Iron pollution is a common issue in many homes, especially if they use well water. Too much iron in your water can cause reddish-brown stains on sinks and toilets, metallic-tasting drinking water, and can even damage household appliances. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should consider investing in a good iron filter for your home.
Selecting an iron filter is not simply about selecting one system over another, as it requires knowledge of the type of iron in the water, how much water you use, and which filtration technology is best for you. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know to how to choose right iron removal filter for your home.
What is Iron in Water and What Problems Does it Cause?
Iron enters your water because of soil erosion or through leaking existing iron pipes. While iron is not generally harmful to human health at any level, it can cause several problems in your home:
1. Stains and Discoloration
Staining is a common complaint about iron in your water supply. Iron leaves reddish, brown, or orange stains on your clothes, fixtures, bathtubs, and sinks. Most stains are difficult to remove and can be troublesome and even embarrassing when guests are present.
2. Taste and Odor
Iron in your water supply gives it an unpleasant metallic taste and most often has an earthy odor. This creates a problem for not only your consumption of drinking water but also anything else you cook, such as coffee, tea, or soups.
3. Clogging of pipes and appliances
Iron can build up inside your plumbing system, water heaters, dishwashers, or washing machines. Over time that builds up sediments and will starve water flow. Changing component deterioration with increased monthly, quarterly, and/or yearly, potentially costly maintenance.
4. Bacterial growth
As a result of iron in the water, iron bacteria can build. Iron bacteria are a slimy mass that can grow in your toilets and your tanks. Most will produce foul odors and can lead to blockages.
Types of Iron in Water
Before determining which iron filter is best for your home, it is a good idea to understand which type of iron is present in your water. Iron can come in several different forms, each requiring different filtration methods:
1. Ferrous Iron (Clear Water Iron)
This form of iron is dissolved in the water and appears colorless immediately out of the tap, but will turn reddish-brown when it is exposed to air. This is the most common form of iron and the most difficult to detect unless you get a water test done.
2. Ferric Iron (Red Water Iron)
This form of iron has already oxidised and appears reddish or yellow in the water. This type of iron is easier to see and is more likely to cause visible staining.
3. Organic Iron
This form is bound to organic matter and is even more difficult to remove. Organic iron often needs both filtration and chemical treatment methods for removal.
4. Iron Bacteria
This is not a type of iron but it is bacteria that lives off of iron. They produce slime and also cause some nasty clogs and odor problems.
Testing Your Water for Iron
Before choosing a filtration system, you should have a professional water test performed. This test will provide not only a reading on the amount of iron present, but also check for pH, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, hardness, and other contaminants that may affect filter performance.
You can take a sample to a certified lab or purchase a home test kit. Many reputable filter companies offer some kind of water analysis guarantee, which can give you some peace of mind in the recommendation for the best iron filter for your home.
Iron Filters for Residential Use
There are many kinds of iron filters on the market. The following are a few of the most effective systems:
1. Air Injection Oxidation Filtration Systems
Air injection systems will inject air into the water to provide oxidation of iron, which then collects on a filtration media (like Birm or manganese greensand). During backwash, the trapped iron will be flushed.
Best for: Ferrous iron, manganese, and limited hydrogen sulfide levels.
Benefits:
- No chemistry
- Very minimal maintenance
- Long-lasting media
2. Manganese Greensand Filters
These are filters that use a special media that has been treated with potassium permanganate, which allows it to oxidize iron and other metals. These filters require a periodic regeneration with a chemical solution.
Best for: Ferric and ferrous iron and manganese.
Pros:
- Effective for moderate iron levels
- May also treat against sulfur odors
3. Catalytic Carbon Filters
These filters use catalytic carbon to oxidize and remove iron. They are often used in combination with other media or chemistry and can also remove chlorine, odors, and organic compounds.
Best for: Low to moderate iron levels, odors, and organic compounds.
Pros:
- Multi-purpose
- No chemicals
4. Chemical Injection Systems
These systems use chlorination or hydrogen peroxide as an oxidation step (or chemical reaction) and then filter through carbon or sand, which is very effective if you have iron bacteria or very high iron concentrations.
Best for: High iron levels, iron bacteria, and hydrogen sulfide.
Cons:
- Requires chemicals to be refilled
- Higher maintenance
Some of the Things to Consider When Selecting an Iron Filter
When selecting the best iron filter for your home, you should keep these key factors in mind:
1.Iron Concentration Level
We want to know exactly how much iron concentration (parts per million or ppm) is in your water. Most standard filters work well for iron concentration levels up to 3-5 ppm. If your iron concentration is greater than 3-5 ppm, you may need a system that can use advanced oxidation or a chemical treatment systems, etc.
2. Type of Iron
Are you aware of whether your water is ferrous, ferric, has organic irons or contaminated with iron bacteria? This information will indicate the type of system you need.
3. Water pH
Iron filters typically require a pH of water that falls between 6.5 and 8.5. If your water is acidic, or alkaline, you will most likely need to install a pH adjustment system before your filters.
4. Flow Rate and Household Size
You need to choose a filter with enough flow capacity to handle your household water use. A filter that is undersized for your household will probably cause adverse water pressure and performance.
5. Maintenance Requirements
Some filters require excessive backwashing, chemical refills, or maintenance media replacement. Think about how much time you want to devote to maintenance.
6. Budget and Installation
Iron filters can vary considerably in price, depending on the technology they use, and the capacity you need. Consider the installation costs too, especially if you use a complicated system that may include chemical injection.
Conclusion
Choosing the right iron filter for home is not complicated. Understand your water type, and the iron concentration, and then determine a budget, flow rate, and maintenance requirements. After determining whether you will use an air injecte, catalytic carbon filter, or chemical treatment, you will be assured of significantly improved home water quality.
FAQs About Choosing an Iron Filter for Home
1. What is the best iron filter for well water at home?
The best iron filter for well water is dependent on the type of iron and its concentration in the water. For most homes, an air injection oxidation iron filter works well with ferrous iron, and a chemical injection system is best for iron bacteria or when high levels of iron are present.
2. How do I know what type of iron is in my water?
The type of iron can be determined through a professional water test. If the water is clear but rusty after sitting, it is ferrous iron. Reddish-tinged water coming from the tap means ferric iron. Organic iron and iron bacteria will require other kinds of testing.
3. Can a standard water softener eliminate iron?
Water softeners work for small amounts of ferrous iron (usually less than 1) but are not meant for greater amounts of iron or any other type of iron. Iron filters are much better for this.
4. How often do I need to service my iron filter?
The service will depend on the type of filter. Air injection filters require backwashing every few days; chemical injection systems require regular refills and monitoring. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
