Yellow water gushing out of the faucet in the bathroom is no doubt alarming for any homeowner.
But do you know what causes your water to turn yellow? High iron levels are one of the main reasons that cause freshwater to turn yellow. Not only is it detrimental to health, but it can also stain your sinks, toilets, showers, and other fixtures.
A few years back, when my husband noticed an unpleasant metallic taste in our drinking water, he immediately called a plumber to detect the issue.
Upon inspection, the plumber told us that our pipeline was rusted due to the high iron concentration in the water. He installed an iron filter in our kitchen tap, and surprisingly, that eliminated the smell.
Hello folks, I’m Stacy Smith, and today I’ve put together a list of the five best iron water filter options you can consider. So, let’s dive in, then!
Top 5 Iron Water Filter
1. iSpring Water Filter System
I’ll kick start this list with a water system that filters iron from my well water and keeps my family safe from its harmful effects. This three-stage system is installed in the main water supply, so you can rest assured that it’ll filter every water source in your home.
Product Highlights
This water filter system steals the show with its robust iron and manganese, sediment, and carbon filter to remove particles commonly found in underground wells.
Thanks to the sediment filter, you’ll experience fewer clogs and pressure loss. Adding to that is the carbon filter that’s made of high-quality coconut shell carbon for maximum filtration efficiency. Furthermore, the iron and manganese filter eliminates iron from water efficiently.
Its carbon and sediment filter boasts a capacity of 100,000-gallons of water which is sufficient to supply water to a family of four for a year. In addition, they have been tested in a third-party lab to ensure that they meet NSF/ANSI standards.
Since this filter system is installed in the main water supply line, its versatility is top-notch. Thus, it leaves no stones unturned to filter industrial solvents, heavy metals, and other impurities from water.
What’s There To Like About It?
Believe it or not, this water filter system is easy to install, and it took no more than half an hour for my husband to fit it in the mainline. I also appreciate how the brand offers installation videos on YouTube, which you can refer to if you feel stuck during the process.
Unlike other filter systems, it is quite compact, which makes it perfect for a small mechanical room. Lastly, it is backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty and lifetime free tech support.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
After trying it for six months, I can confidently say that this is one of the best filters you can install in your home to purify water. That said, it comes with an expensive price tag, so it might not be an ideal option for those on a tight budget.
Pros and Cons of iSpring Water Filter System
Pros
Cons
- Whole house water filter that protect your family and household appliance from iron, manganese and more: Our 3rd stage iron water filter (FM25B) is specially designed for iron and manganese removal, reducing iron (MAX 3.0 ppm) and manganese (MAX 1.0 ppm). The water filter lasts up to 3 times longer than greensand due to the catalytic media not being consumed in the process. This whole house water filter system also removes sediment, chlorine, rust, herbicides, industrial solvents, and more.
- DIY installation and maintenance - refer to our manual and our helpful YouTube videos for easy DIY installation. With 1 in. NPT inlet / outlet and 20 in. x 4.5 in. water filter cartridges, WGB32BM whole home water filter system has minimum impact on water flow (up to 15 GPM) and requires minimum maintenance.
- Top-notch quality - the first stage high capacity polypropylene sediment filter achieves filtration down to 5 microns. The second stage carbon block filter is made of high quality coconut shell carbon for maximum filtration efficiency and filter life. Both water filters are tested by an independent third-party to meet NSF/ANSI standards. Both water filters have a capacity of 100,000 Gal. of water, enough to supply a family of four with clean water for a full year.
2. AFWFilters IRONPRO2 Iron Filter
If you’re looking for an iron filter that comes preloaded with a water softener, then your search ends here. This all-in-one filter is an excellent option for eliminating iron from water and comes in handy for softening hard water.
Product Highlights
The IRONPRO2 features a Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve that monitors the mineral content of the water and enables the softener only when required. On top of that, it includes a unique fine mesh resin that eliminates iron from water. Unlike other filters, it is designed to remove up to 7ppm of ferrous ions from water.
