 by 12 by 12 inches, while the 80,000-grain system is 110 pounds and 65 by 13 by 13 inches.

We should note that the system may not filter water as quickly or in the capacity that you need. Also, if the power goes out, your system may reset.

Reviews and warranty

The Iron Pro 2 system has 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

One reviewer said that the system cleared up their calcium and iron problems quickly while another praised its hassle-free assembly.

This system comes with a 5-year warranty on the control head and a 10-year warranty on the tank.

Here is an installation video for this system.

PROS

  • Easy installation
  • Very effective at filtering iron out of water
  • Excellent customer service response

CONS

  • Some customers reported missing parts
  • A few reports of leaking
Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System w/ UV Purifier &…

  • Clean, Great Tasting Water From Every Tap In Your Home – Removes 97%…
  • High-Performance Well Filter System – Carbon & KDF filtration media…
  • Cost Efficient & Long Lasting – Clean water for less than $0.01 a…

The Aquasana Water Whole House Filter System filters iron and other stuff from your water. It also comes with a salt-free softener. And unlike other complete filtration and softener systems, you don’t need softener salt, electricity or a drain for the dirty water with this system.

The Aquasana system is available in either a 5 or 10-year system. Remember, the exact specifications depend on which system you buy. Both systems have a UV Sterilight Filtration system available, also.

The 5-year, 500,000-gallon system weighs 25 pounds, measures 69 by 10.5 by 57 inches, processes 7 gallons per minute and includes the complete system with hardware.

Meanwhile, the 10-year 1,000,000-gallon model weighs 7 pounds, measures 9 by 46 by 69 inches, processes 7 gallons per minute and also comes with the complete system including hardware.

This system filters not only filters iron from your well water, but it also filters pesticides, rust, herbicides, as well as other contaminants. This filtration system is also designed to prevent scale build-up but will not demineralize your drinking water.

It uses coper-zink and mineral, along with activated carbon to help filter your water. The UV-filtration unit (sold separately) helps eliminate harmful viruses and bacteria from your water.

This system may require some additional hardware. Plus, it treats fewer gallons per minute than some of the other systems. And the design may experiences leaks or clogs.

Reviews and warranty

Amazon reviewers rate this system 3.9 out of 5 stars, which is slightly below our usual 4-star standard. However, this system comes highly reviewed by such sites such as The Architect’s Guide and others.

Also, 3.9 isn’t terrible considering that it’s out of over 190 reviews, many models had far fewer reviews.

A customer mentioned how the system significantly improved the taste and overall quality of his well’s water. And another reviewer said the unit reduced residue on his clothes and dishes.

The warranties for the 500,000-gallon model is 5 years, and for the 1,000,000-gallon system, it is 10 years.

Here is an installation video for this system:

PROS

  • Water tastes great
  • Easy installation
  • Removes smell

CONS

  • Some problems with leaks
  • Expensive
  • Some users had problems with effectiveness
Air Injection Platinum 15 with Fleck 2510SXT and 1″ Bypass -…

  • High flow now with Vortech tank system for better backwash and higher…
  • Highest removal of both iron and sulfur. No chemicals. Nothing to add,…
  • Air injection creates pocket of air to super oxidize your water for…

The Air Injection Platinum 15 iron filter accommodates larger families or homes with more than three bathrooms. This filter removes sulfur, manganese, and iron without chemicals, and you’ll never need to add chemicals. Plus, the complete system is fully automatic.

This system weighs 200 pounds when fully loaded, measures 12c52 inches and includes a 5-year filter.

The filter removes up to 11 ppm of manganese, 17 ppm of sulfur, and 27 ppm of iron. The tank uses three bags containing filox media which traps sulfur, iron, and manganese, reducing stains and odor while improving the taste and quality of your water.

The air injection system makes a pocket of air located at the top of the tank, which oxidizes contaminants, making them easier to filter. Plus, the system’s design ensures that all the filtration takes place in one tank.

Also, a full tank containing filox media (based on average use) will last for up to 5 years. Plus it is simple to change when the filter when you need to replace it. The complete system comes with 1 large capacity tank, 1 rise with a distributor, a single 1-inch bypass valve, and 1, 2510SXT Air Injection head.

Installation for this system may take a longer than other systems. Also, some may find reloading the tank difficult.

Reviews and warranty

The Air Injection Platinum 15 received 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

One husband mentioned that he didn’t know how he and his wife ever lived without this system. They said it solved their nasty, iron saturated water issues like magic.

The system comes with a 5-year control head warranty and a 10-year-tank warranty.

Here is an installation video:

PROS

  • Taste and smell improved
  • Good quality
  • No more staining from foul water

CONS

  • Requires some strength to maintain
  • Complaints about customer support
iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System w/ 20” x…

  • Protect Your Family and Household Appliance from Iron, Manganese, and…
  • DIY Installation and Maintenance: Refer to our manual and our helpful…
  • Top-Notch Quality: The first stage high capacity polypropylene…

The iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Filtration System filters manganese and iron from every water source from your sink, to your toilet, tub, and washing machine. The filtration system reduces stains, odor, and buildup while leaving essential minerals in your well water.

