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If you were offered a cup of polluted water, would you drink it? Of course not! While it’s common to find pollutants in the well water, they can be easily removed! If you are looking for something to purify your water, installing an iron filter for well water is the easiest way to do this.
When starting out on your search for the best iron filter, it can be difficult to pick the right model for your home. To make things a little simpler, we compiled a list of the top-rated products currently available. In creating our list, we took into consideration each filter’s flow rate, filter life, and warranty to ensure it will be capable of purifying the water for years to come. We also listed what each filter removes, so you can rest assured that your water is crystal clear. Are you ready to learn more? Read on!
"A fantastic option with 3-stage filtration and pressure gauges. Also, it is very simple to connect.Removes iron, chlorine, rust, lead, pesticides, viruses, and more.15 GPM flow rate.100,000-gallon filter life."
"For those who need an affordable system, try this model with a 30-micron sediment filter.Removes iron, sediment, dirt, sand, silt, and more.10 GPM flow rate.4-6-month filter life."
"A high-end system that comes with pre-filter, post-filter, salt-free descaler, and brass fittings.Removes iron, chlorine, viruses, bacteria, VOCs, and more.7-8 GPM flow rate.500,000-gallon filter life."
"With this reliable 3-stage iron filter, you can rest assured that it keeps healthy minerals in the water.Removes iron, manganese, chlorine, pesticides, and more.15 GPM flow rate.100,000-gallon filter life."
"This system doesn’t require much maintenance and comes with a digital valve for easier operation.Removes iron, hardness, manganese, sediment, and more.15 GPM flow rate.8-10-year filter life."
"To avoid the fuss with maintaining your filter, you can try this model that also comes fully assembled.Removes iron, manganese, sediment, chemicals, and more.15 GPM flow rate.95,000-gallon filter life."
"When it comes to durability, it’s hard to beat this model. The manufacturer also offers an impressive warranty with it.Removes iron, hardness, manganese, sand, and more.15 GPM flow rate.Fleck 5600SXT digital valve."
"An amazing option that features a stainless steel housing, simple installation, and a lifetime warranty.Removes heavy metals, chlorine, and more.9 GPM flow rate.Ensures softer skin and hair."
"This filtration system comes as a kit that includes a digital valve, bypass, adapters, connectors, and filtration media.Removes iron, hydrogen sulfide, manganese, arsenic, and more.10 GPM flow rate.6-10-year filter life."
"A very user-friendly iron filter for well water that comes fully assembler for faster installation.Removes iron, hydrogen sulfide, odors, lead, and more.15 GPM flow rate.20,000-gallon filter life."
At the top of our list, we have our Editor’s Choice, the Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter. With an amazing GPM rating of 15, this iron filter will be able to accommodate even the largest of households.
The Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter also removes a large list of pollutants including but not limited to chlorine, iron, rust, lead, pesticides, mercury, dirt, and more!
With a filter life of 100,000 gallons, this iron filter model will need to be maintained anywhere between 6 to 12 months. Thanks to a one-year warranty, the Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter is a solid choice for any first-time iron filter user.
Why is it special? We appreciated the one-year warranty with the 6-12-month filter life. Several customers mentioned that this feature was very thoughtful as they encountered problems during their first filter replacements and liked that it was still within their warranty period. We also loved the three-stage filtration system that ensures all pollutants are removed from the water!
What are the flaws? This iron filter model is impressive in many aspects, but it could be even better if it acted as a water softener.
The iFilters Well Water Whole House Filtration System is a well-priced model with a solid flow rate and filter life, which makes it hard to beat!
With water flow of 10 GPM’s and expected filter life of 4-6 months, this is an excellent choice for someone who is looking for just the basics. The iFilters Well Water Whole House Filtration System is decently sized at 22 x 12 x 10 inches, without being too large, so the installation process is pretty straightforward. A win-win!
