I Hired 3 Different Iron Filter Installation Services - Here's What Happened Next

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

We’d had enough of orange stains and metallic taste in every glass of water, so we knew professional iron filter installation services were the only way to fix things for good.

Picture this: we’re rinsing dishes when bright orange streaks glare back at us, and our kids refuse to drink tap water.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk through our experience hiring three different providers, compare pricing, performance, and upkeep, and reveal which service truly earned our confidence.

By the end, you’ll know exactly which solution fits your home.

Exploring Iron Filter Installation Services

Why go through stain removal, ruined clothes, and cloudy water when there’s a better way?

Iron filters help remove sulfur and rust from water, improve taste, and protect plumbing fixtures.

They also cut down on sediment and boost your system’s lifespan.

Our Family’s Water Woes

We’re the Robertson family—Mark, Amy, and our three kids on a 5-acre rural property.

Our well water tests at 4 to 8 ppm iron, which meant:

• Orange/brown staining on sinks, tubs, and dishes
• Metallic taste that turned off the whole family
• Iron slime (bacteria) clogging fixtures
• Extra laundry cycles and ruined sports uniforms

After replacing faucets and buying endless cleaning supplies, we decided to let the pros handle it.

Selecting Our Installers

We narrowed it down to three options, each promising clear water with a professional touch.

Company A: Local Plumber

• Approach: Basic iron filter from a plumbing supply house
• Estimate: $1,200 installed
• Timeline: 2 days from site survey to setup
• Support: Phone calls with a local tech, limited DIY guides

Company B: National Chain

• Approach: Cartridge-based system from a big-box retailer
• Estimate: $2,500 installed
• Timeline: 1 week with multiple crews
• Support: Tiered phone menu, optional maintenance plan

Company C: SoftPro AIO Iron Master

• Approach: Air Injection Oxidation (AIO) whole-house filter by SoftPro Water Systems, a Quality Water Treatment (QWT) brand
• Estimate: $1,900 installed, financing available via Affirm or QuadPay
• Timeline: 3 days from free water analysis to final hookup
• Support: Consultative sales from Jeremy Phillips, hands-on tech support from Heather Phillips

As a multi-generational family operation founded by Craig “The Water Guy” Phillips in 1990, QWT stands out for transparent pricing, flexible financing, and robust DIY resources.

Comparing Installation Processes

We focused on cost, communication, and warranty to see which installer delivered the best experience.

Installation costs can range from $500 to $3,000 depending on system type and requirements.

Evaluating System Performance

After install, we measured taste, stain removal, and upkeep to see which system truly delivered.

Water Taste & Clarity

• Local Plumber: Reduced rust taste, but occasional sulfur odor remained
• National Chain: Clear water on day one, but taste drifted after two weeks
• SoftPro AIO: Consistently crisp, odor-free water thanks to air injection oxidation

Stain Removal

• Local Plumber: Minimal improvement on older fixtures
• National Chain: Good initial flush, but stains reappeared over time
• SoftPro AIO: Eliminated rust staining entirely, even on our oldest bathtub

Maintenance Ease

We worried about upkeep, but here’s what we found:

• Local Plumber: Manual backwash every week
• National Chain: Chemical soak and cartridge swap each month
• SoftPro AIO: Automatic backwash every three days, no added chemicals

SoftPro’s media bed uses a blend of Zeoprep, MicroZ, and Filter AG Plus to catalyze iron conversion to insoluble particles. It then self-sanitizes at night, so we barely lift a finger.

Maintaining Iron Filters

Even the best systems need a little TLC. Here’s how we keep ours running at peak efficiency.

Simple Upkeep Routines

• Check the pressure gauge weekly
• Inspect the bypass valve and safety float monthly
• Monitor water quality in drinking faucets

Pro Maintenance Tips

• Schedule a preventive maintenance check every six months
• Clean and replace media as needed, based on iron load
• Flush distribution pipes and sanitize the tank
• Calibrate sensors and review performance data

Following these practices helps us meet or exceed NSF Standard 42 for iron removal down to 0.3 mg/L.

Choosing The Best Service

After weeks of testing, here’s our verdict.

Final Verdict

SoftPro’s AIO Iron Master by QWT outperformed both local and national installers on taste, stain removal, and ease of maintenance.

Transparent pricing and family-owned support sealed the deal.

Who Should Choose What

• Tight Budgets: Local plumber, but expect more hands-on upkeep
• Extended Warranty Needs: National chain, if you want a longer standard warranty
• Long-Term Value: SoftPro AIO Iron Master for reliable performance, minimal maintenance, and strong support

Our Key Takeaways

• Professional iron filtration transforms water taste, stains, and appliance life
• SoftPro Water Systems offers a standout AIO solution with auto-backwash technology
• Quality installs range from $500 to $3,000; financing can soften the upfront cost
• Regular maintenance keeps iron filters efficient and prevents system failures
• Family-run QWT combines honest pricing with robust tech support

Ready to say goodbye to iron stains? Share your questions or experiences in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I service my iron filter?
Most systems benefit from a quick inspection every month and a full preventive check every six months, especially in high-iron conditions.

What’s the average cost for installation?
Expect to invest between $500 and $3,000, depending on system type, water test results, and labor requirements.

Can I install an iron filter myself?
DIY is possible if you’re handy, but professional installers ensure correct setup, warranty coverage, and optimal performance.

How do I choose the right system size?
Base your choice on peak household water usage, iron concentration, and well flow rate. A free water analysis from QWT makes this easy.

Are financing options available?
Yes, SoftPro Water Systems partners with Affirm and QuadPay to spread payments over months or years.