Additionally, it prevents scale buildup from faucets and other fixtures that come in contact with water, ensuring their longevity. It also removes manganese or black slimy stains, rust, sand, and sediment from water.
Even better, it is available in multiple styles, so you’ve got plenty of options to choose from for your household. Besides bypass valve and standard brink tank, this filter comes with lubricant, sanitizer, instruction manual, and installation kit.
Last but not least, this all-in-one system is reasonably priced, making it an excellent pick for those on a budget.
What’s There To Like About It?
Rarely do we come across water filter systems that feature in-built water softeners, and that’s why when I came across this one, I instantly ordered one for our farmhouse. Honestly speaking, I was impressed by its performance as it eliminated iron, hard water, rust, manganese, sediments, and other impurities.
Owing to its 64,000 grains, this all-in-one system is an excellent option for medium households. Lastly, you won’t have to spend a fortune to get it as it’s easy on the pockets.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
There isn’t much to complain about this versatile product; however, I’d like to point out that installation is tricky, and you’ll have to call a professional. That’s because finding the fittings is difficult, and even the slightest mistake can damage the unit.
Pros and Cons of AFWFilters IRONPRO2 Iron Filter
Pros
Cons
- Ships Pre Loaded Water softener, iron filter, all in one! high flow for whole house use!
- Comes with AFW Filters install kit with sanitizer, lubricant, and instructions
- Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve for efficiency and ease of use, 5 year ! Removes hardness up to 70 gpg, iron up to 4-7 ppm range, manganese up to 6 ppm, sediment, sand, rust
3. Home Master Water Filtration System
Here’s another three-stage water filtration system that does a decent job of eliminating iron, manganese, chemicals, and other contaminants to deliver clean and clear water. Thanks to the sturdy body, this unit is highly durable and long-lasting.
Product Highlights
This device boasts massive filter housings with a one-inch port that supplies water at a speed of up to 15 gallons per minute. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it?
Furthermore, this three-stage water filtration system features a sediment filter, iron reduction filter, and activated coconut shell activated carbon filter. The sediment filter comes with four layers for purifying water from bacteria and chemicals, while the iron one reduces iron content.
Thanks to the activated coconut shell carbon filter, the unit also purifies chemicals from water. So, you can rest assured it will provide you with clean water for up to a year.
But its versatility doesn’t end here as it also eliminates staining, foul odors, and taste to supply you with clean water that is safe for consumption. The cherry on the cake is that it doesn’t require frequent maintenance, so you can rest assured that you won’t have to spend extra bucks on maintaining this unit.
What’s There To Like About It?
Right out of the box, I liked it because it comes fully assembled, which means you need not spend hours putting it together. Additionally, this unit spares no effort to purify water as it filters iron, manganese, sulfur smell, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals.
Unlike other systems, it doesn’t draw down water pressure; instead, it improves its flow rate, which is impressive. Also, it doesn’t require regular maintenance, so you need not shell out cash every month.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Having used it for a couple of months, I noticed that the water gushing out of my faucet is incredibly soft and clean. However, my only gripe is that its replacement filters are pricey, which might be an issue for those on a budget.
Pros and Cons of Home Master Water Filtration System
Pros
Cons
- Optimal Performance for Well Water: Specifically engineered to tackle well water contaminants, this system excels in removing up to 95% of iron, manganese, sediment, chemicals, and other pollutants, ensuring clean and clear water devoid of foul tastes and odors. For city water users, consider the Model #HMF2SmgCC for tailored filtration.
- High Flow Rate and Pressure: Features massive filter housings with 1-inch ports that maximize water flow across your entire home. Experience strong, consistent water pressure with a capability of up to 15 gallons per minute.
- Advanced Filtration Technology: Includes a 4-layer 25-10-5-1 micron replaceable sediment filter that not only provides finer filtration but also boasts a greater dirt holding capacity, reducing the frequency of maintenance.
4. DuraWater 1.5 Air Injection Iron Filter
While scouring the internet for water filters, I happened to stumble upon the DuraWater air injection iron filter and decided to get one for my home. Despite being a single tank system, it is one of the most efficient systems for removing iron and foul smell from water.
