If you’re a homeowner who relies on well water, then you know that dealing with iron can be a real hassle.

You’re likely familiar with the problems that come with it, like scaling on fixtures and appliances, and soap scum build-up in showers and bathtubs.

One common solution is to install a water softener, but if you don’t want to go that route there are other methods to remove the iron from your well water.

Install a water filter

One way is to use a water filter, which you can install under the sink. To remove iron from the water this way, you’ll have to first determine the volume of the filtered water that’s being used. The process for doing so depends on whether or not your current plumbing arrangement has a pressure-reducing valve installed.

If there isn’t one already, then you need to make some modifications before installing an under-the-sink filtration system. You can either install a new pressure-reducing valve or bypass it completely if there are no outlets downstream of it.

These steps are necessary because the pressure in your well is very high, and without some sort of regulation between it and the household piping network, more damage could ensue.

You can then connect the water filtration system to your well via a 1/4-inch line, which should be connected to the right port on the pressure regulator.

If you’re not sure which one it is, look under your sink for a small wheel or knob that you can turn clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease water pressure. The input line should be connected to whichever opening allows for sufficient flow – this might require some experimentation on your part.

If there’s already a pressure-reducing valve installed, then there’s no need to mess with it. You can just attach the filtered water supply line directly into the appropriate port on the existing valve and go from there.

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It’s important that the filter you purchase has a flow rate that’s sufficient to meet your needs and won’t cause excessive pressure buildup.

You can find filters that will reduce iron, manganese, and even hydrogen sulfide in water.

Once the filter is installed and working properly, there are some common-sense precautions you should take to prolong its effectiveness. As with any type of filtration system, it’s up to you to replace the filter cartridges as necessary.

You may also want to install a sediment cartridge upstream of the main filtering stage – this will trap particles before they clog your multifunction filter.

Install a whole house filtration system

If you don’t want to go through all this trouble just for an under-sink water filter, then another option is a whole house filtration system that cleans both incoming and outgoing water.

You can connect these directly into your well or into your water softener if you have one.

Whole house filtration systems that remove iron can be a little bit pricey, but they’re also extremely effective and will pay for themselves in no time – not to mention the amount of money you’ll save on soap and cleaning supplies.

The best part is that they’re easy to install and will clear up your whole house. If despite this, you’re still having trouble with well water that contains iron, then contact a water purification company to discuss the options available.

They should be able to recommend one of these solutions or another that might work better for your situation.

How do you remove iron from water at home?

There are a few different ways to remove iron from water at home. One is to use a filtering system that specifically removes iron, such as an ion-exchange filter. Another is to add certain chemicals to the water that will bind with the iron and create a precipitate that can be removed by flushing the water lines.

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Below are a number of other options that can be used to remove iron from water at home –

  • Shock Chlorination.

This is the best option, but it is also the most time-consuming and labor-intensive. It works by running chlorine through the water system in order to oxidize the iron and create a precipitate

The problem is that it takes a great deal of chlorine to do this, so you have to find a way to store the chlorine long enough for it to clear the whole system.

  • Chemical Oxidization.

The problem with this option is that it can be hard to determine if the system is free of iron unless you take regular water samples for testing.

  • Catalytic Filtration.

This type of filtration can be used to remove iron, but only if it is specifically designed for that purpose. This is not the ideal option for removing iron from water at home.

  • Oxidizing filters.

This type of filter is specifically designed for removing hydrogen sulfide and iron. These filters will not remove manganese or any other contaminant, so they are best used as a secondary treatment after another filtration process clears the water of heavy metals and other contaminants.

You can find filters that will reduce iron, manganese, and even hydrogen sulfide in water.

Once the filter is installed and working properly, there are some common-sense precautions you should take to prolong its effectiveness. As with any type of filtration system, it’s up to you to replace the filter cartridges as necessary.

Which water purifier is best for iron water?

There are several factors to consider when selecting a filtration system, but the most important ones are the types of impurities you need to remove and how much you’re willing to spend

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If your main concern is just iron removal, then an ion-exchange filter is the best choice. If you’re looking for a whole house system that will remove iron and hydrogen sulfide along with other impurities, then a catalytic filtration system may be your best bet.

The good thing about these systems is that they can be installed as under-the-sink models or as a whole house system, depending on your needs and preferences.

Do carbon filters remove iron?

Carbon filters do work to some degree in removing minerals like iron from water, but this process tends to be slow and not very effective.

These types of filters are better used as pre-filters in order to extend the life of your main filter – they shouldn’t be considered a primary means of water purification.

The way this would work is to install a whole house filter in your water supply line, and have a carbon filter installed just before the water supply enters your home. The carbon filter will remove some contaminants, including iron, but it won’t do the whole job.

Final Thoughts

Iron in water causes problems because it gives the water an unpleasant color and taste. It also stains clothes, sinks, and tubs.

If you’re concerned about iron in your water and want to address the problem without installing a metered water softener, shock chlorination is probably your best bet.

It’s time-consuming, but for most homeowners, this is one of the most effective methods for removing iron from water.

About the author

I started working as a quality control manager with the Water Authority of Nassau County in 2005. After a few years, I moved into Water Waste Prevention, where I currently work as the production supervisor. I love my job and the people I work with, but most of all I love spending time with my family.