Best water softener for iron removal
Contents
- 1 Best water softener for iron removal
- 1.1 How does iron affect the human body?
- 1.2 How a water softener with iron filter works?
- 1.3 Benefits of using a water softener with iron filter
- 1.4 Benefits of an Iron filter:
- 1.5 What is the best water softener to remove iron?
- 1.6 List of 7 best water softeners for iron removal
- 1.7 6 best ways to remove iron from well water
- 1.8 Top 5 Things You Must Consider While Selecting Water Softeners With Iron Filters
- 1.9 How to maintain the iron water filter?
- 1.10 The Verdict
- 1.11 Frequently Asked Questions:
- 1.12 Conclusion
- 1.13 About The Author
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.
💧 Best Iron Removal💧
AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 Combination water softener iron filter
➟ Purification type: Ion exchange resin
➟ Digital Metered Valve: Yes
➟ Flow Rate: 16 GPM
➟ Warranty: 5 years
💧 Highly Efficient 💧
AFWFilters Fleck Iron Pro 2 AFW Filters
➟ Purification type: Ion exchange resin
➟ Digital Metered Valve: Yes
➟ Flow Rate: 12 GPM
➟ Warranty: 5 years
💧 Long Lasting 💧
Well Water Filter and Salt Based Water Softener
➟ Purification type:  Sediment filter, Resin bed
➟ Digital Metered Valve: No
➟ Flow Rate: 8 GPM
➟ Warranty: Lifetime
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.
✔ Fine mesh resin designed for high iron removal ✔ Meter Based Regeneration ✔ 5 year warranty! |
9.9 |
|
✔ Digital metered valve  ✔ Removes hardness up to 70 gpf ✔ High flow for whole house use |
9.4 |
|
✔ Lifetime Warranty ✔ No More Orange & Black Staining ✔ Removes Contaminants With NO Maintenance |
9.1 |
|
✔ Remove iron up to 12 ppm, Sulfur up to 10 ppm, Manganese up to 2 ppm ✔ Easy to install |
8.8 |
|
✔ All in one system ✔ Removes all hardness ✔ Removes manganese |
8.5 |
|
✔ Removes hardness up to 85 gpg ✔ 80,000 Grain Water Softener ✔ Comes partially loaded |
8.3 |
|
✔ Compact & Convenient ✔ Fast On-Demand & Quiet Regeneration ✔ Built-In Self Cleaning Whole House Sediment Filter |
8.1 |
1. AFWFilters Iron Pro 2
If you find high metal content in your water, AFWFilter’s Iron Pro 2 is one of the most comprehensive solutions for completely removing iron and other metals. The Iron Pro 2 is a salt-based water softener that uses ion exchange technology. It has a grain capacity of 64000 and a flow rate of 16 GPM. Iron and manganese can be removed up to 6 ppm and hardness up to 75 ppm.
What makes it unique is its mesh resin feature that acts as a specialized filter designed to trap iron. This is also one of the few water softeners in the market that can reduce sulfur in your water. It is easy to operate and comes, including everything you need to install and operate it. This includes a brine tank, bypass valve, resin tank, and instruction manual.
The Iron Pro 2 has digital control using a Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve that improves efficiency and makes the device easier to use. The valve is known to be of high quality and offers an amazing warranty of up to five years. This water softener uses meter-based regeneration, which keeps track of your water levels and regenerates depending on the amount of water you use.
You can have treated water on demand even as your water needs vary. It comes at an affordable price point and offers a lot of value. The manufacturer offers a ten-year warranty for the system and a five-year warranty for the valve. AFWFilter’s Iron Pro 2 is one of the best choices for a water softener that will work with well water and remove iron from your water.
Pros
- Auto regeneration guarantees on-demand water that is accessible at any time.
- Additional removal of sulfur, which is rare to find in a water softener
- Sufficient quantities of water are provided by this softener that can output around 800 gallons of water per regeneration cycle.
- The Iron Pro 2 will last a long time with a five-year warranty for the valve and a 10-year warranty for the entire system.
- This system ensures no drops in water pressure.
Cons
- The Iron Pro 2 doesn’t have a power backup. Losing electricity will cause your device to lose all its programming. You will have to reprogram after electricity is restored.