Why did it make our list? This iron filter for well water model is a solid choice with 10 GPM and a one-year warranty, but the thing that really sets this model apart is its additional features. The iFilters Well Water Whole House Filtration System comes with a wrench, which makes for easy installation. On top of that, this iron filter comes in with a built-in pressure relief, which serves as an extra safety measure.
What is not ideal about it? Some buyers mentioned that they felt the 2-stage filtration was not enough. Other people noticed that the filter canister had some sealing issues which affected the filtration process.
Removes: iron, chlorine, viruses, bacteria, lead, mercury, herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, and more
Flow rate: 7-8 GPM
Filter life: 500, 000 gallons or 5 years
Dimensions: 69 x 10.5 x 57 inches
Warranty: 6 years
More features: includes filter tank, conditioner tank, 20″ pre-filter, post-filter, brass fittings for 1” or 3/4” pipes, bend supports, and shut-off valves, salt-free descaler
The Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST Well Water Filter System is a premium option. While this is definitely not the most budget-friendly product on our list, this iron filter for well water proves that you get what you pay for!
With impressive numbers for both GPM as well as warranty offered, this iron filter model is sure to impress.
Why are we impressed? This iron filter boasts an impressive filter life of 500,000 gallons or 5 years. It makes the Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST Well Water Filter System an excellent choice for someone who wants an iron filter with as little maintenance as possible! Next, the product also comes with a 6-year warranty! The additional accessories included with this iron filter model are fairly comprehensive, and they include brass fittings for various pipe sizes as well as bend supports and shut off valves.
What negatives must you be aware of? The Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST Well Water Filter System is quite expensive. In addition to that, it has a relatively low GPM rating with only 7-8 gallons per minute.
With a large majority of 5-star reviews, the iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System is a fan favorite!
Many buyers mention that they love how reliable this iron filter model is. With standards such as a one-year warranty, 3-stage filtration, and a strong 15 GPM rating, it is easy to see why people adore this model! This iron filter’s fair pricing only adds to the customer’s admiration!
What makes it special? The iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System can be paired with a softener, but that is not necessary. This is largely due to its 3-stage filtration process, with its third stage specially designed just for iron and magnesium removal. We also really appreciated that this iron filter model has a fair, middle of the road price tag while still performing like a top-dollar product.
What cons did we find? Some owners stated that they have needed to change the filter much more frequently than what is advertised. Other people mentioned that they experienced some leaking but were unsure if this was due to a design flaw or damage that occurred during shipping.
The DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT Iron Pro is another heavy-hitting water softener that can remove the most commonly found pollutants such as iron, hardness, manganese, sediment, sand, rust. It makes it an excellent all-around pick for any household looking to purify their water.
Why did it make our list? We appreciated that it had solid ratings all around the board, including a 15 GPM rating, a tremendous filter life of 8 to 10 years, commonly found dimensions of 54 x 10 x 10 inches, as well as a 5-year warranty. We also really enjoyed the addition of the Fleck 5600SXT digital valve, which helps promote efficient water usage and offers the ease of use for the homeowner.
What is not ideal about it? Some owners experienced technical difficulties with this iron filter model around the 6-month mark. While many initially liked the idea of a reservoir for salt, after some use, they found this reservoir to be faulty and filling with water. In addition to this, people found that this manufacturer had spotty customer service and, in some cases, they could not contact the correct representative regarding their warranty.
The Home Master Whole House Three Stage Water Filtration System is our low-maintenance pick, and its customer reviews can attest to that!
With a large filter life of 95,000 gallons and an excellent 15 GPM rating, you can leave this iron filter model alone and let it work its magic!
What makes it stand out? As we’ve mentioned above, the large filter life and the gallon per minute rating on this model are fantastic. We also loved its 2-year warranty as it extends beyond the first estimated filter change, ensuring protection should anything go wrong. But the thing that really sold us on the Home Master Whole House Three Stage Water Filtration System was that it comes fully assembled! This ensures easier installation as you won’t waste any precious time assembling the filter.
