Getting rid of Iron

[flwrpwr]

I have been using RFC20BB filters (25 micron) for my home for the past 7 years. I want to know if there's a better choice for the problems we have with it, which are.... (a) significant flow reduction over time; (b) relatively short life (about 6-8 wks max) because of (a). The housing is necessarily located outdoors -- not sure this matters a lot, though I have noted the temperature ranges in the various filter specs (which are routinely violated in the winter, though the housing is generally protected from the elements by being within a covered well). I'm in an area of North Carolina where we have a clay soil with iron... the spent filters always come out with a deep orange color throughout - a bit darker than 'Home Depot' or 'pumpkin' oranges. Unfortunately I can't specify the particle sizes, but I am interested in what other options might be available in the Pentek line to improve on the current performance. Price is always a consideration, but I can do math, too: if I can double the lifespan, I can certainly afford more filters. Please advise.

[waterfilters]

Iron can be very difficult to deal with. Are you using the RFC (which is a carbon filter) because of a taste and odor problem? I ask, because it's not the best choice for removing the oxidized iron (that's the deep orange yuck).

You would see improved performance by adding an additional filter housing with a slightly more porous filter cartridge. This will serve to capture larger particles, and allow the smaller ones through to the next filter thus sharing the filtration workload between the two cartridges. This filter would be a good choice: DGD-7525-20 Water Filter and Pentek DGD752520 sediment filters for 20 inch Big Blue Whole House Housings Followed by the RFC that you have been using.

Ultimately you really need a tank style iron removal system not unlike a water softener. Something like this: IRON-100DM-WF Metered Iron Reduction Backwash Water Filter This will eliminate the need for cartridge type filtration (saving you money) and will be zero maintenance for 5-7 years. To size this type of system appropriately, a water analysis will need to be done.

Thank you,
WaterFilters.NET