2. AFWFilters Fleck Iron Pro 2
To solve the problem of metal contamination of your water, AFWFilter’s Fleck Iron Pro 2 is a good solution for completely removing iron and other metals in your water. The Fleck Iron Pro 2 is a salt-based water softener that uses ion exchange technology.
Unlike the earlier described Iron Pro 2 model, this water softener has a grain capacity of 48000 and a flow rate of 14 GPM. Iron and manganese can be removed up to 6 ppm and hardness up to 70 ppm. The same unique mesh resin feature that traps iron is present in this model, with the additional benefit of killing bacteria in the water.
The Fleck Iron Pro 2 has digital control using a Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve that improves efficiency and makes the device easier to use. The LED display has a backlight that enhances the user experience.
This water softener uses meter-based regeneration, which keeps track of your water levels and regenerates depending on your water needs. AFWFilter’s Fleck Iron Pro 2 is one of the best choices for a whole house water softener that will work to remove iron from your water.
Pros
- Auto regeneration guarantees on-demand water that is accessible at any time.
- It provides safe and clean water.
- It kills bacteria in water.
- The Fleck Iron Pro 2 will last a long time with a 5-year warranty for the valve, and a 10-year warranty for the entire system.
- This system ensures no reduction in flow rate.
Cons
- The Fleck Iron Pro 2 cannot remove sulfur
3. Springwell WSSS1 Water Softener
Springwell is a company with over twenty years of water quality experience. They offer the WSSS1 water softener as another good option to remove metal contamination in your well water supply. Springwell combines a whole house iron removal system with a salt-based water softener. It can remove up to 7 ppm of iron, one ppm of manganese, and up to 8 ppm of hydrogen sulfide.
Springwell designed this water softener to completely eliminate all hardness particles to ensure your water stays soft and clean. Suppose these water cleaning capabilities still aren’t enough for you. In that case, Springwell has optional add-ons like a UV purification system that can kill germs, bacteria, and viruses in your water.
The WSSS1 has an electronically controlled valve that monitors your water levels and sets the regeneration cycle accordingly. There is the additional benefit of being able to control your valve with Bluetooth. Controlling this device with your phone makes this water softener very easy to operate.
Pros
- Auto regeneration guarantees clean water that is accessible at any time.
- Easy control with Bluetooth makes operating this purifier easy.
- The WSSS1 provides safe and clean water.
- It has optional add-ons for enhanced cleaning.
- The WSSS1 comes with a lifetime warranty to ensure optimum performance over several years and a six-month money-back guarantee.
- This system ensures no reduction in flow rate or water pressure.
Cons
- This water softener is not very efficient at removing magnesium and calcium, which cause hardness in water.
4. Fleck 5600 SXT Air Injection Iron Eater Water Softener
Durawater has created a water softener that, as the name suggests, is specifically designed to remove iron. This water softener uses new features and technologies to remove metal contaminants.
Instead of the traditional salt-based ion exchange technology, it uses oxidation through the process of air injection to get rid of iron in your water. This can remove up to 12ppm of iron, which is comparatively higher than what is offered by other water softeners.
In addition to this, the Iron Eater can also remove odors from your water.
The Iron Eater has an electronically controlled valve that monitors your water levels and also has an automatic flushing feature that makes maintenance almost negligible.
Durawater makes this softener very easy to set up, even if you are not well versed in plumbing knowledge. If iron is your number one problem, this model is your best choice in efficiently solving the problem of iron contamination in your water.
Pros
- Specialized to remove iron from water to a greater level than competitive water softeners.
- Easy to install and control with very little maintenance.
- It introduces oxidation technology.
- Automatic flushing system that makes operation easier.
Cons
- This water softener is not very efficient at removing magnesium and calcium, which also causes hardness in water.
5. Durawater Iron Eater 48k Combination Water Softener
Durawater also has another model that combines water softening with metal removal for a well-rounded option for water treatment. It combines ion exchange technology with a fine mesh that traps metal contaminants to offer high-quality water drawn from a well.
The Iron Eater 48k can remove up to 6 ppm of iron and manganese and soften water with a grain capacity of 48000 and a flow rate of 14 GPM. It is a versatile house water softener system you can use for your entire house to remove iron and hardness particles from your water.
