How to Use a Greensand Filter and Softener to Remove Iron, Manganese and Hardness without Sacrificing Water Pressure

Hey Gerry,

A friend recommended me to you site.  I have high levels of iron and manganese (I emailed you my test report), no sulfur, but also really hard water.  I had a greensand system that worked fine before but it got destroyed in a fire.  I am limited on space in my garage where I want to put the filters.   What do you  suggest? I want to make sure this doesn’t kill my water pressure.

Frederic L.

Kentucky

Dear Frederic,

Thanks for emailing. 

Greensand is a proven media to remove iron and manganese and the one we use lasts a long time and easy to service.  These filters come with automatic backwashing control valves that are able to meter your water usage to save costs on potassium permanganate.  

Well Water Treatment for Coliform Bacteria

Sir,

We have a small cabin in the country, and its near a farm.  Our well recently tested positive for coliform bacteria.  What do you recommend: clorinator or ultraviolet light treatment?  Which is better?

Joey B.

Springfield, Illinois

Hello sir,

Bacteria contamination is a serious problem to deal with, but we can definitely help.  There are a few options available for treating this situation, and the two most common are UV treatment and chemical treatment. 

Spin Down Filters: How to Determine What Mesh Size to Use?

Question…how do I determine what size mesh filter to buy?

When I fill and drain the tub without bathing there is a layer of chalky or talc like sediment covering the bottom and sides (when allowed to dry)

William S.

William,

This is a good question and it comes up often.  In general, we recommend using the coarsest mesh size deemed acceptable to filter the materials you want to remove. This will help to extend the life of your system and reduce how often the filter requires cleaning.

Treatment of High Iron and Iron Bacteria

Sir,

I have high levels of iron in our well water.  I want to filter out the rust and kill the bacteria slime.  I emailed you my water test report.  What recommendations can you  make?  I have a holding tank (5000 gallon steel tank).  Our water is very hard too, but I am not sure if I want to go back to using a water softener or not.

Sam G.

Florida

Hello sir,

Our recommendation is to chlorinate your water prior to your holding tank, and then filter the oxidized iron from the water downstream at the house using a large 3.0 CF Pro-OX iron filter and optionally a softener system as well.

How to Treat Sulfur Odors and Black Residue in Well Water in Our New Home

We just moved to a home with a well and the water has sulfur in it which we'd like to filter out due to the odor and black staining on appliances. We had two onsite water tests from local companies within one day of each other, and I listed both results below. No manganese was detected.Thanks,CathyDear Cathy,We can make two separate suggestions to consider:  using a non-chemical backwashing air charge sulfur filter system, or using a chemical injection system, with either chlorine or hydrogen peroxide.  I am going to go ahead and make two separate recommendations:

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages to Using a Pellet Feeder for a Small Community System?

Hello,

We have a well that we need to chlorinate for some cabins in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I would assume the liquid chlorinator would have to be housed or in a location where it isn't subjected to freezing temperatures, which might be difficult up here. 

A pellet chlorinator does not have to be, right? Maybe I am wrong, but if the chlorinator is between the well and the reservoir and at times there is hardly anyone on the system, that injected chlorine could be sitting in that reservoir for a period of time before it is pumped up to a cabin.

We really wanted to know which type you recommend and why.

Thanks for all your help,

Mr Ferlin

Dear Mr. McFarland,

Dry pellet feeders are easy to deal with and afford a great solution.  There are two types of pellet feeders that can be used: Well Pellet Feeders (which drop pellets down the well when the well pump runs) and In-Line Dry Pellet Feeders such as the Model 400 Chlorine Pellet Feeders.

The Sentry Dry Pellet Well Chlorinator is a great chlorinator that is easy to install, requires less maintenance than a liquid chlorine feeder.   Many wells cannot use this type however, as there can be obstructions preventing the pellets from dropping down into the water, such as wire guards, or pipe supports.  In some cases, the pump may be much higher than the water level, so the pellets drop past the pump.   Usually it is best to use these feeders with the assistance of a pump or well contractor so they can install a basket to catch the pellets so they land about a foot below the well pump.

You are also correct that you will not have to worry about the pellets freezing; they store well, and will last for many months.  In your case, a dry pellet chlorinator may be a better fit for you if you do not want to worry about maintenance during times when no one is using the cabins.

Home Well Water Chlorinators: Pellet Feeders or Liquid Bleach, Which is Better?

