Oxidation + filtration
How a Iron & Sulfur Filter works
Oxidizes dissolved iron and rotten-egg sulfur into solids, then filters them out — a well-water staple.
Typical cost: $1,200–$3,500 installed
How it works
Dissolved iron and hydrogen sulfide (the rotten-egg smell) are invisible until they hit air — then iron turns to rust stains and sulfur reeks. They're most common on well water.
An iron/sulfur filter oxidizes them first: an air pocket or oxidizing media converts the dissolved iron and sulfur into solid particles that the filter bed can then physically trap.
The control valve periodically backwashes the bed — reversing flow to rinse the captured iron and sulfur down the drain and refresh the media (EPA private wells).
The components inside
What each part does, in the order water moves through the system.
- 1Control valveTimes the backwash cycle and refreshes the bed.
- 2Air-charge / oxidizerIntroduces oxygen (or media) that converts iron and sulfur to solids.
- 3Media tankHolds the filter bed that traps the oxidized particles.
- 4Oxidizing filter mediaCatalyzes oxidation and captures the rust and sulfur.
What it addresses
- Dissolved iron that causes orange/rust staining
- Hydrogen sulfide — the rotten-egg odor
- Manganese (black staining) in many configurations
Learn about these contaminants
Pros & cons
Pros
- Clears rust staining and rotten-egg smell at every tap
- Self-cleaning via backwash — no cartridges to swap
- Protects softeners and appliances from iron fouling
Cons
- Backwash uses water and needs a drain connection
- Must be matched to your iron/sulfur levels and water chemistry
- Heavy iron or bacteria may need additional treatment stages
Best for
Well-water homes with orange staining, a sulfur smell, or both.
Sizing basics
- Sized from a well-water test: iron (mg/L), sulfur, manganese, and pH.
- Higher iron levels and flow rates call for a larger media bed.
- Often installed ahead of a softener, which then runs cleaner.
Solves these water problems
Next steps
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Sources
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Advertising disclosure
The Very Good Water Company is an authorized WaterTech dealer and earns revenue from installations and lead referrals.