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind? Some users found that it helped clear up the color of their water but had little to no effect on the taste and odor. Other buyers found that this iron filter worked for several days following the initial installation, but after a certain amount of time, water quality became worse.
If you are looking for a durable iron filter with an excellent warranty on specific parts, look no further! With a 5-year warranty on the control head and a 10-year warranty on the tank, this model is sure to have every piece protected!
Why are we impressed? In addition to the exceptional warranty offering, we really appreciated the larger dimension of 48 x 9 x 9 inches. Some customers stated that this was the perfect size for them and made for an easy installation process. On top of that, the AFWFilters IRONPRO2 comes with a great 15 GPM rating. And there is a digital valve which will add to the ease of use.
What negatives must you be aware of? Some buyers did not appreciate that the filter life was not specified, but this could be estimated by comparing this product to similar items. It is also on the pricier side, with other similar models being listed for several hundred dollars cheaper.
The SpringWell Whole House Water Filter System is a fantastic choice that features a simple installation process. With a lifetime warranty offering, this iron filter for well water is sure to solve all your problems!
It can remove a wide variety of pollutants, including heavy metals, chlorine, iron, and more. This iron filter also has a GPM rating of 9 and standard dimensions of 48 x 9 inches.
What makes it special? As we’ve mentioned, the product comes with a lifetime warranty. In several reviews, buyers mentioned that this iron filter’s water softening effect was very noticeable. On top of that, a stainless steel covering adds a sleek finish to this filter.
What cons did we find? Customers wished that this iron filter model had an estimated filter life in the product description. Others also mentioned wanted this iron filter to have a larger GPM rating, especially considering how big it is.
Removes: iron, hydrogen sulfide, manganese, arsenic, zinc, copper, heavy metals, and more
Flow rate: 10 GPM
Filter life: 6-10 years
Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.5 x 57 inches
Warranty: 5-year
More features: comes with Advance digital valve, 1″ port stainless steel bypass, 1″ port optional yoke, two 1″ male adapters, two 18″ flex connectors, media pressure tank, filtration media
Next up, we have the PRO+AQUA Whole House Well Water Filtration System. Another outstanding model on our list, this iron filter can remove iron, hydrogen sulfide, manganese, arsenic, heavy metals, and more.
What makes it special? The product has a long filter life – anywhere between 6-10 years! We also loved that this iron filter comes with a five-year warranty to help protect this product for many years to come. Additionally, the PRO+AQUA Whole House Well Water Filtration System has a digital valve as well as a bypass, a yoke, two adaptors, and two connectors included. This iron filter for well water comes with filtration media so you can set everything up much faster.
What cons did we find? Some owners felt that this iron filter did not remove the sulfur smell in their water. Others also had some issues contacting this manufacturer’s customer service department. Finally, some mentioned that they did not receive any additional parts, as was mentioned in the product description. Still, the wide majority of buyers did get these add-ons.
Last but not least, we have the Apex 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System. This iron filter can remove quite a few pollutants from the water, including iron, hydrogen sulfide, odors, lead, mercury, nickel, chromium, and more.
What makes it stand out? The flow rate on this model is great at 15 GPM. Also, it includes a 3-stage filtration system and a filter life of 20,000 or 6 months, which makes it perfect for a smaller sized household. Many stated that this is the best performing filter they have found with a reasonable price tag.
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind? We wish the warranty on this iron filter model lasted a little bit longer than 6 months, but many people said that they did not need the warranty at all! While the iron filter model is pictured with gauges, they are not included with the purchase, which could potentially be misleading for a buyer.
Things to Consider
When looking for the best iron filter, it can be difficult to determine what you need. Thankfully, through a little research and knowing what specific features you are looking for, finding the perfect filter will be a breeze! If you need a little more guidance as to what specifically to look for when reading an iron filter’s product description, the buying guide below should be able to answer all your questions so that you can make an informed decision!
