Ferrous well water is a problem that is immediately noticeable. The water looks cloudy, tastes unpleasant and can damage components such as the pump over time. Suitable solutions can be found here.

In a nutshell

  • ferrous well water is mainly caused by corrosion of iron pipes
  • Iron deposits and leaching occur
  • Oxygen supply and the use of filters work against the deposits

root cause

Before you can use any particular method as a solution, you must first understand the cause of the iron-rich well water. This shows why the artificially created water sources are often mixed with the metal. The following causes can be mentioned:

  • extracted from soil layers
  • Corrosion of Iron Pipes

In most cases, it is the corrosion that gets the iron into the service water. This process is completely natural and can only be stopped by regularly checking and replacing the pipes. If the service water contains iron, deposits form which in turn lead to clogging, i.e. iron being washed out. You can find out what you can do about it in the next sections. It is important that you do something about the iron, as the deposits significantly reduce the performance of the system and increase wear. In the long run, this can result in higher costs for you.

Notice: Pipes coated with zinc are not protected against corrosion. So don't be surprised if the water in your well contains iron.

oxygen addition

In order to clean process water that contains iron, the addition of oxygen is recommended. Dissolved iron (II) is found in the service water, which causes the deposits when it oxidizes. Since in most cases this happens outside the well, signs such as the unpleasant taste arise. If you aerate the well water beforehand, the ferrous products will oxidize to form ferric hydroxide, which flocculates in the water. This is where the most important point comes into play: the filtering. The oxygen is used before the filter so that the iron flakes can be collected by the filter system after oxidation. Although you have to clean the filter system more frequently with this variant, you do not have to be satisfied with the rusty water.

Tip: Sand filters are well suited to removing iron (III) from the process water. You only have to apply a backwash over time, after which they can be used properly again.

iron filter

Iron filters are recommended for every well whose water contains iron. Iron filters are installed between the pump and the hose and filter the iron out of the process water using cartridges. This process works automatically after the filter is connected, as the water movement transports the deposits into the cartridges. Iron filters have some advantages:

  • low acquisition costs
  • quick installation
  • immediate effect
  • compatible with various connectors
  • Duration of action: 90 to 180 days

When choosing an iron filter, you must pay attention to the specified values. These include, for example, the recommended working temperature or the optimal flow rate at which the device can work effectively.

Notice: Professional de-ironing systems use a combination of filters and a constant supply of air to treat the process water. For this reason, they are correspondingly more expensive than conventional iron filters.

rinse

In rare cases, it is sufficient if you thoroughly flush the pipes of the well. In this way, possible deposits are removed from the water cycle and fresh water is available to you. This variant can be used if the well water has not been used for more than 72 hours. Since it stagnates during this period, large amounts of iron can be flushed out of the process water. In combination with the methods already mentioned, rinsing is even more effective.

frequently asked Questions

Is iron-rich well water harmful to health?

No, if the water from the well contains iron, it does not pose a threat to your health. In addition to the characteristically unpleasant aroma, it is possible for bacteria to accumulate on the deposits. For this reason, it is recommended to purify the contaminated well water before use and do something about the iron build-up. In this way, the enjoyment of the water is safe for you and your family.

Can ferrous water damage plants?

In most cases, the concentration of iron is too low to permanently damage plants. However, there are some plants, especially mosses, that cannot tolerate too much iron. Oversaturation must be avoided at all costs with these. The majority of classic garden plants and exotic plants have no problem with iron.

What are possible side effects of using the water?

If the water has not yet been de-ironed, the substance can cause discolouration of surfaces in the garden and house, laundry and floors. For example, if you use it to wash your clothes, they may turn reddish. These are so-called rust spots, which are clearly recognizable by their color and shape. They can be removed with appropriate home remedies.

Can water analyzes counteract clogging?

Regular water analyzes make prevention much easier. You always have the iron values in view thanks to an analysis and can act accordingly quickly if the process water contains too much iron. So don't miss out on using the analyses.

Category:

Garden design