Iron Filter Installation — Sunderland, MD
Orange staining on every fixture, rust-colored laundry, and a water heater clogged with sediment. We tested the well water at 7.2 ppm iron and pH 6.1, then installed an air injection oxidizing iron filter and acid neutralizer. Problem solved permanently.
The Problem
A homeowner in Sunderland contacted us after years of dealing with orange staining on sinks, toilets, and tubs. Their laundry was coming out with rust streaks. The water heater had been replaced twice in 10 years — both times the technician noted heavy sediment. A previous company had installed a water softener, which had not helped.
Our Diagnosis
We performed a comprehensive water test. Results: iron 7.2 ppm (EPA limit 0.3 ppm), pH 6.1 (acidic), hardness 12 gpg. The water softener was the wrong treatment — softeners do not remove iron at these concentrations and the low pH was corroding the softener resin. The acidic water was also the reason the water heaters kept failing early: corrosive water attacks the anode rod and tank lining.
The Repair Process
- 1Performed comprehensive water quality test: iron, pH, hardness, manganese, bacteria
- 2Bypassed and removed the ineffective water softener
- 3Installed Hellenbrand Iron Curtain air injection oxidizing iron filter
- 4Installed calcite acid neutralizer to raise pH from 6.1 to 7.2
- 5Installed whole-house sediment filter as final polishing stage
- 6Flushed and tested all fixtures for iron and pH
- 7Verified water heater anode rod condition and replaced
The Outcome
Post-installation water test: iron 0.02 ppm, pH 7.3. The orange staining stopped immediately. Laundry is coming out clean. The homeowner reported that the water tastes noticeably better. The existing water heater, now protected from acidic water, should reach its full expected lifespan.
Key Takeaway
A water softener does not fix iron problems — it makes them worse. Always test before treating. The right sequence for Calvert County well water with high iron and low pH is: iron filter first, then acid neutralizer, then softener if hardness remains an issue.
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George Baker III
Annapolis, MD
May 2026
"We recently had Deep Dive Plumbing Maryland out to our home in Annapolis after we suddenly started noticing sewer flies throughout the house. They truly lived up to their name and performed a full "deep dive" diagnostic inspection instead of just treating the symptom. During their inspection they discovered our sewer pipe connected to the toilet had been leaking into the basement for quite some time. The team explained everything clearly, provided upfront pricing before starting any work, and even gave us a military discount which was greatly appreciated. They were professional, respectful, extremely knowledgeable, and took the time to make sure the repair was done correctly."
Angelis Reilly
Southern Maryland
June 2026
"TJ was great!! He answered our emergency call late evening hours. He was honest and gave us options to make a decision. Highly recommend!!"
Sally Ludwig
Dunkirk, MD
June 2026
"Great service with knowledgeable and neat professionals. Highly recommend! Deep Dive Plumbing helped with my bathroom project, including reinstalling a pedestal sink after new flooring was installed and addressing a toilet issue that had been causing constant clogs. The team was professional, courteous, and took the time to make sure everything was completed correctly. Their attention to detail and cleanliness really stood out. I am very happy with the results and would not hesitate to call them again."
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We diagnose first, then fix. No guesswork, no repeat service calls. Serving Calvert and Anne Arundel County, Maryland.