Product Highlights
Though this iron filter features a single tank, it doesn’t compromise performance. It removes iron and sulfur from water in the most efficient way, so you can rest assured that you won’t have to deal with unclean water.
In addition, there’s an air pocket on top of the tank, which oxidizes iron and sulfur when water passes through it. Thanks to the Fleck air injection control head, it cleans the system and flushes everything down the drain.
Another interesting feature of this unit is that it uses a patented piston in the control valve to place the entire oxidation process in one tank. By doing so, both downtime and maintenance costs are reduced.
Adding to that is the fiberglass tank that comes pre-loaded with catalytic carbon, which allows you to install it right out of the box. All of these features make this iron filter a bang for the buck!
What’s There To Like About It?
There are a lot of things that I like about this unit. First off, its tank isn’t bulky; rather, it’s compact and can easily fit in a small mechanical room. Unlike other options on this list, installing this unit is a relatively easy task, and you can pull it off all by yourself by following the instruction manual.
Despite its small size, it works exceptionally well to filter iron, sulfur, and manganese from water.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Not to deny, it is one of the most affordable options on this list; however, I’d like to mention that it isn’t an ideal option for large families of about six to eight people. That’s because its 1.5 cubic feet tank cannot filter large volumes of water.
Pros and Cons of DuraWater 1.5 Air Injection Iron Filter
Pros
Cons
- Fleck Black Series Fleck 5600 SXT Digital air injection system
- 1.5 Cubic Ft of Upgraded Centaur Catalytic Carbon
- Remove iron up to 12 ppm, Sulfur up to 10 ppm, Manganese up to 2 ppm
5. Pentair Pentek RFFE20-BB Water Filter Iron Reduction Cartridge
The Pentair Pentek water filter promises to eliminate iron from water with its top-notch performance. Not only does it filter iron from water, but it also prevents rust stains on plumbing fixtures, toilets, and sinks. Overall, this heavy-duty iron reduction cartridge is your one-stop solution for clearer, great-tasting water.
Product Highlights
The Pentair Pentek water filter iron reduction cartridge is compatible with all 20” Big Blue filter housing and can fit in 4.5” x 20” cartridge space.
Besides reducing dissolved iron, it eliminates brown and orange stains commonly found in faucets, sinks, and other spaces of homes, thereby preventing further damage to appliances. So, simply install it in your home and enjoy fresh and clean water for up to three months.
As it filters up to 3 ppm of dissolved iron, it eliminates metallic taste, which means you can enjoy better-tasting water at home. In addition to that, this unit is highly versatile and can be used in both commercial and industrial settings along with residential. Also, installation is a breeze, and I’m sure you won’t face any issues while setting it up.
What’s There To Like About It?
What gravitated me towards this filter cartridge was its claim of eliminating rust stains, and that’s why I decided to give it a go. Thus, I decided to install it in my bathroom line and was astonished to see clear water gushing out of the faucet.
Moreover, I’ve noticed significant improvements in water quality as they appear more clear and clean than before. Plus, it also eliminates odor and foul taste from water which is a bonus.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Though the unit works wonders to reduce iron and sulfur from water, it lasts about a season. Hence, you’ll have to replace it every three months to continue to enjoy fresh and clear water, which might be a bummer for some.
Also, I feel this filter is slightly costlier than others on the market, making it perfect for those on a higher budget.
Pros and Cons of Pentair Pentek RFFE20-BB Water Filter Iron Reduction Cartridge
Pros
Cons
- GREATLY IMPROVES TASTE by filtering up to 3 PPM of dissolved iron. Eliminate metallic taste
- PREVENT RUST STAINS on sinks, toilets and plumbing fixtures and prevent appliance damage.
- WHOLE HOUSE FILTERING on main water line, works great for well water.
Buyers Guide
As soon as you start noticing yellowish water running out of the faucets, you may perhaps be eager to rush to a local store to buy an iron filter. Of course, installing an iron filter is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to eliminate iron from water and tackle stains. But there are certain factors that you need to consider before investing in an iron filter.
