Do you want to find the best iron filters for well water?
In this guide, we'll 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 private wells
Too much iron in well water is a common problem that can lead to stained plumbing fixtures, clogs in the piping, biofilms, bad smells, and a multitude of other problems.
Iron filtration systems take out roughly 3-12 parts per million of iron depending on the system. Most of these water filters will also remove other contaminants besides iron such as sulfur that makes water smell like rotten eggs.
I have done the research and decided on a shortlist of the best iron filters for well water, check them out below!
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Best Overall | Springwell
|
| View on Springwell |
 | 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
- Removes up to 7-ppm of iron
- Filters up to 8-ppm of sulfur & 1-ppm of manganese
- Air injection oxidation system rated at 12-GPM
- Auto daily backwash
- 6-month money back guarantee
My overall #1 top pick for the best iron removal system for well water goes to the Springwell Well Water Filtration System because it is a high quality one tank filter that removes up to 7-ppm of iron. It also will filter out up to 8-ppm of sulfur to make your water smelling nice and clean. Homeowners can even monitor water usage and change settings through a phone app!
Top 6 Best Iron Filters For Well Water
Only have a minute? Check out the best whole house 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 dissolved iron and other contaminants.
Whole house iron filters are installed on the main water line typically near the main water shutoff. There are numerous types of filters that can remove iron such as air injection, sediment, KDF filtration, greensand, and Birm.
Whole house water filters can typically remove from 3-PPM to 10-PPM of iron from your well water. It may be the entire filter that removes iron, or it may be just a single stage of a multi-stage filtration system.
Read Also >> How To Fix A Whole House Water Filter That Leaks?
How To Pick The Best Iron Filter?
1. Choose The Filter Based On Water Chemistry
It is essential to buy a water filter system that can handle the amount of iron in your well water. Most filtration systems will remove anywhere from 3-PPM up to 15-PPM.
The main importance of a water test is confirming that you have iron in the water — and not just tannins. Also, knowing the amount (PPM) of iron and type (ferric or ferrous) in the well water will impact the type of iron filter you purchase. Some well filters are only suitable for a certain PH range as well.
We recommend getting the ETR Water Test Kit + Tannins that will check 53 items in your well water such as iron, manganese, tannin, sulfur, E. coli, and lead. ETR Laboratories is one of the most reputable labs in the U.S.
2. Determine Household Flow Rate
The flow rate of your household is the total amount of water usage during peak hours.
Each fixture in your home has a flow rate in GPM (gallons per minute). The average dishwasher flow rate is 2-4 GPM and the typical toilet is around 2-3 GPM.
In order to prevent low water pressure or interrupted water supply, homeowners need to add up all of the flow rates of the various fixtures (sink, toilet, water heater, dishwasher etc.) and estimate the total GPM water flow during peak usage.
If your household flow rate is below the GPM rating of the well water filtration system, you will likely experience water supply issues.
Read Also >> What Are The Best Whole House Water Filters?
What Are The Different Types of Whole House Iron Filters?
Air Injection Oxidizing
Air injection oxidizing or AIO water filters are likely the most popular iron filters for well water.
AIO systems remove dissolved iron out by the process of oxidation — basically exposure to air. Oxidizing iron removing filters are great for homes with soft water (not hard) and with soluble ferrous iron.
Modern oxidizing filters only use a single tank and employ 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.
Multi Stage Filters
Multi-stage filtration systems are made up of 2-3 filters with one filter primarily to remove iron. These water filter systems will also remove sediment, chlorine, herbicides, and other contaminants besides iron.
A common type of filter media used to remove iron in multi-stage systems is KDF. KDF Filters use a filter media largely made of zinc that converts ferrous iron into the ferric (solid) form in order to filter iron 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 filtration system.
Water Softeners
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. 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 >> How Do Whole House Ultraviolet Water Filters Work?
Our Reviews of the Best Iron Filters For Well Water
Here are my top picks for the best whole house iron filters if you have well water with the pros and cons of each filter...
Pick #1: Springwell Well Water Filtration System
Best Overall
My overall top pick for the best iron filter for well water goes to Springwell.
This high quality well water system will remove up to 7-PPM of iron while you sleep — no more stained fixtures and orange colored water!
And it won't just remove iron but it will filter up to 8-PPM of rotten egg smelling sulfur (and 1-PPM of manganese).
The 12-GPM system works by injecting air (oxidation) into the well water in order to solidify the dissolved iron. The greensand filter media in the tank then removes this oxidized iron from the water.
Homeowners can even use a phone app to monitor the water usage or to change settings such as air draw and backwash cycles! The Spring Well Water System comes with a great 6-month money back guarantee from a company with over 20-years of being in business.
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 backwashes the filter and sends iron down the drain while only needing 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.
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 removed 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.
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).
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.
The Aquasana salt-free softening system is 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 filters 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.
My #1 Top Pick: Springwell Well Water Filtration System
My top pick for the best iron filter for well water goes to Springwell. Here's why...
#1. Simple One Tank Design
The one tank design of the Springwell system makes it much easier to install and maintain. The system uses an air injection control system to automatically back wash the media every 24-hours in order to flush out the iron particles and to create a new air pocket.
#2. Iron Removal
This water filter system will remove up to 7-ppm of iron in your well water as well as up to 8-ppm of sulfur and 1-ppm of manganese. No more water staining.
#3. Pre-Loaded
The Springwell 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 feed many home wells. Iron in well water can also come from rusted well piping and equipment.
What Problems Can Result From Iron in Well Water?
Iron in drinking water rarely has any negative effect on health, though individuals with hemochromatosis may develop organ problems. Hemochromatosis increases 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.
