What causes rust-colored stains from household water?
Dissolved iron, sometimes with manganese, is the usual cause. Water can look clear coming out of the tap and still stain once the iron meets air, which is why toilets, tubs, laundry and walls hit by irrigation show it first. Older galvanized piping can add rust as well.
Is iron mainly a well-water problem?
Yes, in most cases. Private wells and irrigation wells draw groundwater that has not been treated by a utility, and iron levels vary from one well to the next. Homes on public water see iron staining less often, and when they do, the plumbing is worth checking.
How is iron removed from well water?
Common approaches include oxidizing iron filters that convert dissolved iron into particles and trap them, and in some cases a softener can handle low levels of clear-water iron. pH, hardness, manganese and sulfur all affect which approach will hold up, so the equipment is chosen from test results.
What does the free water analysis check?
A water specialist tests the water, notes where staining appears, looks at the well and pressure equipment or utility connection and any existing treatment, then explains the options. The analysis is free with no obligation.
Related: well water treatment, whole house water filtration, water softener installation, sulfur water treatment.
