Best Iron Filters for Well Water in 2020 (Detailed Reviews & Guide)

Private water wells can be a smart investment. When built correctly, they can supply homes and businesses with gallons of fresh, clean water every day. They can even help you escape the hefty water bills and annoying service disruptions associated with municipal water. But like all investments, water wells carry some risk – one of the biggest being iron contamination.

Iron is a key mineral in your diet, but in excess amounts, it can wreak havoc on your health and household. Typically, the metal enters your home through your plumbing system and leaves reddish-brown stains in your bathroom fixtures and on your clothing and laundry. It can also change the taste and smell of your drinking water, and encourage the growth of certain harmful bacteria. But thankfully, installing an iron filter can help resolve these and other iron-related issues.

The problem, however, is that there are hundreds of iron filters on the market, most of which are different and produce varying results. Because of this, finding the one that best suits your needs can be tiring and time-consuming. But after hours of researching some of the highest-quality iron filters on the market from various brands, we’ve carefully hand-picked the nine top performers to include in this comprehensive review article.

To make sure we provide the most concise and detailed information possible, we will be breaking down the most critical aspects of each system, including:

• Key specifications (including dimensions, design, flow rate, available add-ons and upgrades, features, technology, accessories, etc.)
• Filtration process and performance
• Ease of installation and maintenance
• Warranty and money-back guarantee

We’ll also highlight what we like and don’t like about each unit. So, without further ado, let’s jump into the review.

Best Iron Filters for Well Water (2020 Reviews)

1.     Springwell WS1 Whole-House Iron Filter for Well Water (Our Top Pick)

The Springwell WS1 is a high-performance whole-house iron filter for well water – and perhaps the most reliable, durable, and efficient unit on this list. It features a single tank with width 10″ and height 54″ (64″ with head). It also rocks a stainless-steel cylindrical body with a matte-black finish. These design elements combine to give the system a neat, simplistic, and modern look.

When it comes to filtration performance, the WS1 is a beast. Its four-stage filtration process, together with some of Springwell’s other innovative technologies, filter up to 7 ppm (parts per million) iron, 8 ppm sulfur, and 1 ppm manganese. And the result? Cleaner and better-tasting food, no more orange and black staining and rotten egg smell, and no more limescale buildup in your pipes and plumbing fixtures.

The WS1 also produces an impressive service flow rate of 12 GPM (gallons per minute), which can adequately serve 1-4 bathrooms. However, if your home has more than four bathrooms, the WS4 (the WS1’s bigger sibling) produces up to 20 GPM. With these flow rates, you’ll never have to worry about decreases in water pressure in your home.

Another remarkable feature of this Springwell iron filter is its superior level of filtration performance and efficiency. It achieves this by maintaining an “air pocket” at the top of the tank. As the water passes through the air pocket, it oxidizes iron, sulfur, and manganese. It then traps the oxidized materials in the bed of green fusion before it backwashes them out down a drain and resets the air pocket. Afterward, the system transports fresh, clean, iron-free water throughout your home.

Setting up the system is super easy. Plus, its Bluetooth technology gives you complete control over the system’s settings from your mobile device. Using this technology, you can adjust the filter’s settings, such as the backwash cycles, valve settings, timing, and more. Even better, the electronic control valve is automatic, so you can program it, set it, and leave it.

2.    Fleck IRON PRO 2 Combination Water Softener Iron Filter

The Fleck Iron Pro 2 features both an iron filter and a salt-based water softener. It’s an all-in-one system that offers incredible value for money. If you wish to remove iron from your well water and transform it from hard to soft water in one of the most efficient ways possible, we strongly recommend this model.

The Iron Pro 2 is explicitly designed to tackle contaminants in well water. Hence, it is perfect for families who get their water from private wells. (Not to say it cannot be used for municipal water as well.) The system weighs around 85 pounds and has dimensions of 48 x 9 x 9 inches to make installation as easy as possible with a few basic tools and technical know-how. Design-wise, it’s not the best-looking iron filter we’ve come across – if that matters to you. The blue, almond and black colorways are pretty decent, but that’s about it.

