Excessive iron in well water makes it undrinkable; it tastes bland, smells weird, and looks bad. You can avoid this by drinking bottled water. But what about those reddish-brown stains on sinks, tubs, toilets, and floors? What about new clothes getting stained due to excessive iron? What about rust deposits on appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, pressure washers, etc.?
Don’t worry. The solution is simple: An Iron Filter for Well Water.
Buying or upgrading your home’s iron filter isn’t a straightforward shopping spree. You have to consider and evaluate a lot of factors. The selection has become more challenging due to the wide variety of iron filters on the market. We have made this easy for you by comparing the 10 best iron filters for well water.
Best Iron Filter for Well Water – Top 10 Picks Compared
Filter | Image | Filtration Stages | Iron Removal Capacity | Capacity | Flow Rate | Price |
SpringWell Whole House Well Water Filter (WS1) |  | - | 7 PPM | - | 12/20 gallons/minute | |
AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 Combination Iron Filter & Water Softener |  | - | 6 PPM | - | 12 gallons/minute | |
iSpring Whole House Water Filter System |  | 3 | 3 PPM | 100,000 Gallons | 15 gallons/minute | |
Durawater Air Injection Iron Eater Filter |  | - | 12 PPM | - | - | |
Fleck 5600 SXT Iron Blaster 48,000 Grain Water Softener |  | - | 6-8 PPM | - | 10 gallons/minute | |
iSpring Whole House Water Filter System |  | 2 | 3 PPM | 100,000 Gallons | 15 gallons/minute |
Buying Guide: What to Look in an Iron Filter for Well Water
Iron filters don’t come cheap. Hence, it is important to consider the following factors before buying one so you don’t end up with a wrong filter.
Iron Levels in your Water
The filter will not work if the iron in your water is beyond its maximum iron removal capcity. Hence, getting your well water tested before buying or replacing your iron filter is critical. Similarly, the test report will also show other contaminants in water, including hardness levels. All these factors combined will lead you to buy a suitable and all-inclusive filter to remove majority of contaminants in water.
Type of Iron Filter
Iron Filter & Water Softener Combo: This is the most frequently used system to remove iron and hardness in well water. Each system has a different iron removal limit, hardness removal capacity, and flow rate. These systems can remove iron ranging from 3 PPM to 12 PPM.
Sediment, Iron, and Carbon Filter: These filters come in a 2-stage or 3-stage style. They can remove sediment, VOCs, chlorine smell and taste, and iron up to 3 PPM. Please note that these units don’t work smoothly with extremely hard water.
Reverse Osmosis: RO units are rarely used for iron removal, but they are best when you want 100% iron removal. People with zero iron tolerance in drinking and cooking water use these filters.
Size, Capacity, & Flow Rate
Get a water filter that can supply water as per your requirements. There is no point saving a few bucks and going for a small filter if you have to suffer pressure drops.
The flow rate is the main factor to consider while buying a water softener and iron filter combo. A flow rate of 10-15 gallons per minute is ideal for a home with 3-4 bathrooms.
Filter Life
If you buy a water softener and iron combo, you’ll have to check how long the resin lasts and how much salt you will need. For cartridge-based filters, you must consider the total life of the filter and how many gallons one cartridge can filter.
The incoming water quality and your usage pattern impact the filters’ life. However, the average life of a cartridge-based filter is 4-6 months.
Installation and Maintenance
Most filters on our list come with DIY installation. The instructions, tools, and parts required for installation are included in the box. Moreover, these filters are easy to maintain.
Cost
Water filter costs are two dimensional; upfront and filter replacement. You need to check both of these costs, so you don’t end up with a high-cost maintenance unit.
Warranty and Certification
Look for a warranty and certification before buying a water filter. The warranty increases the value for money, and certifications add weight to the manufacturer’s claims.
Review of Our Top Picks
1. Editor’s Choice: SpringWell Whole House Well Water Filter for Iron Removal (WS1)
Features
- Style: Whole house filter for iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide
- Capacity: 100,000 gallons
- Iron Filtration Capabilities: 7 PPM
- Flow Rate: 12/20 gallons per minute
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on tanks and valves
SpringWell is one of the few brands offering specialized well water filtration solutions. Its whole-house iron filter is available for medium and large homes. You can choose the 1-4 bathroom variant with a 12 GMP flow rate or pick the 4+ bathroom variant with a 20 GMP flow rate.