Dear Gerry,

My neighbors showed me your website, we live near Little Rock on our own well.   Our question is, what is the difference between the chlorine pellets feeders and the liquid bleach feeders?   We have a slight odor to the water, but its not bad.  There is also some slime in our toilet tank, but all we have is a water softener.  I like the idea of a pellet feeder, but I am not sure which is better.

Bill S.

Little Rock Arkansas

Chlorinate and Filter to Remove Iron Bacteria for Good

Gerry,

Got your name from our neighbors, their system is working good.  We have odors and a small amount of iron.  However we have slime in our toilet tanks, and we are sure its iron bacteria.  We want to chlorinate and filter, what do you recommend?   I already have a softener, which is doing most of the heavy lifting on this water now!

Gary S.

Pennsylvania

Dear Gary,

Thanks for emailing.  To treat the Iron and Iron Bacteria I recommend chlorination injection followed by a Contact Tank for necessary retention time, followed by filtration by a Pro-OX Iron Filter, and finally treated by your existing Water Softener. 

How this application will work is the chlorine (Clorox) bleach mixed with water is injected whenever the well is on, once injected the 80 gallon contact retention tank allows for enough contact time for the chlorine to react with the contaminants and fully oxidize for filtration.  The Iron filter then taking out any residual, oxidized Iron/Manganese/Odors.  As the Iron filter media will thrive with the bleach, and is used to further enhance performance, typically no residual chlorine remains in the treated water. 

The Precision-24 self-priming chlorine pump systems are easy to install by anyone familiar with basic plumbing and very easy to maintain yourself.  Settings for the pump will be provided as well as the ratio of Clorox : Water to be used.

Pro-OX Manganese Dioxide media is an NSF Certified natural high purity mineral that is used for removing iron, hydrogen sulfide, and manganese from water supplies.  These media utilize an oxidation-reduction reaction and filtration process similar to Greensand, but at a much higher level of performance. 

Pro-OX has a much higher surface area and is much more porous than Greensand, but it lasts much longer (usually between 10 years, compared to around 5 years maximum for Greensand).  Pro-OX can also handle higher amounts of Iron/Manganese, and Iron Bacteria. 

The following will show images and product links for additional information. 

Precision-24 Metering Pump with 15 Gallon Solution Tank:                     

Extremely versatile pump comes in either 115 or 220 volt so as to be wired to come on when ever your well or pressure system is energized.  Works with well water flow rates from 1 – 50 Gallons per Minute (GPM).

Output rating:  0.1 – 24 Gallons per Day (GPD).  Pressure rating:  Will inject into lines with up to 110 PSI.  Digital speed adjustment allows for quick changes to pump output.

Additional features:  Degassing Valve is built in which makes this great for chlorination use.  System includes Chlorination Pump, 15 Gallon Solution Tank, Injection Check Valve, tubing and installation fittings.  25 & 35 Gallon tanks also available for additional cost. 

                                   

Click here for more information.

80 Gallon Contact Tank 
The CT-80 tank is a durable easy-to-install retention tank designed to provide optimum contact time during chemical treatment. These lightweight seamless totally non-corrosive retention tanks are ideal for new and replacement installation where durability is at a premium. 100% non-metallic polymer materials. Impervious to chemical attack.  Comes with  1-1/4 inch inlet.



Dimensions:  21” Diameter x 63”Tall



                                  Excellent Warranty:  5 Years from date of installation.

Click here for more information.

Vacuum Breaker, ½” Male Pipe Thread (MPT).                  

Vacuum breaker relief valve Watts 1/2" male 200 PSI maximum.

Required for contact and retention tanks to prevent vacuum in system and avoid imploding vessel.

Click here for more information.

Spectrum Free Chlorine Test Kit – TK2501                  

Quickly and easily test for available chlorine using drops, 50 tests included.  Much more reliable that test strips and help in maintaining a proper residual in your system.

 Click here for more information.

Pro-Ox Iron Filter 5900e, 1.5 Cubic Foot, 115 volt

Pro-Ox contains 80% manganese dioxide in an extremely unique cluster format for enhanced performance and maximized capacity.   No need for other chemicals as will utilize the chlorination system as it’s oxidizer.

Dimensions:  10" diameter x 61" height   ¾" or 1” connectors, media, valve, and bypass is included.  All installation and start-up guides will be sent directly to you and we are available for tech-support as well should you have questions either after installed or down the line. 

Click here for more information.

Excellent warranty: 10 years on the media tank; 5 years on the control valve.