One of the system’s most unique selling points is its high-density fine mesh resin. The fine mesh resin significantly enhances iron filtration performance and water softening capability. It reduces hardness up to 50 GPG (grains per gallon), iron content up to 6-8 ppm, manganese up to 6 ppm, and sediment, sand, and rust. It also removes calcium and magnesium in hard water, which, in turn, reduces limescale buildup and provides your home with softer, tastier, better-smelling water.

We believe that the 64,000-grain model is the perfect size for many average households. However, you can size up and size down, depending on your requirements in terms of water hardness and the number of people in your home. The full regeneration cycle takes approximately three hours to complete with a full dosage of salt. You have the option to schedule regeneration automatically whenever required or at a time convenient to you. Plus, the separate brine tank can store approximately five packs of water softener salt, so you won’t have to refill it very often.

Another standout feature of the Iron Pro 2 is its digital control head. It is all-digital and fully programmable, which makes the system easy to control and monitor. Even more exciting, the meter-based regeneration technology helps cut back on wastage. When you consider that 100 or more gallons of water can be consumed during the regeneration cycle, you’ll see that the meter-based regeneration feature is crucially important.

Also, meter-based regeneration only treats what you need. And with the capacity to handle 16 gallons of water per minute, rest assured that enough pressure will be in all the pipes that connect to your appliances, showers, and faucets.

If you’re the DIY type, you’ll be happy that this combo filter is easy to use and install. It also comes with a step-by-step installation guide and free customer support.

3.    Quality Water Treatment SoftPro IronMaster Chemical-Free Filter (Best Budget Choice)

If you are looking for a robust, reliable, and highly affordable iron filter, the Quality Water Treatment (QWT) SoftPro iron filter is the one for you. This lightweight, low-maintenance, chemical-free filter is a single-tank system that impressively removes up to 30 ppm of iron, manganese up to 7 ppm, and up to 5 ppm hydrogen sulfide down to 3 microns. With additional features, it can remove up to 120 ppb (parts per billion) of arsenic. It has dimensions of 10 x 44 inches and comes in a glossy black cylindrical body with a silver and black digital head.

The SoftPro iron filter uses the advanced filtration media Katalax, unique MnO coating, air injection oxidation, and other engineering techniques to provide the highest filtration performance possible. When the incoming water enters the filter, the filter adds oxygen to it by passing it through a compressed air bubble. Next, the water passes through a unique filter bed. This specialized media increases the water’s pH and acts as a physical barrier to trap iron, manganese, and other contaminants. The system then starts the regeneration process to replenish the oxygen supply and backwash out the pollutants trapped in the filter bed.

The QWT SoftPro filter also comes with a digitally controlled 1-inch valve that allows you to customize the system using the large backlit LCD. Besides, the 1-inch valve enables the system to produce optimal flow rates to meet your water treatment needs. It also utilizes a horizontal piston to dismantle the iron and keep it from building up in the valve. Over time, this simple function reduces maintenance compared to some other filter brands.

This system is excellent for homes with 1-3 bathrooms. Plus, it’s relatively easy to install, although you will need additional parts and tools. When you purchase this QWT system, you receive a “lifetime” customer support, a 60-day money-back guarantee, and a seven-year warranty. The lifespan of the filter media averages about 8-10 years before it needs to be replaced.  

4.    Home Master 3-Stage Iron Filter

The Home Master 3-Stage iron filter is a mid-tier whole-house system that focuses on reducing/removing iron, manganese, and sulfur from water. This triple-action filter weighs around 48 pounds and measures 24 x 9 x 25 inches. Its design is pretty plain, so if you’re looking for a filter with a great design like the Springwell, this Home Master is likely not a good fit. That’s if a filter’s design is a high priority when you’re making a buying decision.

