Best water softener for iron removal

Certain properties in water cause health concerns. And, some properties, if ignored, can lead to a breakdown of household appliances and the entire plumbing systems.

In most cases, poor water quality results are not apparent immediately. But, over time, we become aware of the consequences of having hard water and trace minerals of iron. It shows in our clothes, skin, hair, and kitchen utensils. It also shows in our appliances.

For instance, high iron content in water is considered harmful. Water contains Ferrous iron in a soluble form. But, it doesn’t show as the water appears clear.

On the other hand, Ferric iron is insoluble above 3.5 pH level and makes the water look rusty. Whether it is ferric or ferrous, you may need to use a water softener to remove iron from the water. After all, it is a matter of your health and the health of your loved ones. 

Therefore, it is best to understand how iron affects the water quality and how we can prevent the harmful elements of excess iron from entering our water supply.

How does iron affect the human body?

Iron is an essential mineral for human health, along with other minerals. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue, low immunity in the human body. But is there something like too much iron?

Yes, there is. Too much iron in drinking water has negative side effects. For instance:

Skin issues

When we drink water that has excessive amounts of iron, it shows in our skin. Excessive quantities of iron can harm healthy skin cells. In some cases, it leads to wrinkles earlier in their lives.

Moreover, iron and water don’t mix well physically. So, soapy residue forms after a shower and leaves the skin feeling sticky as it doesn’t get washed off completely. Such soap residue can also cause skin problems. 

Iron overload

While iron overload is not common, it occasionally occurs due to excessive amounts of iron in the water. A severe case of iron overload can damage internal organs over time. It is one of the reasons why well water must be tested annually, if not more frequently. 

Plumbing systems

Too much iron in the water that flows through the pipes can cause build-up and clogging. This clogging also reduces the water pressure, and people experience sluggish water flow. There are two sides to this problem.

On the one hand, it causes rust to form in the water leading to an unpleasant taste and a change in the water’s color. And on the other hand, it may lead to leaky pipes that can waste precious water.

Metallic taste 

Most people are used to drinking hard water. They notice the difference in taste when they have their water softened with a water softener. The city treats groundwater before it is supplied to homes. Despite such treatment, excess iron can give water a metallic taste.

Additionally, this reflects in the cooking if we use the same water. 

Getting the water tested becomes imperative with the above problems that arise from too much iron. A water softener is known for its ability to remove hardness-causing minerals from the water and trace amounts of iron.

But, an iron filter can be expected to work far better at removing iron. 

How a water softener with iron filter works?

Water softeners are bought for the express purpose of removing hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium. While they may remove small amounts of iron, they are not effective in removing a larger amount of iron in your water. That is because water softeners are ion exchangers.

Soluble ferrous iron may get trapped in the resin bed with hard minerals, but ferric iron, otherwise known as precipitated iron, can slip through the resin beads. It is also not always easy to see if the iron has been removed.

But, if the water is even slightly rusty in color or tastes a tad metallic, you can be sure that some of the iron has slipped past the resin bed.

One way to determine is from the pH levels of the water. If your water contains a pH of below 7, water softeners may be successful in removing the iron.

However, if the pH is over 7, you will likely find iron remaining in your water. Therefore, you will need an iron filter for pH levels of over 7. 

Moreover, iron content in the water can damage the water softener system because of more frequent regeneration. 

Using iron filters with a water softener can provide maximum results. The iron filter also contains a media bed, just like the water softener with a resin bed. But, iron filtering systems have a media bed with an oxidizing agent, such as manganese dioxide. It comes either in a coated or solid form.

Solid manganese, such as Pyrolx or Filoxis, is heavy and requires a higher rate of backwashing. The coated media could be Birm or Greensand and is lighter, requiring a lower backwashing rate. This media can trap the soluble Ferrous iron and convert it into an insoluble state. This allows the iron filter to trap the iron precipitate to ensure that the water is iron-free.

Periodic backwashing of the unit removes the precipitated iron, and regeneration refreshes the oxidizing ability in the media bed. 

It is preferable to use an iron filter with a water softener because there are several benefits. 

Benefits of using a water softener with iron filter

Suppose there is an excess amount of iron in your water supply. In that case, you may need to use an iron filtering system first and then let the water be further softened with a water softener.

You could also use an all-in-one water softener/ filter. The best system would remove the dissolved iron up to 7 ppm (parts per million) or higher.

Benefits of an Iron filter:

Removing rust

Household appliances become rusty and corroded due to iron content in water. Iron filters can remove iron, sulfur, and manganese.

