How to Remove Iron From Wash Water

Iron can get into the water supply in two different ways. Via nature -- dissolved iron may be picked up by groundwater and be piped into a home -- or by the buildup of iron deposits in tanks, water heaters and water pipes. Deposit buildup should be treated by running the water until it runs clear. High levels of iron in the supply should be treated with a chlorination system. Moderate levels should be treated with a sand or oxidizing filter. For the more common and lower levels of three parts per million, install a mechanical water softener.

Installing a Water Softener

• 1

  Turn off the electric water heater if one is being used.

• 2

  Place the tank in a safe area. It should be dry, level and in a non-freezing area. The tank should be within 20 feet of a drain.

• 3

  Install the bypass valve to the control valve. The female socket ends of the bypass valve will connect with the male socket ends of the control valve. Be sure the in and out arrows of the two valves point in the same direction.

• 4

  Connect the inlet water connection to the softener. Slip the nut and washer of the water supply over the threads of the softener inlet and tighten.

• 5

  Connect the outlet tube to the softener. Slip the drain tube to the softener outlet. Allow an air space between the end of the tube and the drain.

• 6

  Connect the water softener control valve to the supplied brine tank. Connect the brine tubing to the top of the brine well. Connect the other end of the tubing to the control valve.

• 7

  Pour 3 to 4 gallons of water into the brine tank.

• 8

  Plug in the water softener. With the water supply off, place the control valve in backwash position. Check for leaks and tighten any loose fittings.

• 9

  Fill the brine tank half-way with the sodium chloride. Turn on the water supply.

• 10

  Run hot and cold water faucets throughout the house. Once all air bubbles are gone, turn the electric water heater back on.