But otherwise, this Home Master iron filter features three stages of filtration, each performing specific tasks, and requiring a specialist filter. In step one, a sediment filter eliminates larger particles (dirt, sand, rust, etc.) from water. It has multiple layers and filters contaminants down to one micron. The stage two filter specializes in reducing 95% of iron, sulfur, and manganese from water. This particular filtration stage helps remove those contaminants that typically damage your household appliances, pipes, and water heater. Stage three’s filter is concerned with eliminating chlorine and other chemicals. This filter is said to remove up to 90% of chlorine. Its other function is to improve taste and eliminate odors from your drinking water.

What’s also unique about all the filters used in the filtration process is that they do not require frequent replacements. Depending on the usage level and the water’s contamination level, the sediment filter can last between six and 12 months. Similarly, the iron filter’s lifespan in stage two is determined by the concentration of heavy metals in your water. And lastly, the carbon filter in the third and final filtration stage lasts for one year or 100,000 gallons.  

Another thing we truly appreciate about this Home Master system is that it effectively treats water and removes iron without affecting water pressure. Because of its 15-GPM flow rate, you can still use the water while the system is filtering. We also love that the system comes with filters, mounting brackets, a housing wrench, and an instruction manual. The filter comes assembled for easy installation, and is covered by a two-year limited warranty.

5.    Aquasana Whole-House Iron Filter

This Aquasana whole-house system is one of the most sought-after iron filters for private well water. That’s because it is uniquely engineered to maximize filtration for top performance, filtering 97% of chlorine and reducing fluoride and other contaminants like lead, mercury, and pesticides. The system can also be upgraded to include a salt-free water softener and UV filtration, which is a huge plus if you’re on well water.

Aquasana offers this system as a five- or ten-year system, with varying specifications based on the model. The 5-year 500,000-gallon system weighs 25 pounds and has dimensions of 69 x 10.5 x 57 inches. The 10-year 1,000,000-gallon system comes in at 7 pounds and measures 9 x 46 x 69 inches. Both systems look neat and well-designed. Their blue and black colorway also add a modern, unique flavor to the design aesthetics.

An incredible feature of this Aquasana whole-house system is its distinct up-flow, dual tank functionality that equates to more water remaining in contact with the filters for a longer time. That means more contaminants being removed and less clogging. However, the system produces a disappointing 7-GPM flow rate, which – depending on the size of your home – may affect your water pressure.

The system filters iron, pesticides, herbicides, rust, and other contaminants from well water. It’s also designed to prevent scale buildup, which helps protect pipes and appliances. Still, it will not demineralize your drinking water. When the water enters the system, it goes into the sediment prefilter, which catches and removes impurities like sand, silt, dirt, and debris. The water then passes through two up-flow canisters for water softening (removing hardness-causing minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause scale and corrosion) and carbon filtration (reduces herbicides, pesticides, and other chemical compounds that may be present). There is also an optional post filter that reduces any remaining sediment and organic particles, and a UV starlight filter (sold separately) that helps kill 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

Installing the system can be a DIY project. Aquasana’s optional pro-grade installation kit includes brass fittings for easy installation, a 20-inch prefilter, and a sub-micron post filter. It also has bend support and shut off valves for easier filter changes. While some reviewers reported that they’ve managed to install the system themselves, some said installation required the help of a professional plumber. In closing, Aquasana provides a 5-year warranty on this product, a 90-day guarantee, and installation instructions.

6.     iSpring 3-Stage Water Filtration System

iSpring is one of the less popular names in the water filtration industry, but that does not stop the company from manufacturing some of the highest-performing water filtration systems.