Certainly, knowing the five best iron water filter options is helpful, but choosing one remains a daunting task. However, when you know the features you need to look for while buying an iron water filter, it will be easy to settle on the one that is up to the standard.
On that note, I’ve mentioned all the aspects that you must keep in mind when shopping for an iron water filter, so let’s take a look.
1. Type Of Iron
Before buying an iron water filter, it’s important to know the type of iron present in the water because various types of iron contaminate water. Mainly, there are four forms of iron that contaminate home water, namely organic, ferrous, ferric, and bacterial.
Once you detect which type of iron is contaminating the water, it will help you narrow down the options. A water test will also catch other substances, like manganese, alkalinity, or pH in water.
If only iron is present in the water, you may consider a single tank filter, but if there are other substances and iron in the water, going for a three-stage system is the best bet.
2. Size
When it comes to iron water filters, the market is saturated with tons of options of different sizes. And that’s why it is one of the most critical factors that you need to pay attention to so that you end up buying the right one.
If you go for a too-small water filter, it will leak unfiltered water or cause a drop in the pressure which can further lead to issues.
Ideally, a water filter may be large to supply filtered water throughout the day so that you can pull off all the chores without any difficulties. A prudent way to determine this is to calculate your daily water consumption right from the morning till you hit the sack.
Mostly, the filters that I’ve mentioned on this list are ideal for a family of four to six people. However, if your family consists of more than six people, make sure you look for filters with high capacity.
3. Water Softener
While most people overlook this factor, I suggest you not forget this when shopping for an iron water filter. More often than not, iron filters come without a water softener which means you’ll have to shell out extra cash for purchasing them.
Meanwhile, some brands sell iron filters with built-in water softeners, so you need not worry about purchasing them separately. Whether you shall buy an iron filter with an in-built water softener or not depends totally on your budget and, of course, space.
4. Installation
Unlike other plumbing fixtures, iron water filters are easy to install and can be fitted without any professional help. Though installing a water filter is easy, you need to have some plumbing knowledge to pull off the task easily, or else you’ll end up damaging the unit.
So, if you’re not confident in your DIY skills, don’t hesitate to call a plumber to get the unit fixed on the mainline. Contrarily, for those planning to install filters all by themselves, I suggest going through the instruction manual and videos to ensure doing it correctly.
However, you must keep in mind that some filters are bulky, and installing them all by yourself will be challenging.
5. Maintenance
Another crucial aspect that you must consider is maintenance, as you’ll have to replace filters periodically. Most water filter systems last for years, while some need to be replaced after a year.
If you go for systems that require frequent maintenance, then you’ll have to shell out hundreds of dollars every season for filter replacement. However, some systems don’t require maintenance for a long time, so you need not spend extra bucks cleaning or replacing filters. In my opinion, going for systems that don’t require regular maintenance is a wise thing.
6. Cost
Although the price tag of the filter plays an important role, it shouldn’t be the sole factor in the decision-making process. Of course, sticking to a budget is essential, but you must also keep in mind that iron water filters are durable and long-lasting.
Initially, look for options that fall within your budget and check their features like average lifespan and maintenance cost. If you feel the system is worth the price tag, take the splurge. Also, make sure you buy iron water filters from a trustworthy brand as their products are backed by a warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they can get moldy if you don’t maintain them or replace their filters regularly. However, you can get rid of the mold by replacing the filters and cleaning them properly.
This depends on the system you’ve installed in your home, but filters should be changed after 10 to 12 months in most cases.
My Final Recommendation
Certainly, rust stains and yellow or brown water flowing out of the tap are alarming. However, you need not panic as you can tackle this issue by installing a high-quality iron water filter to eliminate iron content.
On that note, it’s finally time to wrap up my guide on the best iron water filter. But before I sign off, here are my favorites from the list.
The iSpring Water Filter System is my top pick because it’s easy to install and requires less maintenance. Meanwhile, AFWFilters IRONPRO2 Iron Filter steals the show in terms of affordability and versatility.
With that, I’ll call it a day; hopefully, you enjoyed reading my guide as much as I enjoyed curating it for you. Till then, take care!