Do you want to find the best iron filters for well water?
Iron in the water is a common issue among wells, sometimes staining the water as well as plumbing fixtures.
In this product review guide, I will go over...
- My #1 top pick for the best iron filter for well water
- How do whole house filters for iron work
- The different types of iron filters for home wells
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 Pick  | #1 Pick | DuraWater
|
| View on Amazon |
 | AFWFilters
|
| View on Amazon | |
Best Budget  | Best Budget | iSpring
|
| View on Amazon |
 | Express Water
|
| View on Amazon | |
 | Aquasana
|
| View on Amazon |
My Overall #1 Rated Pick
DuraWater Iron Eater Filter For Well Water
Updated On January 12, 2023
- Removes up to 12-ppm of iron from your well water
- Removes 10-ppm of sulfur and 2-ppm of manganese
- One tank design with automatic back washing
- Ships pre-loaded with media for easier installation
My overall top pick for the best iron filter for well water goes to the DuraWater water filter. This one tank water filtration system will remove up to 12-ppm of iron from your well water.
It uses the Fleck air injection control head that automatically back washes the filter sending iron down the drain. It is relatively easy to install with some DIY plumbing skills. It also ships pre-loaded with media.
Top 5 Best Iron Filters For Well Water
Only have a minute? Check out our top 5 iron filters for well water below! Keep reading to see the pros and cons of each pick.
What Are Iron Removing Filters For Well Water?
Iron filters for well water are whole house filters that are designed to remove iron from the water. Iron dissolved in water is usually less than 10 milligrams per liter.
It may be the entire filter that removes iron, or it may be just a single stage of a multi-stage filtration system. The most common water filter for homes with well water are likely to be oxidizing filters.
Where Does Iron in Well Water Come From?
Iron is the 4th most abundant mineral on earth. Rain water and melted snow will dissolve iron in the earth, and these dissolved iron compounds will work its way into underground aquifers and eventually into the groundwater supplies that feeds many home wells.
Iron in drinking water rarely has any negative effect on health, though individuals with hemochromatosis may develop organ problems. Hemochromatosis increases the iron absorption in the body.
The most common complaints about excess iron in the water is that it can stain clothing, plumbing fixtures, and it can also cause foul smells and tastes.
Read Also: What Are The Best Whole House Water Filters? (General Use)
What Is An Oxidizing Iron Filter For Well Water?
Oxidizing whole house water filters for well water remove dissolved iron out by the process of oxidation (exposure to air).
Oxidizing iron removing filters are great for homes soft water (not hard) and with soluble ferrous iron.
Ferrous is iron that is totally dissolved in the water. When you remove water from the tap, the water will at first appear crystal clear, but after several minutes of exposure to the atmosphere, the water will appear reddish or brown. And if the water is left overnight, you may see iron flakes at the bottom of your glass.
Read Also: What Are The Best Point of Use Tankless Water Heaters?
The traditional oxidizing filter would have two different filter tanks, and it would use a Venturi valve to mix the air and water.
Modern oxidizing filters have removed the two tank system, and now uses an automatic pump to mix the air and water in order to oxidize the iron. And when the iron is oxidized, it is removed by a low cost filter media at the bottom of the tank. These systems also have automatic back washing capabilities so manual back washing isn't required.
Should I Get A Home Water Test For My Well?
For homeowners to truly make informed decisions about the type of water filter to buy in order to remove iron, a water test is recommended.
I personally recommend the Heavy Metals Water Test Kit. This kit will tell you exactly the type of heavy metals in your water including iron, mercury, copper and lead. All of these water tests are made in the USA and calibrated to EPA specifications.
You can view the price of the Heavy Metals Water Test Kit on Amazon right here.
Can I Use A Water Softener To Remove Iron From Well Water?
Even though water softeners are primarily used to remove scale from your water such as calcium and magnesium, they can also be effective at removing low levels of ferrous iron. Remember, ferrous iron is the completely dissolved iron in your well water.
Using water softeners to remove iron is primarily done when you have hard water which is rich in minerals, and not for use if you have soft water.
Water softeners work through a process of ion exchange. Basically, the sodium (type of salt) ions swap places with the positively charged mineral ions which includes iron. In addition, if you have solid iron in your water, so-called ferric iron, you will need to have some type of sediment pre-filter to remove these iron flakes.