Their 3-Stage whole-house filter weighs about 45 pounds and has dimensions of 8 x 28 x 21 inches. Compared to the other systems in this review, it’s a pretty lightweight and compact filter. Also, it has a standard design – nothing too fancy, though. iSpring is mainly focused on the system being able to remove unwanted contaminants like iron and manganese from every water source in the household – from toilets to washing machines to water heaters – while retaining all the healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium.

With this iSpring whole-house system, you’re getting three individual filters, which are tasked at performing different functions, but with the same goal of producing filtered water of exceptional quality. The first stage filter is designed to remove larger sediment particles from your water supply, down to 5 microns. These particles include but are not limited to silt, sand, and rust, as well as anything else that shouldn’t be ingested. Besides, by removing these larger particles, the remaining filters typically last much longer. The second stage consists of a CTO carbon block filter. The interior of this particular filter is produced from the carbon contained within coconut shells for maximum filtration efficiency. The third stage is tasked with repeating the process initiated by the second stage filter. Any remaining contaminants that weren’t trapped and removed during phase two are removed during the third and final stage.

It should also be noted that this system is designed to be installed on pipework that features a one-inch diameter. With this connection size and the system’s 15-GPM flow rate, it can adequately supply homes with higher-than-usual water demand. Plus, the “Big Blue” filter cartridges allow for minimal water pressure reduction due to their volume. On top of that, the filters have a capacity of 100,000 gallons of water, which can supply an average household of four for about a year before they need to be replaced. The filters are easy to switch out and customize for your filtration needs.

When you order this product, you will receive a large metal mounting bracket, three “Big Blue” filter housings with caps, a 4.5-inch filter wrench, and three of the filters we mentioned earlier. Also, the system is easy to install, easy to use, and easy to maintain.

7.    Air Injection Platinum 15 Iron Filter

The Air Injection Platinum 15 iron filter is designed to remove iron, sulfur, and manganese from well water without adding chemicals. It’s a single-tank system that weighs a massive 200 pounds when loaded and measures 12 x 52 inches. In terms of design, the system looks a bit outdated, and the colors are very dull.

The good thing is that the system impressively removes up to 27 ppm of iron, 17 ppm of sulfur, and 11 ppm of manganese. Even better, it produces a peak 12-GPM service flow, which is pretty decent for a large household. The tank is filled with three bags of Filox media. This material traps the contaminants mentioned above. This allows the system to significantly reduce odors and stains and improve the quality and taste of your well water.

The filtration process for this iron filter is very simple but effective. The air injection design creates an air pocket at the top of the tank. It then oxidizes the contaminants so that they are easier to filter. Besides, the filtering system is designed for all the filtration processes to occur in one tank.

Under normal use, the full tank of Filox media will last for five years. It’s also easy to change when the filter needs replacing. The complete system includes a large-capacity tank, which is perfect for households with more than four people or three bathrooms, Filox media, a one-inch bypass valve, a rise with a distributor, and a 2510SXT Air Injection head.

8.    ABCwaters Iron Filter and Water Softener

This ABCwaters iron filter and salt-based water softener is a sufficiently good filter at a very low cost. It works to eliminate/reduce hard water buildup, iron, and manganese from your well water. The system has dimensions of 54 x 10 x 10 inches and weighs about 120 pounds. When it comes to design, it is basic at best. Its most notable design feature is its glossy black color.

However, the system is excellent for households of up to five people and up to three bathrooms. It comes with a tank, a fine mesh resin designed for optimal iron removal, and a brine tank for water softening. The system removes up to 8 ppm of iron, up to 6 ppm of manganese, and sediment, sand, rust, dirt, debris, and other impurities. It also has a 48,000-grain capacity, which is pretty decent for such a low-cost system.

The special fine mesh water softener resin can remove more iron and hardness than standard ones because of its compact environment, which allows it to trap more contaminants. The system also uses meter-based regeneration to measure the water you use and only regenerates when it needs to. That means if your home’s water needs increase, the system regenerates more often to keep up with the demand. And if less water is being used, the system regenerates less frequently to conserve water.  The Fleck 5600SXT metered on-demand control head has digital controls that are easy to read and use. It displays useful information, like how many gallons remain before the system regenerates. This feature can be very useful when doing laundry or showering.

