Water Companies HATE This Simple Trick That Removes Iron From Your Entire Home

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

Understanding Iron Filtration Systems

Iron filtration systems can be lifesavers for folks dealing with iron-heavy well water.

They've got it covered by making your water taste better and saving your laundry from looking like it lost a color war. 

Let's chat about the types of iron filters out there and what's going on under the hood.

Types of Iron Filters

Dive into the world of iron filters, and you'll see some are built to handle different water vibes and iron overloads.

Check out these popular types:

1. Oxidizing Filters: These bad boys use a bit of air or chlorine to turn dissolved iron into tiny solids. Then, it's a simple matter of sifting out the solids. Perfect for those medium iron levels.

2. Manganese Greensand Filters: Manganese greensand is the superhero here, tackling both oxidation and filtration. It's a top pick for well water packing a serious iron punch.

3. Catalytic Carbon Filters: This option pulls double duty, managing iron, sulfur, and a bunch of other nasties thanks to the oxidation-boosting magic of catalytic carbon. It’s a jack-of-all-trades for sorting your water woes.

Filter Type	Oxidizing Agent	Pros	Cons
Oxidizing Filters	Air, Chlorine	Great for medium iron levels	Might need some regular TLC
Manganese Greensand Filters	Manganese Greensand	Super effective and multi-tasking	Can dent your wallet
Catalytic Carbon Filters	Catalytic Carbon	Widely versatile	Media swap may be needed

Working Mechanism of Iron Filters

Let’s break down how these gadgets zap the iron right outta your water:

1. Oxidation: First up, getting dissolved iron (ferrous iron) to turn into solid bits (ferric iron). Think of it like changing the iron’s outfit so it can be filtered better. This magic occurs using air, chlorine, or whatever others you got!

2. Filtration: The next step is the filter media holding onto those iron bits like your grandma collects coupons. Variations include manganese greensand, catalytic carbon, or those nifty oxidizing filters.

3. Backwashing: Now and then, the system pulls a sneaky U-turn with the water flow to shake out the impurities clinging to the filter. This reversal—known as backwashing—keeps your filter in tiptop shape (SoftPro Water Systems).

Step	Method	Goal
Oxidation	Switch ferrous to ferric iron	Makes it filter-friendly
Filtration	Capture iron bits	Serve up clean, iron-free water
Backwashing	Flip water flow	Keep filter going strong

Knowing how these gizmos work lets homeowners choose the right kind of iron filter without the guesswork.

A little maintenance here and there—like consistent backwashing—will keep your iron filter ticking along and your water spick-and-span for the long haul.

Comparison of Top Iron Filtration Systems

Choosing the right iron filter for your whole house isn't just about numbers—it's about finding what works best for you and your family's water needs.

We're going to break down some popular choices: SpringWell WS Series, SoftPro Iron Master AIO System, iSpring Whole House Water Filter System, Flexx Oxi-Gen Aeration Filter, and Home Master 3-Stage Filter.

SpringWell WS Series

Ever had water that smells like rotten eggs? Enter the SpringWell WS Series. It's a star performer in booting out up to 7 ppm of different kinds of iron, along with 8 ppm of stinky sulfur and 1 ppm of manganese.

This whiz uses AIO tech, so your water tastes like water again, not…egg salad.

Feature	Specification
Say Goodbye to Iron	Up to 7 ppm
Bye-Bye Sulfur	Up to 8 ppm
No More Manganese	Up to 1 ppm
Fancy Tech	Air Injection Oxidation (AIO)

SoftPro Iron Master AIO System

For folks knee-deep in iron, SoftPro's Iron Master AIO is like having a superhero under your sink.

It can zap away up to 30 ppm of iron, 7 ppm of manganese, and 5 ppm of hydrogen sulfide, thanks to its AIO plus Katalox Light combo.

Feature	Specification
Iron Eraser	Up to 30 ppm
Sulfur Cleaner	Up to 5 ppm
Manganese Vanisher	Up to 7 ppm
Battle Gear	AIO + Katalox Light

iSpring Whole House Water Filter System

On a budget but still want clean water? iSpring’s got your back.

This filter handles small amounts of clear water iron, rust, manganese, and other usual suspects, making it a wallet-friendly choice.

Feature	Specification
Iron-Out	Up to 1 ppm
Little Sulfide	Up to 1 ppm
Low Manganese	Up to 0.1 ppm
Magic Trick	Multi-stage Filtration

Flexx Oxi-Gen Aeration Filter

Flexx Oxi-Gen isn’t just a mouthful; it packs a punch!

This filter says no to 8 ppm of iron, 6 ppm of sulfur, and 0.5 ppm of manganese, relying on its clever air injection design. 

Its tank’s got a 10-year promise, while the valve’s got you covered for seven.

Feature	Specification
Iron Houdini	Up to 8 ppm
Sulfur Hider	Up to 6 ppm
Manganese Manager	Up to 0.5 ppm
Technology	Air Injection Oxidation (AIO)
Warranty	10 years on tank, 7 years on valve

Home Master 3-Stage Filter

The Home Master 3-Stage Filter keeps it simple yet effective with iron removal in well water.

Up to 3 ppm of ferrous and ferric iron doesn't stand a chance against its multi-layer defenses.