Also, depending on the quality of your well water, you can purchase other filters for this system, including lead and sediment filters.

This system weighs 45 pounds, measures 8 by 25 by 21 inches, processes 15 GPM and has a 100,000-gallon capacity.

The system has a three-stage filtration process and installs at your main water supply to ensure each source gets filtered. Plus, the filters are easy to switch out and customize for your unique filtration needs.

The threading at the top of the filter can leak, and with this system, you’ll need a separate water softener system.

Reviews and warranty

Customer on Amazon gave this filtration system has 4.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

A reviewer raved on how easy the system was to install and how it easily filtered well water for their five-bathroom home. And another customer said that there was a very noticeable positive difference in water quality after installing this system.

iSpring includes a limited lifetime warranty on parts.

Here’s an installation video that can get you started:

PROS

  • Improved smell and taste
  • Considered a good value
  • Easy installation

CONS

  • Reports of leaking
  • Frequent filter changes needed
  • Water pressure problems
DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT Iron Pro 48,000 Grain Water Softener Ships…

  • Water softener, iron filter, all in one
  • 48, 000 Grain Capacity, fine mesh resin designed for high iron removal…
  • Fleck 5600Sxt digital metered valve for efficiency and ease of use, 5…

The Durawater Fleck 5600 SXT Iron Pro 48,000 Grain Water Softener removes hard water buildup, manganese, and iron from your well water. The filtration system works for households of up to five people and three bathrooms.

The system weighs 120 pounds, measures 54 by 10 by 10 inches, and has a 48,000-grain capacity.

This all-in-one filtration system is simple to set up and use. And it even has a step-by-step installation guide.

The system features a Fleck 5600SXT control head that has digital controls that which are very easy to use and read. The control head is also metered and shows you the number gallons remaining before the system has to regenerate (this is very helpful when bathing or doing laundry).

The system also includes a fine mesh resin for maximum iron removal, a tank, as well as a brine tank that softens hard water. You also get a complimentary hardness and iron test kit. These filters can remove up to 6 ppm of manganese, 8 ppm of iron, plus sediment, and rust.

The system can use a lot more salt than other systems, and installation may require a professional plumber.

Reviews and warranty

Reviews on Amazon rate this filtration system 4.5 out of 5 stars.

One reviewer said that the system drastically reduced the iron in their water, making their well water much cleaner. They did note that the installation wasn’t terribly difficult, but did require a bit of plumbing knowledge.

This system comes with a standard 5-year valve warranty and 10-year tank warranty.

Here is an installation video.

PROS

  • Effectively reduces iron levels
  • Installation with YouTube video easy
  • Excellent customer service

CONS

  • Some customers reported failure in O rings
  • Complaints about durability
Home Master Whole House Three Stage Water Filtration System with Fine…

  • Great for well water; for city water, consider model #HMF2SmgCC
  • Massive filter housings with 1-inch ports for the strongest water…
  • Multi gradient density replaceable sediment filter produces finer…

The Home Master Whole House Three Stage Water Filtration System can reduce stains from iron, odor from sulfur, and black slime caused by manganese. The triple-action filtration system gives you clean water to every water source inside your home with no water pressure problems.

The system removes close to 95 percent of water chemicals, contaminants, and sediment, which can lurk in well water. The system’s first step uses a polypropylene sediment filter that has four layers (1, 5, 10 and 25 micron). The second stage has a filter that reduces iron close to 3 ppm.

The last step involves a filter that uses a granular activated coconut shell carbon, which eliminates other chemicals. And the triple-stage system not only destroys odor and staining but also protects your appliances and fixtures.

The system includes filters, a housing wrench, mounting brackets, and instructions. Also, its carbon filter purifies a total of 95,000 gallons of water. This volume means it can last for about a year in a household with four people.

Installation may be a bit tricky for some, and this system may require a separate water softener.

Reviews and warranty

Amazon reviewers rate this filtration system 4.2 out of 5 stars.

One homeowner said that he connected this system to his main, which uses a community well, and saw immediate results. He also mentioned that installation was reasonably straightforward but did require some know-how.

This system comes with a 2-year warranty.

PROS

  • Water tastes and smells clean
  • Well built
  • Quick set up

CONS

  • Pricey filters
  • Buyers who didn’t test water prior to installation still had discolored water
  • Unit sometimes leaks

The Best Iron Filter for Well Water: Seeing and Tasting the Difference

To find the best iron water filter well systems, you’ll need to test your water thoroughly to find out the different levels of contaminants present in your well water. We highly recommend using a professional service. However, if you choose to use home tests, please be sure to follow the instructions carefully and consider getting two different kits to compare results. Understanding the composition of your water will help you determine the best system to buy and ensure that you get the most out of it.

We certainly wish you the best of luck finding the right system for your home. And if you have any comments or suggestions concerning any of the systems we reviewed, please be sure to let us know in the comments section.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

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