Is there a DIY Iron Eater for Wells?

alltoys · Jul 25, 2009

I have a high concentration of Iron in my water and was curious if there was a way to DIY a system. Systems I have priced out run in the neighborhood $3500 to $5500 CAN and need drain to the septic system. I have a pump house that would work but no access to septic. I have no room in my house as I have double wide trailer.

So maybe some might have an idea of what there is available.

204saskman · Jul 25, 2009

i got a aztec iron filter. Not to sure if there is a DIY one though.But the Aztec also injectecs chlorine to kill bacteria. I know of a used aztec here in sask and i could ask the guy how much he wants for it if you want. Not sure where vimy,alberta is but im ure it would still be cheaper than a new system.

whistlepig · Jul 25, 2009

We had a custom filtering system that was installed here about two years ago. Dual filters that flush themselves just like a water softener. An automatic air pump that injects air in to the water to help control rust. And this system also provides reverse osmosis drinking water. About a gallon of reverse osmosis water generated per hour. Makes an awesome cup 'o coffee. We also use the rust control salt in our water softener. We have no issues with rust or sulfur smell from our well water. The best water we have ever had in our lifetime. This was $2,500 installed. Plug and play. They service it every year for $60.00. Change the filters, adjust the air pump, and charge the well pressure tank.

SPYDERLK · Jul 26, 2009

So why doesnt a strong magnet work?

woodlandfarms · Jul 26, 2009

I am guessing on this one, but an electro magnet might take a ton of juice (not cost effiecient) and comes the question of how do you clean out the metal...

This is assuming that Iron in a soluable form could be efficiently trapped by a magnet.

But it is a cool idea.

I saw an Ozone Water Cleaner some guy had on his pool. I remember him saying it removed iron...

In our area we have a problem with Arsenic (volcanic region). I think for the people in the PNW it is going to come as a huge shock how bad the water is as testing has not been really mandated for the sticks until recently. Anyway, the process to remove arsenic turns out to is effected by the process to pull out the iron, so we don't have to have two seperate systems...

alltoys · Jul 26, 2009

204saskman said:
i got a aztec iron filter. Not to sure if there is a DIY one though.But the Aztec also injectecs chlorine to kill bacteria. I know of a used aztec here in sask and i could ask the guy how much he wants for it if you want. Not sure where vimy,alberta is but im ure it would still be cheaper than a new system.

Yeh new systems are expensive. I have looked into filters but there is nothing that is totally adept at removing the iron. Can't remember what the actual measure was called but out of a possible 200 scale my water sits at 190 very high iron content.

Taste is not that bad alone from the tap but when made in coffee it is terrible. Not to mention how it leaves deposits in the tub and sinks. Two companies I have talked with have their own patented system and I think rather expensive. Something like that of what Whistlepig had talked about, with the filters being flushed out.

Vimy Alberta is north of Edmonton 20 min. SE of Westlock.

DOUBLEG · Jul 26, 2009

We have an Aztec filter system with a chlorine pellet injector. It works well but does need the filter o-ring replaced and the filter head rebuilt every few years. My guess that would be common with all systems. Neww bedding materal every few years as well.

Neigbours have an air ejections sytem. They still need to shock their well every few years.

I would recommend a filter and chlorine system. But get if from a local supplier. My Aztec dealer is in Regina and I am just outside of Saskatoon. The freight and milage costs mound up

204saskman · Jul 26, 2009

Ya i like the aztec alot. We have had no issues in 4 years with our system. Just fill the pellets and thats it. Aztec is a very busy company and i couldnt get them to come service. Im going to install a softner here this fall and im glad i have the iron filer. If i remeber right, our iron is very high in our well also. It is one of the worst in the area for a shallow well. I would recomned the Aztec over any others, but local is better for service. As for air injection, i dont belive in that system as how will the air actually remove the iron, i think it makes it settle then when you shock it, it stires it back up. But im not sure. I know this much, our raw water is gross. I think the softner i need has to be able to remove 90K of hardness.

collie · Jul 28, 2009

I built one in 1986.I got 1/2 of a septic tank (concrete) leveled it on top of the ground.Put 2" pipe in the bottom of it & drilled 5/8" hoes in it pointing about 45 degrees from the bottom. Put about 10" of washed course gavel,then some marble stones then fine gravel.Put course sand on top(12 inches).ran water pipe on top of sand ,drilled small holes pointing up.pump turns on water sprays in the air & falls in the sand. Drainns through the sand filter goes the pipe in the bottom to a holding tank buried in the ground.The pump that supplys water to the house is ine the holding tank.have asump pump switch in the holding tank.when it gets low ,turns pump on in the well that goes to the sand filter.I check the sand on top of the sand filter about once a year. When a crust forms on top time to change.When my daughters lived at home once a year. Since they bouth have moved out.I change sand about every 2 or 3 years.My neighbors bought store bought filters, they are always fooling with them,after awhile they were building them one like mine.