Iron Filtration System Installation — Lusby, MD
A Lusby homeowner had orange staining on fixtures and a metallic taste in their well water. Testing confirmed iron at 3.2 ppm — above the 0.3 ppm EPA aesthetic limit. We installed a Pentair iron filter with air injection, reducing iron to below 0.1 ppm.
The Problem
A Lusby homeowner contacted us about orange staining on their toilet bowls, sinks, and shower tiles — and a metallic taste in their drinking water. A water test confirmed iron at 3.2 ppm ferrous iron and 0.8 ppm ferric (particulate) iron.
Our Diagnosis
At 3.2 ppm total iron, a water softener alone would not be adequate — the iron level exceeded what softener resin can handle reliably. An air injection iron filter oxidizes ferrous iron to ferric, then filters it out. The system would handle both the dissolved and particulate iron in one unit.
The Repair Process
- 1Comprehensive water test: iron 3.2 ppm ferrous, 0.8 ppm ferric; pH 7.1; hardness 8 gpg
- 2Sized Pentair air injection iron filter for household flow rate
- 3Installed at point of entry, upstream of existing water softener
- 4Set backwash cycle for every 3 days
- 5Post-installation test at 48 hours: iron below 0.1 ppm
- 6Confirmed orange staining stopped within first week
- 7Demonstrated backwash cycle and maintenance to homeowner
The Outcome
Iron reduced from 3.2 ppm to below 0.1 ppm. Orange staining on fixtures stopped immediately. Metallic taste eliminated. Existing water softener now protected from iron fouling — extending its resin life significantly.
Key Takeaway
Iron above 0.5 ppm requires a dedicated iron filter — a water softener alone cannot reliably handle high iron levels. Installing the iron filter upstream of the softener protects the softener resin from iron fouling, extending its service life.
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May 2026
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June 2026
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Dunkirk, MD
June 2026
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