The best thing about this filter is its efficiency. User feedback reveals that it fulfills all the claims made by SpringWell; it removes iron up to 7 PPM, manganese up to 1 PPM, and hydrogen sulfide up to 8 PPM.Many buyers have tested their well water after installing this unit, and all of them are highly satisfied with the results. The filter is not ideal for well water with high manganese concentration.
The filter uses an air-oxidizing filter system in a single tank. SpringWell’s AIO technology maintains an air pocket at the top that oxidizes iron, sulfide, and manganese in well water. The oxidized contaminants are then trapped in the filtration bed, discharged in the drain via backwash, and the air pocket is refreshed for further filtration.
The best part about the SpringWell iron filter is its electronic control head. The filter can be programmed via a smartphone application and lets you view valve settings and water usage, start a regeneration cycle, and turn off the unit.
Many users mention that they were able to do a DIY installation using the installation guide provided by SpringWell. The unit comes with an electronic head, a 50-inch drain line, a bypass valve, hose clamps, and a spin-down sediment filter to remove suspended particles from incoming water.
Overall, it is an excellent filter for homes with iron below 7 PPM in well water.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Easy installation
- Automatic programming
- 6 months money back guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
- Not for iron concentration above 7 PPM
2. Best Overall: AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 Combination Iron Filter & Water Softener
Features
- Style: Iron filter & water softener
- Capacity: 64,000 grain capacity
- Iron Filtration Capabilities: 6 PPM
- Flow Rate: 12 gallons per minute
- Warranty: Control head: 5 years, tank: 10 years
AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 is an excellent iron filter and water softener for private wells. The filter can remove up to 6 PPM iron, 6 PPM manganese, sediment, dust, and rust in water.
The digitally controlled water softener and the iron filter come with a Fleck 5600 SXT metered valve that lets you adjust settings and set regeneration time and frequency. You can also set the system to a meter-based regeneration frequency; it only regenerates when needed.
The box includes a brine tank, bypass valve, resin for first-time use, and instructions for DIY installation.
Users are happy with its performance. They mention that the water taste, odor, and aesthetics have drastically improved after installing this unit. The water no longer leaves stains and deposits on appliances, toilets, tubs, and clothes. Some users mention it as a costly unit, but it saves a lot in the long run by extending appliances’ life.
Pros
- Iron filter & softener combo
- Easy installation
- Automatic regeneration
Cons
- Not good for high iron concentration
Related Guide: The 6 Best Water Filter Pitchers For Well Water
3. Best for Iron and Manganese: iSpring Whole House Water Filter System
Features
- Style: 3-stage
- Capacity: 100,000 gallons
- Iron Filtration Capabilities: 3 PPM
- Flow Rate: 15 gallons per minute
- Warranty: 1-year
This filter is best for homes that don’t require a water softener but have to deal with moderate levels of iron and manganese in well water. The 3-stage water filter removes sediment, chlorine taste & smell, herbicides, pesticides, and many other VOCs.
The maximum iron removal capacity is 3 PPM and 1 PPM for manganese. The biggest advantage of installing this filter is its long life. It can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water, surpassing most 3-stage water filters.
Please note that this filter is not for extremely hard water. Hard water reduces the lifespan of filters and flow rate. Hence, you must get your water tested before buying this unit. It works only when the water is soft, and the maximum iron is 3 PPM.
The box includes everything required for DIY installation. The instructions are clear and easy to understand. It comes with a 1-year warranty.
Buyers recommend buying this filter only after getting your water tested. One user states that he bought it without testing water, and it failed to remove iron. Overall, the feedback is great for well water and city water users.
Pros
- Large filtration capacity
- Good results
- Easy installation
- Cheap replacement filters
Cons
- Doesn’t work with hard water
- Cannot remove iron above 3 PPM
4. Best for High Iron Concentration: Durawater Air Injection Iron Eater Filter
Features
- Style: Iron filter
- Iron Filtration Capabilities: 12 PPM
Iron level in well water is usually less than 10 PPM. However, some wells show up to 12 PPM iron after tests. This can be very disturbing as such high levels are not good for human health.
Instead of relocating or abandoning your well, you can try Durawater Air Injection Iron Filter. The iron eater filter can remove iron up to 12 PPM, sulfur up to 10 PPM, and manganese up to 2 PPM.
This makes this filter one of the most expensive iron filters for well water. Hence, you must only buy it after getting your water tested.
