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Maintaining Your Air-Over-Media Iron and Sulfur Well Water Filtration System: Expert Tips

Maintaining Your Air-Over-Media Iron and Sulfur Well Water Filtration System: Expert Tips

Maintaining Your Air-Over-Media Iron and Sulfur Well Water Filtration System: Expert Tips

Maintaining your air-over-media iron and sulfur well water filtration system is crucial to ensure clean and odor-free water for your home, cottage, or cabin. In this article, we will provide you with professional advice on how to maintain your system effectively. By following these tips, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to keep your iron and sulfur filtration system in optimal condition, providing clean and healthy water for your family.

Identifying the Clack Valve:
The first step in maintenance is to determine if your system uses a Clack valve. Look for the bypass valve with two red handles on the top of your filtration system. If the handles are pointing at one side and splayed out like an arrow on the other end, it is likely a Clack valve. The Clack valve is commonly used in various air-over-media iron and sulfur filters, including those from Hume, Nelson, and other reputable manufacturers.

Understanding Air-Over-Media Iron and Sulfur Filters:
Air-over-media filters are designed to remove iron and sulfur from well water. They operate without chemicals and require minimal maintenance. Unlike traditional filters, there are no filter cartridges to replace. The key component to consider is the media used in the filter, such as FOB, FOC, or FOK. The media choice depends on your specific water conditions, and expert advice can help determine the best option for your situation.

Maintenance Frequency:
Air-over-media filters generally require maintenance once a year, although the frequency may vary depending on the iron content in your water. Higher iron levels may necessitate more frequent maintenance, while lower levels may extend the maintenance interval.

Cleaning the Injector:
The injector in your air-over-media filter may require occasional cleaning to ensure proper functioning. To clean the injector, follow these steps:
1. Shut off the water supply and put the system into bypass mode.
2. Release pressure by initiating a regeneration cycle.
3. Unscrew the cap and remove the injector.
4. Clean the injector using CLR or a similar cleaning solution.
5. Carefully clean the hole in the middle of the injector using a toothpick and a Q-tip.
6. Apply silicone grease to the O-ring and reassemble the injector.
7. Turn the water supply back on and return the system to service.

Deep Cleaning the Media:
Deep cleaning the media in your air-over-media filter is a troubleshooting and repair process rather than routine maintenance. It involves introducing bleach to the system to clean the media thoroughly. This process should only be performed when necessary and not as a regular maintenance task. It is recommended to consult professional guidance or refer to instructional videos for the correct procedure.

Additional Tips and Resources:
- Refer to manufacturer-specific videos and documentation for detailed maintenance instructions.
- Consult with water treatment professionals or contact customer support for guidance on your specific system.
- Consider purchasing replacement parts and maintenance supplies from reputable sources.
- Take advantage of online resources and instructional videos to enhance your understanding of the maintenance process.


Proper maintenance of your air-over-media iron and sulfur well water filtration system is essential for clean and odor-free water. By following the expert tips provided in this article, you'll be well-prepared to maintain your system effectively. Remember to identify the Clack valve, clean the injector as needed, and consult with professionals or instructional videos for more specific maintenance procedures. With regular maintenance, your iron and sulfur filtration system will continue to provide clean and healthy water for your family's needs.