The Iron Eater 48k has digital control using the well-renowned Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve that regulates setting automatically and enhances operability. The valve has a warranty of up to five years, and the tank has a warranty of ten years. This water softener makes for a good all-in-one system that caters to multiple needs.
Pros
- Metal contaminants and hardness particles are removed.
- Digital control through the renowned Fleck valve.
- Automatic regeneration
- It is a whole house water softener.
Cons
- The Iron Eater 48k cannot reduce acidity or chlorine in the water.
6. Durawater Iron Blaster Combination Water Softener
Durawater’s Iron Blaster is one of the most powerful options they offer as a solution for water contamination. It uses ion exchange technology along with a fine mesh to remove hardness particles and metal contaminants in water.
This impressive Iron Blaster water softener can remove up to 8 ppm of iron, six ppm of manganese and soften water up to 85 gpg. It has a massive grain capacity of 80,000 that is more than sufficient to provide for a large household with multiple residents. It is a powerful whole-house device you can use to remove iron and hardness particles, especially if there are more than four members in the household.
The Iron Blaster has digital control using the well-renowned Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve that regulates setting automatically and enhances operability. The valve has a warranty of up to 5 years, and the tank has a warranty of ten years. This ensures the longevity of your system.
The Iron Blaster assumes you take your water treatment seriously and comes equipped with everything needed to provide for large-scale solutions and improved capacity as compared to other models.
Pros
- Designed for people with large households, family members, and water treatment needs.
- Digital control through the renowned Fleck valve.
- Automatic regeneration
- The Iron blaster is a whole house treatment system.
Cons
- Some users have reported a chemical smell present in treated water.
7. Waterboss 900 Water Softener
Waterboss offers a minimal yet effective device as a water treatment solution. This practical water softener is ideal if you have a smaller house. This device has high build quality packed into a compact form. It features a three-in-one technology that softens, filters, and improves water. It uses ion exchange technology to remove hardness particles up to 90 gpg and can remove iron up to 10 ppm.
The grain capacity of 36,400 is on a smaller size but is sufficient for a smaller house with a family of four members. The flow rate of 10 GPM ensures you will not experience a reduction in water pressure.
The Waterboss 900 has a digital control that regulates settings automatically and enhances the ease of use. It is easy to install and operate and offers the best size to performance ratio to treat your water.
Pros
- Waterboss 900 has high efficiency and capacity regeneration
- It has a self-cleaning sediment filter
- Waterboss 900’s digital controller that facilitates automatic and fast regeneration
- The Waterboss 900 is easy to install and operate.
Cons
- Some users have reported problems with customer service.
- This water softener cannot remove chlorine from 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.
- Insert a tube into the one-way air valve on your unit.
- Insert the other end of the tube into a 1L bottle of household bleach.
- Hold the ‘Regen’ button until the motor is activated.
- Allow the filter to backwash.
- After 10 minutes, the head will change to draw in air which will draw in the bleach.
- Allow the filter and bleach to rest for a minimum of an hour.
- It is very important not to use water from the system during the rest period.
- After the rest time, disconnect the tube from the empty bleach bottle.
- Press and hold ‘Regen’ till the iron filter starts to regenerate. This will wash all of the bleach out of the unit.
- Allow the entire regeneration to happen, consisting of a backwash cycle and an air draw cycle that can take around an hour.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which should go first, iron filter or water softener?
The iron filter should go first because you need the filter to convert ferrous iron into an insoluble state. This, in turn, allows the filter to trap the iron precipitate, making it easier to remove iron from the water. The water softener will follow and help remove hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
2. Does it require a special salt to remove the iron?
Iron filters use different media. The media bed uses an oxidizing agent, such as manganese dioxide. The salt-based water softener will continue with the ion exchange process. At the same time, the iron filter will use oxidizing to remove iron. It requires periodic backwashing and regeneration to maintain its efficiency levels.
3. Can I drain my water softener into my sump pump?
Using a sump pump to discharge the brine from water softening is not a good idea. The saltwater may prove corrosive to the pump and its components over time and may damage the sump pump.