The filter uses an air pocket to oxidize iron and sulfur in the water. It uses an iron-specific filtration media to remove the iron and rotten egg smell. The filtration media is loaded into the tank for easy installation. A bypass valve is also included in the box. You can install it yourself in a couple of hours.
A Fleck 5600SXT control head controls the system.
Customers are happy with their purchases. A few buyers mentioned that installation was difficult. Other than this, there are no flaws with the system. The most loved feature is its powerful iron filtration.
Pros
- Mighty effective against high iron concentration
- Easy to install
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Costly
5. Best for Mid-Level Iron Concentration: Fleck 5600 SXT Iron Blaster 48,000 Grain Water Softener
Features
- Style: Water softener & iron filter
- Capacity: 48,000 grain capacity
- Iron Filtration Capabilities: 6-8 PPM
- Flow Rate: 10 gallons per minute
- Warranty: Control head: 5 years, tank: 10 years
The water softener & iron filter combo is best for homes with moderately hard water and mid-range iron concentration. The maximum grain capacity is 48,000, and the maximum iron removal capacity is 6-8 PPM.
Apart from iron and hardness, the system can also remove manganese (6 PPM), a moderate amount of sediment, and rust.
It is best for mid-sized homes with 2-5 people and 2-3 bathrooms. The flow rate is 10 GPM. This may be a bit low if you live in a big home or have bathrooms on the other side.
The water softener and iron filter come with a Fleck 5600 SXT meter head for controls and setting regeneration frequency. Please note that this unit doesn’t include a drain line and connection hose.
The user feedback is good. Buyers mention that the system works smoothly and never malfunctions. The biggest problem with this filter is the price. Better and more powerful units are available at the same price.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Works silently
- Great results
Cons
- Costly
- Drain line and connection hose not included
6. Best for Low Iron Concentration in Well Water: iSpring Whole House Water Filter System
Features
- Style: 2-stage whole house
- Capacity: 100,000 gallons
- Iron Filtration Capabilities: 3 PPM
- Flow Rate: 15 gallons per minute
- Warranty: 1-year
There is no point in buying a high-end filter for low iron concentration in well water. iSpring’s whole house 2-stage water filter is a budget pick that you can use to remove iron up to 3 PPM. It can also remove manganese (1 PPM), sediment, chlorine taste and smell, and VOCs.
The 2-stage filter is best for small homes but has a fast flow rate. It can supply 3-4 bathrooms without any pressure drops. Moreover, its filtration capacity is also impressive. You can use it for 100,000 gallons of water.
Please note that the filter cannot remove TDS from well water. You’ll need a reverse osmosis water filter to remove TDS and other toxins from water.
Overall, this is a good iron filter with a DIY installation. Everything comes packed in the box. Some buyers have reported leaks after installation. So please be careful when installing the unit. You can contact iSpring’s customer service if you don’t understand anything.
Pros
- Very good filtration
- Best for the whole house and under sink installation
- Long filter life
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Unit is heavy for included bracket
- The pressure switch doesn’t always work
7. Best Budget Pick: Pureplus Whole House Water Filter for Iron and Manganese
Features
- Style: Single cartridge
- Iron Filtration Capabilities: Up to 90%
PurePlus’s sediment and iron filter is the best pick for budget buyers. The filter comes with all the necessary features regardless of its low price. It can remove sediment, iron, manganese, sand, dirt, silt, and rust particles from water.
The filter comes with a pressure gauge to let you know the operating pressure and easy troubleshooting in case of the flow rate decreases. The flow rate is quite impressive because of its 1-inch connections. Please note that you will need additional connectors if you have ¾-inch plumbing at your home.
Many users install this filter before other filters for added protection and filtration. This helps improve the efficiency and life of subsequent water filters or softeners.
The box includes a mounting bracket, wrench, screws with o-ring, and easy-to-understand instructions.
There are mixed reviews for this filter. Some users are happy, while others consider it a waste of money. The most common complaint is parts missing from the box. Some users say that the flow rate decreases after a couple of weeks.
Pros
- Built-in pressure gauge
- Well built
- Good customer service
Cons
- Cannot handle high-pressure water; bursts after 70 PSI
- Flimsy installation equipment
8. Best Reverse Osmosis with Iron Filtration: Apec Water Systems 5-Stage RO Water Filtration System
Features
- Style: 5-stage reverse osmosis
- Capacity: 50 gallons per day
- Iron Filtration Capabilities: Up to 99%
- Flow Rate: 1 gallon per minute
- Warranty: 1 year
RO systems are usually not installed for iron removal. However, some people can’t tolerate iron in water or in their diet due to a disease called Hemochromatosis. It is a disorder in which extra iron builds up in your body.
