Iron/rust problem in water

[Tom L.]

We got alot of iron in our water supply (well). I dont have the actual numbers in front of me, but when we had it tested, iron content was close to the top of the scale. We also have enough hardness in the water to need a water softener.

I was told by the person testing the water that a water softener alone will not remove all the iron, and I am planning on installing a whole house water filter. My question is, should I send the water through the filter or the softener first? Would the excessive iron content be hard on the softener if first in line, or would I be changing water filters every other week if I had the filter first in line.

If I left any details out, let me know..I'll do what I can for you
Thanks

[Wgoodrich]

If it were me I would install a good grade water softner that you will own. Then buy your own salt supply. I also have an iron problem as well as hard water. I bought a second to the best of Sears water softner and wanted to try it by itself to see where I stood before I went to an iron filter. The salesman also said my water softner would not handle the iron tested completely. I installed the water softner that replaced my old 25 year old water softner and found the water and iron levels to test fine. I also cut my salt usage with the new water softner in half with a better tested water supply than I ever had with the old softner. I was shocked that ability of the new water softner to save me so much salt and still do the work. The new water softner will pay for itself in a couple of years in just salt cost savings.

If it were me I would install the softner and see where I was at concerning the testing and performance for your home. You might find you won't need the iron filter. If you have to add the iron filter you lost nothing but you may find you won't need it and be quite happy with your water quality using just the softner.

Let us know what you decide and find out when completing the project. Others may learn from your project also.

Just an opinion

Wg