Reasons to purchase an iron filter for well water
Before we dive into what makes for a good iron filter, you may be wondering why you need one in the first place! What makes an iron filter different from any other well water filter?
The main reason for using iron filters for well water is that they are excellent at filtering out various contaminants. They are widely used to remove rust or odor that is present in the water. As one would expect given the name, an iron filter can also treat well water with any amount of iron present as well as other commonly found minerals such as manganese and hydrogen sulfide. Some filters can even assist in removing common bacteria and viruses.
In addition to water purification, iron filters can also be useful in helping prevent any orange or black stains caused by this imbalance as well as creating a softer water stream.
How to pick the best iron filter for well water
When looking for an iron filter to purify well water, there are a few key features that you will want to consider before making your purchase. A model’s filter capacity and its dimensions are important attributes to check as you will want to ensure what it is great against and its correct size. An iron filter’s flow rate and filter life will influence the effectiveness of the model. Water softening abilities are also important to compare in regards to your personal preferences.
Filter capacity
The filter capacity is often the first thing that is looked at when considering an iron filter model. And for a good reason! Filter capacity is crucial in determining what elements are removed from the well water. Some contaminants that are commonly found in untreated well water include iron, hydrogen sulfide, odors, lead, mercury, nickel, chromium, arsenic, zinc, copper, heavy metals, and much more.
It is also important to check what filtration stages an iron filter model offers. The three-stage filtration, such as seen with the Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter, is the most commonly found among iron filters. The first stage of filtering starts with the removal of any sediment present in the well water. After going through the polypropylene sediment filter, the second stage filtration begins, which involves a carbon filter. Finally, the well water will enter the third stage, where all the iron and manganese traces are filtered out.
Flow rate
The flow rate describes the amount of water that is going through the iron filter at any given time. To best calculate this, the flow rate is measured in GPM or gallons per minute. This measurement is also calculated in accordance with square footage, meaning that the size of the iron filter will have some effect on its overall GPM rating.
If you would like to check your filter’s flow rate, you can get an approximate GPM rating by timing how quickly the filter can fill up a one-gallon bucket. Once you have your time, simply divide 60 by the amount of time in seconds it took to fill the bucket, and you will have your flow rate.
When purchasing an iron filter for well water, you will want to ensure that the product will last for years to come. Because of this, it is important to look at the filter’s estimated filter life when comparing models. However, there are several different ways filter life is measured.
The simplest way that a filter’s life is measured is through the years. Some models, such as the DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT Iron Pro, offer 8-10 years of service before you’ll need to replace the resin.
Another slightly more complicated way to measure filter life is through the maximum number of gallons it can process. This can become tricky as the rate of use becomes a large factor. An individual who is only filtering water for themselves compared to a family of four will have very different filter life spans. It is important to know how much you will be using the iron filter before looking at its estimated lifespan.
Ease of installation
Another crucial factor to look at when purchasing an iron filter is how easy it is to install. The best way to get an accurate idea of this procedure will be to take a look through the verified customer reviews.
If many reviews are stating that this iron filter model was tricky to install, it may be best to look for a different filter.
Some iron filters advertise that they are easy to install, and, often this is the case, such as with the iFilters Well Water Whole House Filtration System. Still, it is wise to check the reviews to ensure that your particular model is, in fact, user-friendly.
Finally, make sure that the iron filter has the correct size for your designated spot. Nothing will make the installation process more difficult than trying to install a product that will not fit!
Water softening
One of the benefits of some iron filters is that they can soften your water. The water is considered soft when hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium are removed. Thus, you will have no issues with buildups, and cleaning your home becomes much easier!
For some people, it can be difficult to distinguish the difference between a filter and a softener. The main distinction is that a water softener only removes magnesium and calcium from the water while a water filter system can get rid of more substances, including dirt, chlorine, and in our case, iron.
Dimensions
As we briefly mentioned above, dimensions are extremely important to consider when looking to purchase an iron filter. You will want to make sure it will fit into your designated location. Thankfully, there is an easy way to ensure a perfect fit!