To wrap things up, we love that this ABCwaters all-in-one filtration system is easy to use and set up. It comes with a step-by-step instruction guide for installation. It’s also backed by a five-year warranty.

5 Things to Consider Before Buying

Now that you know what our top picks for the best iron filters for well water in 2020 are, let’s discuss a few things you should consider before buying one. Typically, once you start noticing signs that your well water is contaminated with iron, your first response may be to run to your local home improvement store or open up your browser and purchase the first unit you can find. While we’ve researched and reviewed nine top-notch iron filtration options, you still need to consider several factors before swiping your card or handing over your hard-earned cash.

These factors include things like:

1.     Is your well water contaminated?

The best iron filter for your specific needs will depend on the type of iron in your water (such as ferrous, ferric, or organic), along with other factors. If you have not already done so, get your water tested to determine the type and amount of iron present in it. A water test can also detect the water’s pH, hardness, and alkalinity, and contaminants like manganese, iron bacteria, etc. Testing your water is also an excellent way to decide between a single iron filter or a whole-house system.

2.    What’s the size and capacity of the filter?

It’s crucial to think about your filter’s size and capacity, especially if you have a household of more than two people. Many of the filtration systems we recommend are designed for households of four. But if you have a larger family or use more water than the average home, you should consider a higher capacity filter.

3.    The ease of installation

All our top picks for the best iron filters are designed for DIY installation, and most of them come with most or all the tools and hardware you need, plus step-by-step instructions. However, it all depends on your DIY skills and plumbing knowledge. Some homeowners prefer to hire a professional to install their filtration systems. If you opt to do the same, make sure to call around and hire someone that can install an iron filter.

4.    Filter replacements

Some iron-removal systems have filters that can last up to five or ten years, while others will only last a few months to a year. Therefore, it’s important that determine the lifespan of the filters that come with the system you’re interested in and whether they are readily available when it’s time to replace them.

5.    Does it come with a water softener?

Some iron filters are complete systems that include a water softening system, while others will require you to purchase a separate softener. Depending on your budget, space availability, and whether your water is hard, an iron filter with a water softener may or may not be a good fit.

How Does Iron Get into Well Water?

Iron mainly enters your well water by seeping in from the earth’s crust. After all, it’s the most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust, making it a nuisance for well owners across the U.S. and elsewhere. Heavy rainfall draining through the soil dissolves iron and usher iron deposits into the underground aquifers that serve wells. Also, as the snow melts and seeps through the earth into groundwater supplies, it introduces iron into well water sources. The water from rainfall and melted snow may also dissolve manganese and transport them to your well water. Depending on where you live and your water well’s depth, there might be a low or high iron content in your water.

Iron can also enter well water from exposure to rusty, corroded plumbing. If your home’s plumbing or the pipes and casings to and from your underground well are made of iron, they are likely to corrode over time and introduce the metal into your well water.  

How does iron in water damage your home?

While scientists have yet to provide solid evidence that drinking iron-contaminated water is harmful to your health, the metal is known to wreak all kinds of havoc in many American households.

Here are some common effects of iron in your drinking water:

1.     Stains on plumbing fixtures and surfaces

Even in small amounts, iron can leave stains on fixtures, countertops, tableware, etc. Usually, these stains are nasty and unpleasant and can be difficult to remove.

2.    Stains on laundry and dishes

When you use iron-contaminated water in your washing machine, your clothes, sheets, and towels can become discolored with orange-colored stains. The same thing goes for the dishes that go through your dishwasher.