Eliminating sediments

Small particles can sometimes be found at the bottom of your glass or bucket. These are sediments and contain impurities. In larger quantities, water becomes unsafe to drink. Iron filters can remove impurities as small as 20 to 40 microns and give you cleaner water.

Low maintenance

Typically, iron filters come with an automatic controller to initiate the regeneration cycle. The regeneration cycle depends on water usage. The trapped particles get flushed out during the process. The iron filtration system will need minimal maintenance, such as twice a year, to ensure they continue to work efficiently.

No stains

Iron in water leaves behind rust-colored stains in sinks and bathrooms. It can also be corrosive and can damage the plumbing system. Iron filters are beneficial for removing rust and the stains it leaves behind.

Free of chemicals

Most iron filters use ozone instead of chemicals. Ozone makes them environmentally friendly and safe for consumption.

Clear and clean water

Iron filters are obviously the best way to get pure water that is clean and clear to drink.

What is the best water softener to remove iron?

Among the various brands and types of water softeners, the AFWFilter’s Iron Pro 2 is easily the best system to remove iron from your water. 

It is a salt-based water softener that uses ion exchange technology. Its flow rate is 16 GPM and has a grain capacity of 64000. Both iron and manganese are removed up to 6 ppm and hardness up to 75 ppm, respectively. It has a mesh resin feature that acts as a filter to capture iron.

The AFWFilter’s Iron Pro 2 water softener can also reduce sulfur in your water. It has a brine tank, bypass valve, and resin tank. It is easy to install and operate. 

The digital control uses a Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve that is of the highest quality and comes with a 5-year warranty. It has a meter-based regeneration that keeps track of your water levels and regenerates only when required, thereby reducing wastewater. This system also comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The auto-regeneration feature guarantees on-demand water, helps remove sulfur, has the capacity to provide around 800 gallons of water before regeneration, and there is no drop in water pressure. 

Why you should trust us?

You can trust us because we offer these reviews after studying the various aspects of the water softeners in the market. What’s more, we pay particular attention to those that are capable of removing excess amounts of iron from the water.

We have compared water softener systems of different grain capacities, price points, availability of parts, manufacturer’s warranty on the unit, customer reviews, and more.

We have created a list of water softeners and have compiled a list of their pros and cons. You should be able to get a clear idea of each unit and arrive at the one that best suits your home needs. 

List of 7 best water softeners for iron removal

There are several brands of water softeners in the market with advanced technologies and are equipped with unique features. After screening the various units, we have a shortlist for you, of the seven most efficient water softener systems that can help remove iron from your water.

6 best ways to remove iron from well water

Metal contaminants in your water, especially iron, can leave red stains on your pipes and appliances. Iron is most commonly found in well water. Any household that wishes to use their well water without compromising on the quality of water has to find an effective way to remove iron from their water.

There are different ways to remove iron from water, depending on the concentration of iron particles in the water. Here are six best ways to remove iron from well water.

Test your well water

The first step in removing iron from well water is to do a test on the quality of water. Knowing the concentration of iron water will enable you to make an informed choice about water treatment options. You can easily get your water tested using different services. Test results will ensure you remove iron from your water in the most efficient way possible.

Low concentration iron removal

A regular water softener can use its ion exchange technology to get rid of iron at concentrations of less than two ppm. Iron will get filtered out along with magnesium and calcium as long as it is not highly concentrated in the water. Anything more than two ppm will require additional solutions. 

Mid concentration iron removal

To get rid of iron that is between 3-4 ppm, you can purchase a water softener that has a fine mesh filter that has a greater capacity to remove iron particles in the water. This filtration mostly occurs in three stages to enhance the removal capabilities of your device. The combination of a water softener and iron filter is a good solution for water that is moderately contaminated with iron.

High concentration iron removal

Oxidation technology is used for water that is contaminated up to 10 ppm. Air injectors are used that use pressurized air to convert iron from a soluble state to an insoluble state. This is effective, particularly from iron, and is best used for water that is heavily contaminated by iron.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis technology is used to remove a wide plethora of contaminants in your water. This includes the iron found in your well water. You have to be sure that the concentration of iron is not too much for your RO membrane to handle. As long as your RO system can match the concentration of iron in your water, it is an effective solution to remove iron from well water.

Chemical Treatment

Occasionally, chemical treatment can be used at the source of your water supply to get rid of contaminants. Citric acid is used to lower the pH of water. Sodium is used to increase the pH. Chlorine and hydrogen peroxide are used to oxidize iron. If you know the correct proportions and methodology, directly adding these chemicals to your well can help treat your water on-site.