Always measure your space before buying. This is important as it will inform you as to what size to look for. While most filters, such as the Home Master Whole House Three Stage Water Filtration System, are quite small, water softeners tend to be much larger, and they will require somewhere around 10” x 52” of space.
Warranty
If you plan on using your iron filter for years to come, it is especially important to look at the specifics of each filter’s manufacturer’s warranty. When doing your research, be sure to make a note of how long each warranty lasts for. A warranty ensures that each unit will be repaired in the off chance that something goes wrong.
While not a necessity, a warranty offered by the manufacturer acts as a nice “safety blanket” for the buyer as they can rest assured in the manufacturer’s promise to make certain that any problem that occurs during the warranty period will be remedied.
There is a big difference in warranties offered on iron filters, ranging from 30 days to 5 years, but the best option we could find was the SpringWell Whole House Water Filter System with its lifetime warranty. Ultimately it is up to the buyer to decide what they feel will be the best fit.
What else can be important?
With all this information, it can be difficult to imagine that there could be more to think about! Thankfully, we have gotten through all the basics of iron filters for well water, so all that is left is the fun stuff! Oftentimes, extra accessories are what really sell a buyer on a product.
Which additional features can be found on an iron filter? Some iron filter models include digital valves, such as with the PRO+AQUA Whole House Well Water Filtration System, gauges, and durable housings. While none of these features are essential for operating an iron filter, they can add to the ease of use. If one of these features interest you, be sure to keep an eye out for the product’s description to see if they are included with the model!
Prices
The price is a crucial factor to keep in mind when looking to purchase an iron filter for well water. Thankfully, there are options for everyone on our list. On the more expensive side of things, we have the Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST Well Water Filter System, which is currently running at about $2,100. On the other side of things, a more budget-friendly option featured is the iFilters Well Water Whole House Filtration System, which can be found at about $150. Once you find a few iron filter options in your price range, check out their additional features and customer reviews!
It is not difficult to install most iron filter models, but it is highly recommended that you have done adequate research before beginning the process. Most iron filter models can be installed by the homeowner and only require standard tools for that. In addition to this, these iron filter models come with step-by-step guides to accompany you through the process. If you are considering installing a custom or an extremely large iron filter for well water, it may be in your best interest to consult a professional’s services.
The lifespan of an iron filter can vary depending on the specifics of the model. The main features that will play into a filter’s lifespan are its GPM or Gallon Per Minute rating, size, and water consumption. Because of these variables, a filter can last anywhere between 5 months to 8 years. That being said, an average-sized filter that is not excessively used for filtering extremely contaminated water should last for about 100,000 gallons, which equals to several years depending on the owner’s use.
It is recommended that the filter is replaced every 3 to 6 months. An indicator of that is the color of the water, particularly an orange or a brown hue. If you would like to clean your filter in between replacements, and you have an iron filter model that allows you to do so, you can start by removing the mesh filter and rinsing out any remaining buildup with a strong stream of water. Once you have removed the buildup, simply reassemble the filter.
Our Verdict
At the top of our list, we have the Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter. We loved that it has an impressive GPM rating of 15, comes with a 1-year warranty, and features efficient 3-stage filtration.
If you are on the budget, you can try the iFilters Well Water Whole House Filtration System. We really appreciated that a wrench was included for easy installation. We also thought that the built-in pressure relief button was a nice touch.
Last but not least, we have the Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST Well Water Filter System. This product has a long filter life of five years as well as a 6-year warranty. The included brass fittings for several pipe sizes add to its user-friendly qualities, which is one of the main reasons we consider it to be one of the best iron filters for well water!
Before we dive into what makes for a good iron filter, you may be wondering why you need one in the first place! What makes an iron filter different from any other well water filter?
As we briefly mentioned above, dimensions are extremely important to consider when looking to purchase an iron filter. You will want to make sure it will fit into your designated location. Thankfully, there is an easy way to ensure a perfect fit!