3.    Stained skin and hair

Like iron can leave stains on your plumbing fixtures, laundry and dishes, it can affect the human body. In high concentrations, iron can turn your hair orange, leaving it feeling brittle and lifeless. Bathing or showering in water high in iron can give your skin a reddish tint. It can also dry out your pores and aggravate skin conditions like acne and eczema.

4.    Metallic and discolored water

When there’s iron in your drinking water, the water takes on an unpleasant, metallic taste and odor, making it difficult to drink. Even worse, iron combined with tea, coffee, and other beverages produces a dark, ink-like color and a poor taste. Also, if you cook vegetables and some other foods in water that contains iron, they may look darker, unhealthy, and very unappealing.

5.    Iron Bacteria

Iron bacteria occur naturally in shallow soils and groundwater. Typically, these pathogens invade your well water when it is constructed or repaired. The iron in your water well fosters the growth of this and other types of bacteria. If you notice any dark-colored reddish, brown or yellow slime in your sinks, bathtub, or toilet tank, there might be “iron bacteria” present in your water. This slime can also clog pipes and plumbing fixtures and make your drains smelly.

What’s the Best Method to Remove Iron from Well Water – Water Softeners, Whole-House Filters, or Air Injectors?

If your household has a hard water problem, a water softener will be an excellent addition. However, we don’t recommend relying on a softener alone to remove iron from your well water because it only removes ferrous iron (clear water-soluble iron), typically in small amounts. Besides, it only takes a minuscule amount of iron in water to cause staining. Therefore, it’s better to find a water treatment solution that can tackle high iron content in water. If you don’t already have a water softener in your home, you can benefit from a complete system that includes a water softener and an iron filter. If you already have a water softener, it’s best to purchase a separate iron filter to ensure that it is filtered efficiently and takes the strain off your water softener.

Whole-house filtration systems are ideal for homeowners who want to ensure that each water source in their home is filtered. These systems work best when there’s a low iron content in your water and typically filter out ferrous and ferric (rust) iron, manganese, and other impurities. A whole-house system usually has three or more separate filters that all play specific roles, such as filtering out sediment or iron. However, most of these types of filters do not come with a softener component, so you may need to purchase a separate water softener.

Air injection filters are designed to convert ferrous iron into ferric (clear to rust), making the iron particles easier to filter out. While air injection filtration is effective, there’s no guarantee that it will oxidize iron. As a result, you may up with a filter and other components that become clogged.

The best iron treatment method depends on your needs. A combination of a softener and iron filter is the best choice as it will treat hard water and remove most iron from your well water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are three of the most-asked questions regarding iron removal and filtration:

1.     Do I need a water filter?

Whether your water comes from a private well or a public system, it’s always best to filter it. While the water might seem clean and healthy, there’s still the possibility that it’s contaminated with heavy metals, chemicals, and other unwanted pollutants. And unless you do a water test, it’s sometimes almost impossible to tell that it’s contaminated. While iron in water is relatively safe, it can damage your household plumbing fixtures, appliances, water heaters, and other items. And usually, the damage is more expensive than investing in a water filtration system.

2.    Can I clean and reuse water filters?

Depending on the type of iron filtration system you purchase, the filter may last a few months to over a year. Unfortunately, they cannot be cleaned and reused. The most you can do is check them to ensure that the system is working efficiently and replace them when needed.

3.    Can mold grow on water filters?

You must take good care of your filtration system and replace your filters regularly. That way, you can prevent mold, algae, and other nasty stuff from growing on them. When your filters are exposed directly to sunlight, you may notice that mold or algae have developed in your filter system. If that happens, replace the filter and clean the system thoroughly.

Wrap Up

Iron is a natural mineral that is vital to our health. However, even small amounts can wreak all kinds of havoc in our households. The best way to solve this issue is to purchase an iron filter. But with so many models of iron filters available, it can be a challenge to find the right one.  Thankfully, we’ve reviewed the best iron filters for well water in 2020. Hopefully, this detailed review and guide provided all the information you need to make a smart buying decision.