Aerator Tank Not Working For Sulfur Smell

I have a well system located in Fort Myers Florida  3 bedroom .  We have an aerator system but it does little to help.  There are no filters after the aereator. There is a bad sulfur rotten egg smell and its worst when we are gone and come back after 2 or 3 weeks.

My wife said it turns her jewelry black but no stains on clothes I would like to eliminate the aeration system and shallow well pump and just use the well pump also we have a water softener system .

Frustrated in Fort Myers Florida

Dear sir,

Depending on the water chemistry and size of the aeration tank and air compressor, aerator tanks alone will not effectively remove all odors.  Aeration combined with catalytic carbon backwash filter after the aeration tank can be quite effective however.

How to Remove Manganese and Iron Under $1000

Hello,

I am looking into the Pro-ox iron filter. I do have manganese in my water as well. Is it necessary to have a chlorine feed with a retention tank? Or will this filter remove some of the manganese. I do also have a water softener.

Also, how do I figure out the flow rate? I am deciding between the model 0.75 or 1.0. There is only one bathroom in the home and there are currently just two of us, but we are expecting a baby in September. I had someone locally come out to look at the water, but the iron/manganese filter they recommended is over $1000 so I'm looking into others that may be cheaper. Thank you for your help.

Jennifer

Hello Jennifer,

How to Eliminate Iron Bacteria and Rotten-Egg Smells from Well Water

Gerry -  We have 4 bathrooms, 5 people, 32 gal per min well with holding tanks at the well. We have "slimy" water with an awful smell from iron bacteria.  The water in our toilet flush tank has hairy things growing from the sides, and my well guy said its iron bacteria.

I take it I should get my water tested first, which kit would you recommend?   Some years back we had it tested and they said our water had iron in it,  but the pH was good and its not considered hard water. We don’t use a water softener.

John S.

Pennsylvania

Hello John,

Do you happen to have a well water report that you could email me?     Ideally, it would be nice to have the water analysis on hand in order to know what to recommend to you. If you’re interested, here is a link to a test kit that we offer, that you can use to cover the basic mineral content of your water.

What Size Iron Filter to Use for a 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Home?

Dear sir, I am looking at the Pro-OX iron filters, but not sure what size to get.  We have 2 bedrooms 2 bath 2 people.  At one point we were told our well pump could pump 12 gallons per minute, but we do have good water pressure.   There is a very slight odor, but it comes and goes, most of the time, we have no odor. Also do we need the strainer? Is this item free shipping? thank you

Ronald

W. Virginia

Hello Ronald,

Thank you for contacting us in regard to the Pro-OX Iron filters we offer.  For your home with 2 bathrooms and 2 people we would recommend the 1.0 cu. Ft. size with the optional side tank, along with a Rusco Spin-Down filter to protect the system against sand and the like.  Please see below for recommendations, note that all pricing includes no charge shipping within the continental U.S. and no sales tax unless we ship to California.

How To Eliminate Rotten Egg Odor in Well Water with Hydrogen Peroxide and Catalytic Carbon

Hello -  Darn rotten egg smell in well water.  Did flush the system once with hydrogen peroxide and cut anode rod out.  Went away for a week or so.  Came back.  What do I need to do??  I put our softener on bypass, that had no effect one way or the other.   I would like to peroxide and inject it continuously, will that work?

Phillip S.

Oklahoma

Hello sir,

One very effective method to treat this water is by using Peroxide (H2O2) injection to destroy/oxidize the level of Iron, Sulfur, etc.  Once injected we allow for appropriate retention time with the H2O2 so it can work to destroy and oxidize the contaminants in a 40 Gallon Contact tank, and then simply filter the oxidized particulate with a Coconut Shell Catalytic Carbon filter.  You can also opt to NOT use the contact tank, and have the oxidation reaction occur directly on the carbon.  This works fine if the H2S is less than 5.0 PPM.

Best Solutions for Bad Well Water Odors

Hello there,

I have well water with a really bad sulfur odor. I am looking for a solution to fix this problem. We have a water softener, which does not help.  We tried a carbon filter for the house, but it only lasts a couple of weeks.  If we leave the home, when we come back the odor is really bad.

Tony,

Colorado

Tony,

For treating odors one very effective method of treatment is by way of chlorination injection, a Contact tank for appropriate retention time, along with a backwashing Carbon filter in order to catch the oxidized elemental sulfur.  Odor can come from naturally-occurring sulfur in the well water or from bacteria that release hydrogen sulfide gas.