We often receive a question like this:  “I have a liquid chlorine bleach well water chlorinator.  I want to switch to injecting hydrogen peroxide instead.  Can I just clean out my existing chlorine metering pump, and switch to peroxide?”

Switching to hydrogen peroxide using the same metering pump

This is a very good question, and often the answer is Yes.  It all depends on the type of metering pump you are using now.

Stenner peristaltic pumps do not lose their prime with hydrogen peroxide, unlike some diaphragm metering pump.

Hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen bubbles into the water,  and even while being injected, some gas bubbles may form. Standard diaphragm metering pumps (such as ChemTech, Mecomatic, LMI, PulsaFeeder and other similar brands) can quickly become ‘cavitated' which means locked by air, and fail to pump.

It is best to use peristaltic pumps which use tiny rollers to squeeze a pump tube. Peristaltic pumps will not lose their prime, and are perfect for use with hydrogen peroxide.  Some diaphragm pumps can be fitted with special de-gassing valves to allow them to work with hydrogen peroxide.

diaphragm vs peristaltic pumps

Hydrogen peroxide (“H2O2”) is becoming very popular. It is a powerful oxidizing agent, much more powerful than aeration, chlorine or potassium permanganate. Injected into your well water before the pressure tank, it can quickly kill bacteria, odors and oxidize iron and manganese.

Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into oxygen and water leaving no trace of chemical residues. For problem well water containing iron, iron bacteria, manganese and/or “rotten-egg” sulfur odor “H2S” (hydrogen sulfide gas) hydrogen peroxide systems are an excellent choice.

When peroxide is added to water a large amount of dissolved oxygen is released and a powerful oxidizing effect occurs. Coliform and iron bacteria are killed, and tannins are oxidized. This type of iron filter system handles the absolute worst type of water reliably and effectively.

Chlorine for well water treatment is usually liquid sodium hypochlorite bleach, or  dry solid calcium hypochlorite pellets or powder, and can leave inorganic and other chemical byproducts in the water.  Peroxide leaves no salts, metals or chemical residuals. The only disadvantage is that it costs a little more than chlorine bleach.

For further reading: Chlorine vs Hydrogen Peroxide

Gerry Bulfin

Gerry Bulfin is a licensed water treatment contractor and consultant based in Santa Cruz California and founder and owner of Clean Water Systems and Stores Inc. Gerry is a long time member of the National Ground Water Association, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Quality Association (WQA).

Recent Posts

Effects of Chlorine and Hard Water on Skin: Top Skin Problems and Solutions

Effects of Chlorine and Hard Water on Skin: Top Skin Problems and Solutions Have you…

3 days ago

How Whole House Water Filters Keep Your Family Safe: A Mom’s Guide

When creating a safe and healthy environment at home, clean water is essential—especially for moms…

1 month ago

Why Testing Your Well Water is Essential

This brief article gives information about several common contaminants found in private wells. It should…

1 month ago

Top 12 U.S. Cities with the Hardest Water in 2024

Which are the U.S. Cities with the Hardest Water?  Hard water is a common issue…

2 months ago

Whole House Carbon Filters vs. Water Softeners: Which is Better for Combatting Dry Hair?

Many people are unaware that water quality can significantly affect hair and skin health. Whole…

2 months ago

Best Whole House Water Treatment for City Water

The Best Whole House Water Treatment for Homeowners on City Water in the U.S. When…

4 months ago