How can I filter out dirt out of my house water ?

Question

We have iron deposits in the water coming to the house which stains the bath and toilets pretty bad, not to mention the fact that it is a real pain to clean...We already have a whole house filter, but it's not really doing a great job at getting all the dirt out.

I'd like to know what I can do to FIX the problem permanently ?

Answer 1

I had a similar problem with water staining.
The house uses a deep drilled well and standard water softener. I've changed to another type salt and add Iron Out to the salt container. Before water enters the softener it flows through a particulate filter. This ensures any mud or other dirt does not reach the softener and helps keep it clean.

I have pictures and links on my web page.
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/waterfilter.html

Answer 2

Not sure what your whole house filter is but if it is an ion exchange you may need to get a new resin - as time goes on the resin gets spent. It may also be that the volume of water use is greater now than when the "filter" was installed? Anyway the solution is to have an effective ion exchange system that will exchange the iron in the water for something like sodium that will not stain.

Answer 3

home depot & lowes have a good whole house filter... i've found, after installing one ( 4 houses ago - well water ) that they clog to easily... the next 3 i built i had the plumber install 2 not in series. the water line makes a y to the filters & then re joins to go to the softener. if you dont get the junk out before the softener it will be rendered in-effective.
do this & regenerate your softener ( if you have one, or go get one ) several time & add a strong solution of "iron out" & water b-4 regeration. also when you change filters, while canister is open squirt out some water into a bucket, i hat it when you put a new one in & the stuff in the line discolores it immediately! use paper filters, not the woven ones! has worked well for 10 + years.

Answer 4

There are several types of water iron...let's just go with 3 - Ferrous Iron (clear water), Ferric (red water) and Heme (Organic iron). In your case, since you see color, it is either Ferric or Organic iron.

Ferric iron can typically be removed by mechanical filtration. Check your whole house filter, and see what types of filtration it is using. If it has a sediment cartridge, try going with lower micron filter - like pleated sediment 5-micron (if yours is woven). Any type of KDF filter will also reduce Ferric iron.

It's harder to remove Organic iron - because bacteria-based. Typically city water is treated with chlorine to kill bacteria...this may be your problem right here, since your whole house removes chorine, there's a possibility of bacteria growth in the system. Try and see if unfiltered water also produces stains - this could be your sign. You may have to end up buying one of these iron removal systems, but I'd consult water specialist first.

Answer 5

You need to install an ione exchange resin filter probably for removing the excess iron from the water. Depending upon the place where you are staying, you need to talk to the right specialists.

Answer 6

Put in a better filter &/or add a water softener.

Answer 7

several companies make a filter to attach to the kitchen faucet and can replace the dirty filter regularly