4. Does UV help with iron water softener?
UV light does not help with hardness levels of water. They don’t work on other dissolved solids either. Some of the suspended particles remain and protect the microorganisms from UV light.
UV is more to help remove living organisms such as bacteria and viruses and is more useful for sterilizing water. They can’t replace filtering systems that are necessary for removing iron and hard minerals.
5. Can you remove iron from your water without using chemicals?
Yes. It is possible to remove iron without using chemicals. It is called filtration. A cartridge filter can help remove iron up to an extent. If the iron levels are high, you can use a chemical-free backwashing filter.
You can also use liquid chlorine, such as household bleach or better still, the food-grade vinegar that works well in removing iron from the water.
6. Do combination water softener iron filter work?
A water softener and iron filter combo can work in removing iron and other hard minerals. The AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 is an excellent example of how a combo can be effective.
Using a water softener and iron filter combination is better because water softeners work only on hard minerals and low iron levels. If the pH level is over 7, you will need to add an iron filter. Therefore, finding a unit that has both processes would be ideal.
7. How long does an iron filter last?
You can expect an iron filter to last between fifteen and twenty years. Like any other appliance, the iron filter too will need regular upkeep and maintenance for it to last long.
Generally, iron filters must be serviced every five to six years. There are a few homeowners that don’t call for service at all, since the filter continues to work as required. However, an inspection every now and then would help.
8. How often should iron filter regenerate?
Regular and frequent regenerations are better if you want the iron filter to be effective. So it should regenerate every three days. There are various factors that contribute to regeneration frequency. For instance, the amount of iron found in water, hardness levels, water usage in the household, tank capacity, etc.
Regeneration frequency also depends on the valve used in the system. If it has a clock, you can set the time period, such as every week. It means that regeneration will take place each week regardless of how saturated the tank has become.
If it has a metred valve, your water usage will be the deciding factor. It involves a pre-set threshold and when it is reached, the unit triggers a regeneration process. This process helps save water as regeneration occurs only when it is necessary. But, it can also be triggered when regeneration is not needed.
Third option is the on-demand valve. It is not an electric valve and triggers regeneration based on actual water usage.
9. Do water softeners corrode cast iron pipes?
Cast iron pipes are mostly used when supplying city water and are resistant to corrosion. Since cast iron pipes are made from pig iron, you can expect them to last 100 years.
Water softeners are typically installed at homes at the point of entry. The softened water reduces scale build-up as much as it prevents corrosion.
10. Will potassium in water softener get rid of iron?
Typically, a solution of potassium permanganate is added to the well to remove iron bacteria from the water. The solution should be a concentration of 3.8 – 7.6 grams per gallon.
Potassium is also a point-of-entry treatment to oxidize the dissolved iron, hydrogen sulfide, manganese into solid particles that can be easily filtered out.
11. Do water softeners remove metals?
Essentially, water softeners can remove metals, but mostly when the quantities are low. Water softeners are primarily designed to remove hard minerals and trace minerals of iron from the water, i.e., they are effective in removing iron from the water of pH lower than 7. However, anything over 7 pH will require an iron filter as the water softener will not suffice.
12. Will a sediment filter remove iron?
A sediment filter that rates as sub-micron can remove iron precipitates that are produced in the water. These sediment filters allow unrestricted water flow through them and prevent solid particulate matter from entering the plumbing system.
13. How to filter rusty water?
The long-term solution is to control the pH levels of your water. If you are using a water softener for your home, adding an iron filter to the water treatment process will help. The iron filter will filter the rust from water with an oxidizing agent.
You can also use sediment filters to keep the solid iron particles from entering the plumbing system. Apart from these, chlorination is quite common. It converts dissolved iron to precipitate iron. And a filter will remove the oxidized iron.
The iron can be oxidized to release elemental sulfur and metal oxides. After the filtration, filter media such as manganese oxide can remove the insoluble particles.
Aeration brings the water and air closer together to remove dissolved gases and oxidize dissolved iron.
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.
About The Author

Judith— a passionate water treatment specialist — is a waste water management enthusiast, clean drinking water advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about various water equipments. Her work was mentioned in countless notable water associations. Previously she was an editor at Water Alliance.