As most may know, tap water running from well and municipal water irrigation systems contains contaminants that can be harmful to your health as well as your home appliances. One of the most common contaminants found within tap water is iron, which gives it a metallic taste and can cause irreparable damage and stains to plumbing fixtures throughout your home. While many are aware of the presence of iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide in local water streams, most are not educated on what proactive measures should be taken to make your tap water as safe as possible. The iron water filter is a special home appliance system that targets iron and eliminates it from your home water supply.
The first piece of information, which is important for homeowners to understand, is that iron contamination can come in two forms. Ferric iron is a form in which particles of solid iron, also known as rust, are found within your water supply and can be removed through the proper utilization of mechanical water filters. While mechanical water filters can remove ferric iron, the second form known as ferrous is a more difficult contaminant to tackle. Ferrous contaminants are dissolved particles of iron, and because they are no longer in particle form, a specialized brand of iron filters must be used to extract it from your household plumbing fixtures.
If you have had your water tested and the results show high concentrations of dissolved iron and hydrogen sulfide, it may be necessary to invest in a whole house iron water filter. While not all homes are high in iron, manganese or hydrogen sulfide content, those that are should have an effective water treatment system that targets and eliminates the problem. These iron whole house filters contain an element known as manganese greensand, which significantly reduces the presence of these harmful minerals and contaminants. Through the oxidation process, the greensand turns the trouble making ferrous iron into the ferric form so it can mechanically be extracted.
By investing in an iron filter that performs the proper oxidation and filtration process to target ferrous iron, you will notice improvements in your home water supply. These filters will noticeably improve your water clarity, remove any foul odor, and take away the metallic taste you may have previously noticed. Aside from these benefits, a quality filter will length the life of your toilets, showers, tubs, washers, dishwashers, your water dispenser or water cooler, and most importantly your plumbing system. While appliances and plumbing lines can still function with the presence of ferrous iron, they will go through extreme wear and tear and will corrode and rust quickly in comparison to ferrous-free water.
Iron water filters will vary in price. While large whole house systems can cost in the thousands, specialty iron reduction filter cartridges have been an affordable alternative and act in the same manner as the whole-house system. Many homeowners with mild to moderate iron contamination are turning to these cartridges, because not only are they a fraction of the price, they are easy to maintain and only require replacement once they have exceeded their life expectancy. For homeowners with serious cases of contamination, the need for a whole-house filter is obvious. Review the costs of filters online, and choose a high-quality system that will perform to your expectations. Always perform the suggested routine maintenance on any iron filter to ensure it is operating at its full potential.
Have your water tested regularly if you expect high concentrations of various harmful chemicals and minerals. While the traditional water filter in your home will target ferric iron, take proactive measures if necessary in the presence of ferrous irons.
Want more water dispenser information? Head to the front page!