Apec’s 5-stage reverse osmosis water removes 99.9% of all contaminants in water. Some users mention that they had TDS up to 2000 PPM in water. It bought it down to 200 PPM. You can very well estimate how powerful this unit is.
The five stages include a sediment filter, two carbon block filters, a high rejection RO filter, and a coconut carbon filter for improving water aesthetics (taste and smell).
The faucet is made from stainless steel and is 100% lead-free. The plastic used in the filter is BPA-free and certified by relevant authorities. It comes with all the parts required for DIY installation.
Homeowners using this filter are satisfied with its performance. The pre and post-installation water tests reveal that it makes water 100% healthy and fit for drinking. Please note that this is not a typical iron filter and cannot handle iron concentration above 3 PPM. You may still need a dedicated iron filter based on your water’s quality.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Removes TDS
- Excellent customer service from Apec
- Easy installation & maintenance
Cons
- Not a specialist iron filter
9. Best 2-Stage Whole House Iron Filter for Well Water: iFilters Whole House Filtration System
Features
- Style: 2-stage whole house
- Flow Rate: 3 gallons per minute
- Warranty: 1-year
iFilters whole house water treatment system is a 2-stage filter that filters black sediment, dirt, sand, silt, rust, VOCs, iron, and heavy metals.
The 1st filter is a pleated filter for sediment removal, and the 2nd filter is KDF/GAC filter for chlorine, VOCs, and iron removal.
The filter comes with all the parts required for installation. You can easily install the filter if you know how plumbing connections work. Each filter has a pressure relief button for easy filter replacement. Please note that there is no bypass valve with this unit. You’ll have to install the filter without a bypass valve or use filtered water 24/7.
It delivers a fast flow rate because of 1-inch connections. You’ll need connectors if your house has ¾ water pipes.
The user feedback is positive. Users mention that the filter is easy to install and maintain. The manufacturer has not mentioned the maximum iron removal limit. User feedback analysis reveals that it cannot deal with iron levels above 3 PPM.
Pros
- Fast flow rate
- Sturdy bracket
- Easy installation
Cons
- No bypass valve
- Cannot remove higher iron concentration
10. Best 3-stage Whole House Iron Filter for Well Water: Express Water 3 Stage Whole House Water Filter
Features
- Style: 3-stage whole house
- Capacity: 100,000 gallons
- Flow Rate: 15 gallons per minute
- Warranty: 1-year
3-stage filters are best when you have sediment, VOCs, and heavy metals in your well water. The 1st stage is a sediment filter, 2nd is a KDF filter for iron removal, and 3rd is an activated carbon filter for chlorine, pesticides, and other organic chemicals.
Though the manufacturers have not mentioned the exact iron removal limit, user reviews mention that it removes mid-level iron from well water. Iron taste, smell, and stains disappeared from the well water after installing this unit.
Users also praise the unit for its high flow rate. 15 gallons per minute flow rate is enough for a mid-size home with 3-4 bathrooms.
This is a good filter for homes with moderate iron levels in well water. You can use it for city water as well.
Pros
- Fast flow rate
- Easy installation and maintenance
- Pressure gauge with each filter
Cons
- Not for high iron concentration
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a water softener remove iron?
Yes. Some water softeners are designed to remove iron from well water. You must check the product description and read reviews before buying a system for removing iron and hardness in water.
How can I know about the iron concentration in my water?
Private well users can get the water tested to know about iron concentration and other contaminants in water. City water users can ask for a water quality report from the local government.
Where should I install an iron filter?
Iron filters are usually installed before other filters/water treatment systems in your home. Iron and sediment in the water can impact other filters’ working.
How does iron get in well water?
Iron gets in water when it moves underground. The soil quality varies from one area to another. This is why iron concentration varies from one private well to another.
How can I prevent iron from getting into my well water?
You cannot prevent iron from getting into well water. On the flip side, you can control contamination through damaged well casing and well cap by maintaining your water well properly.
Can a whole house water filter remove iron?
Yes. Some whole house filters can remove the iron filter. Make sure you check the cartridges in the filter and read about their iron removal capacity.
Having an iron filter that also gets rid of other heavy metals like manganese, sulfur, sulfide, lead, mercury, chromium, and arsenic would be good. Manganese and sulfur can be eliminated by some standalone iron filters, while different filtration methods are used in other systems to lessen other pollutants.