Feature	Specification
Iron Reformer	Up to 3 ppm
Hydrogen Sulfide Helper	Up to 1 ppm
Manganese Monitor	Up to 0.1 ppm
Protection	Multi-stage Filtration

By getting to know these filters better, you can make sure you're making the right choice for your water needs.

Installing and Maintaining Iron Filters

Why Getting the Installation Right Matters

You wouldn't open a soda can without pulling the tab, right? Same goes with setting up iron filters.

If you don't install them properly, you're just waiting for a mess—bad filtration, constant breakdowns, or the whole system throwing a fit.

Why It’s Important to Nail the Installation:

• Gets the Iron Out: When done right, your system will kick those pesky iron particles out of your water, giving you cleaner, tastier H2O.
• Keeps Going Strong: Proper setup means less wear and tear, so you don’t have to think about replacing your system anytime soon.
• Avoids Water Mishaps: Right set-up keeps leaks at bay, saving you an expensive repair job on water damage.
• Runs Like a Dream: Ensures your system works like it should, delivering the goods without a hitch.

To keep things as smooth as a jazz sax solo, it might be worth having a chat with the pros or sticking to the setup manual that comes with your filter.

Folks over at SoftPro Water Systems have rad guides and even some hands-on help if you need it.

Keeping Your System in Tip-Top Shape

Like changing your car's oil, you gotta keep an eye on your iron filter to keep it running smoothly.

Here’s how you make sure it keeps doing its magic:

1. Backwashing: This fancy term just means flip-flopping the water flow to flush out trapped junk. Your filter stays squeaky clean and sharp.

Task	How Often?
Backwashing	Once a month, at least

2. Swap Out the Media: Over time, the stuff inside (that catches all the iron) might need a refresh to keep working its bean.

Task	How Often?
Media Replacement	Every 3-5 years

3. Give It a Look-See: Peek under the hood now and again to spot any problems early. Check for leaks, cracks, or when the water pressure's acting funny.

Task	How Often?
Visual Inspections	Monthly

4. Tidy Up the Filter Housing: When dust bunnies are a no-go under your couch, same goes for gunk in your filter housing. Sneak in there every now and then to clean it out.

Task	How Often?
Cleaning Filter Housing	Every 6 months

5. Don’t Let the Pressure Get to You: Keep an eye on pressure levels to keep your system working its magic. Too pumped or too tired can mess with its filtering vibes.

Task	How Often?
Checking System Pressure	Check your manual for details

Keep these in your routine and your iron filter will be humming along nicely, giving you quality water without the drama.

SoftPro Water Systems agrees—regular check-ups help stop surprises and keep things running like a well-oiled machine.

Iron Filter Costs and Financing

Thinking of getting a whole house iron filtration system? Let's break down the dollars and cents and peek at some ways to lighten the load on your wallet.

Factors Affecting Cost

Iron filter prices bounce around a lot, based on a few big things.

Here's what usually makes the numbers go up or down:

1. Type of Filter: Whether you're eyeing air injection, catalytic carbon, or sediment filters, each of them comes with its own price tag.
2. System Size: Bigger systems that swig more water tend to come with bigger price stickers.
3. Features and Technology: Fancy extras like automatic backwashing, the option to sync with your smart home, or high-efficiency media can bump up the numbers.
4. Brand and Quality: Trustworthy names like SoftPro might set you back a bit more because, well, you get what you pay for.
5. Installation Costs: Getting a pro to do it right might add more to the bill, but hey, it's a one-time thing for peace of mind.
6. Maintenance Requirements: Keeping up with things like backwashing and media swaps is part of the ride, affecting what you'll spend over time.

Here's a quick look at what you might pay for different systems:

System Type	Estimated Cost (USD)
SpringWell WS Series	$1,100 - $1,500
SoftPro Iron Master AIO System	$1,400 - $1,800
iSpring Whole House Water Filter	$800 - $1,200
Flexx Oxi-Gen Aeration Filter	$1,200 - $1,600
Home Master 3-Stage Filter	$1,000 - $1,400

Financing Options and Affordability

When you see the sticker price, you might clutch your pearls! But don't fret.

There are ways to spread the cost and make it easier on the budget.

1. Manufacturer Financing: Some companies like SoftPro Water Systems offer plans that spread the payments over time, maybe even with low or no interest.
2. Third-Party Financing: Services like QuadPay or Affirm can help break things down into bite-sized chunks you pay off monthly.
3. Credit Cards: If you've got a card with a sweet interest deal or promotional rate, it could be a good route—just check those terms so interest doesn't sneak up on you.
4. Home Improvement Loans: These are a thing at banks or credit unions just for sprucing up your digs. They often come with nicer rates than regular loans.
5. Savings Plans: Got some time? Start putting away a little extra cash each month, and buy the system without any interest hassle.

Here's a glance at what each financing option offers:

Financing Option	Key Benefits
Manufacturer Financing	Easy approval, friendly rates
Third-Party Financing	Juggle payments to fit your style
Credit Cards	Catch those special interest deals
Home Improvement Loans	Designed just for your pad
Savings Plans	No extra costs, just patience

 

By knowing what affects costs and checking out financing options, you can make a choice that's as smart as it is budget-friendly. 

Cheers to clean water in every tap!