Top 5 Things You Must Consider While Selecting Water Softeners With Iron Filters

Water softeners that come with iron filters can enhance the capability of your device so it can treat water with higher levels of iron concentrations. There are several different types of filters and water softeners, and each one comes with benefits and disadvantages. These are five things you should consider when selecting a water softener with iron filters.

Performance rating

You should get an iron filter that works quickly and efficiently so it can keep up with your daily demands for clean water. It should be unaffected by electricity shortage and filter out as many contaminants in your water as possible.

The performance depends on the size and build quality of the iron filter. Ensure your iron filter can meet all your requirements and perform consistently. Lookup performance metrics like brand reputation, certification, and longevity to ensure you are purchasing a high-quality device.

Softening capabilities

There are some iron filters that not only remove iron from water but also soften water by removing magnesium and calcium. An iron filter that can act as a water softener provides value for money and increased efficiency.

Water softening is important to ensure you are not faced with problems like scale build-up. A good filter should be able to remove a range of contaminants to provide you with iron-free soft water.

Ease of installation 

Iron filters that are easy to install make your life easier. Manufacturers often provide instructions on how to install iron filters, so there is no need to call professionals.

Choosing an easy-to-install model saves time and makes the process a lot easier. Models that come with multiple components can take longer to install.

Ease of maintenance

Iron filters need occasional maintenance to perform at peak efficiency. Choose a model that is easy to maintain, so you know what to do if it breaks down. There are some models that are more prone to clogs and leaks, which are best avoided.

Ensure you get an iron filter that is easy to install, clean, and repair. This will make your iron fislter easier to operate long-term.

Lifespan

Ideally, iron filters should last for several years, so your water treatment needs are taken care of for as long as possible. Like most devices, iron filters are prone to wear and tear. Ensure you get an iron filter that can withstand regular use and last for a long time. One way of assuring sturdy devices is to look up their warranties. Products that have warranties of five and more years are most likely to be reliable iron filters that stand the tests of time.

How to maintain the iron water filter?

Iron filters do not require maintenance as regularly as salt-based water softeners. A good iron filter can last for several years with little to no maintenance. Although, the iron in your water will continue to create a hostile environment for your equipment.

Deposits in your iron filter can clog it and make it less efficient over time. This is why it is recommended to conduct maintenance periodically. It will ensure that our iron filter performs at its best and lasts for as long as possible.

You can call professional technicians who will conduct a systems check and offer recommended solutions if needed. This is a sure way to know that your iron filter performs at peak efficiency. It saves you time by having technicians conduct the maintenance and ensures a high quality of work is completed on your unit.

You only have to conduct professional maintenance every two to four years. Since the maintenance interval is rather lengthy, the investment in professional maintenance is budget-friendly and offers value for money.

The maintenance you can do yourself at home includes cleaning the deposits in your iron filter with bleach to keep your iron filter in great condition. It is recommended to do this annually with the following steps.

1. Insert a tube into the one-way air valve on your unit.
2. Insert the other end of the tube into a 1L bottle of household bleach.
3. Hold the ‘Regen’ button until the motor is activated.
4. Allow the filter to backwash.
5. After 10 minutes, the head will change to draw in air which will draw in the bleach.
6. Allow the filter and bleach to rest for a minimum of an hour.
7. It is very important not to use water from the system during the rest period.
8. After the rest time, disconnect the tube from the empty bleach bottle.
9. Press and hold ‘Regen’ till the iron filter starts to regenerate. This will wash all of the bleach out of the unit.
10. Allow the entire regeneration to happen, consisting of a backwash cycle and an air draw cycle that can take around an hour.
11. Use water after the regeneration cycle is finished.

The Verdict

Of the seven water softeners that have been discussed here, our top pick is the AFWFilter’s Iron Pro 2, with the AFWFilters Fleck Iron Pro 2 coming a close second.

The winner, AFWFilter’s Iron Pro 2 offers auto-regeneration capabilities, with no drop in water pressure. It also has a manufacturer’s warranty for ten years, making it worth the investment. The AFWFilter’s Iron Pro 2 offers the additional benefit of removing sulfur. 

Conclusion

It is not often that we find families that don’t need to use water softeners. The simple reason is that water accumulates contaminants from the city water supply or the groundwater. There is a high level of pollution these days and an increase in contaminants that enter the water.

While the city does treat the water before releasing it to homes, the pipes that carry the water may introduce a few contaminants along the way. Using a water softener at the entry point becomes essential.

Similarly, water softeners are helpful when the water from the ground brings with it all the hard minerals and, most often, iron. Removal of these elements is the only way to get clean water that is soft, smells and tastes good, and protects your appliances.

Over and above these benefits, water softeners that combine iron filtration processes help maintain good skin and provide a sense of well being.