Read Also: What Are The Best Whole House Water Filters? (General Use)
What Are KDF Filters For Iron Removal in Well Water?
KDF Filters use a filter media largely made of zinc that converts ferrous iron into the ferric (solid) form in order to filter it out. KDF can also remove a significant amount of chlorine out of well water.
In addition, KDF also has a partial anti-microbial effect and can inhibit the growth of fungi and other microbes. KDF Filters are usually one of a multi-stage water filration system.
What Are The Best Iron Filters For Well Water?
Here are my top picks for the best iron removing filters if you have well water with the pros and cons of each filter...
The DuraWater Iron Filter for well water is an air injection system that only requires one tank. This iron filter will remove up to 12-ppm of iron, 10-ppm of sulfur, and 2-ppm of manganese.
The Fleck injection control head automatically back washes the filter and sends iron down the drain while only needed one tank.
It is pretty easy to install if you have some basic DIY and plumbing skills. The tank also ships pre-loaded with media for an easier install.
- Removes up to 12-ppm of iron, 10-ppm sulfur, and 2-ppm of manganese
- Only requires one tank because of the Fleck control system
- Ships pre-loaded with media for an easier install
- Complaints of poor customer service
- Complaints of missing instructions
The AFWFilters filter will remove iron, manganese, and sulfur from your well water system. It can remove up to 10-ppm of iron and 2-ppm of manganese.
It basically works because the air pocket at the top of the tank oxidizes the iron in the water, and then it is removes using a low-cost sediment filter at the bottom.
The AFWFilters filter also uses a Fleck air injection control system, so two tanks is not necessary. This system comes with a stainless steel bypass valve so you can keep running water in your home during maintenance.
- Removes up to 10-ppm of iron and 2-ppm of manganese
- Includes stainless steel bypass valve
- One tank design uses a low cost sediment filter
- Complaints of poor filter performance
The iSpring 3-Stage filtration system is designed to filter iron and manganese from your water as well as sediment, chlorine, rust, and various other contaminants.
The 3rd stage filter is specifically made for the removal of iron. It can reduce iron up to 3-ppm and as small as 0.01-ppm.
iSpring has helpful youtube videos and instructions for the DIY home installation. The system requires minimal maintenance and has a low impact on water flow rate (up to 15-gpm).
- Removes up to 3-ppm of iron and 1-ppm of manganese
- Removes iron as well as sediment, chlorine, rust, solvents, and other contaminants
- Low maintenance
- Plastic housing may crack
- Complaints of leaking and poor performance
The Express Water filter system comes with three separate filters and the second stage of KDF filter is specifically made for heavy metal removal such as iron.
The KDF filter will filter iron, lead, aluminum, and other heavy metals from your water. The first stage filter is made to remove sediment from water such as sand and rust which can damage appliances.
The third stage carbon filter will remove chlorine, pesticides, and other bad tasting chemicals. The Express Water filter system comes with a metal frame for protection as well as three pressure gauges so you can monitor the system.
- 2nd stage KDF filter removes heavy metals like iron
- Includes pressure gauges and a clear 1st stage filter for easy monitoring
- Includes metal frame for protection
- Complaints of poor performance
The Aquasana salt-free softening system was designed for well water with their specialized carbon filter and UV sanitizing light.
This high performance water filtration system is rated for 5-years, though you have to replace the pre and post filter regularly.
The Aquasana water softening system is from for wells if you have low levels of ferrous iron in your water.
Aquasana uses a unique salt-free conditioning system which prevents healthy minerals from leaving your water.
- 5-year high performance water filter system
- Salt-free water conditioner to keep healthy minerals in your water
- Great for removing low levels of ferrous iron
- Expensive filtration system
- Difficult installation
- May not remove iron unless low levels of ferrous
My #1 Top Pick: The DuraWater Iron Eater Filter For Well Water
My top pick for the best iron filter for well water goes to the DuraWater filtration system. Here's why...
#1. One Tank Design
The one tank design of the DuraWater system makes it much easier to install and maintain. The system uses a Fleck air injection control board to automatically back wash the media.
#2. Iron Removal
This water filter system will remove up to 12-ppm of iron in your well water as well as up to 10-ppm of sulfur and 2-ppm of manganese. No more water staining.
#3. Pre-Loaded
The DuraWater system ships pre-loaded with filter media for an easier install. This system can also be installed with just some basic plumbing skills by homeowners.
