One of the major signs that homeowners notice first with an iron problem is orange staining, so if you’ve noticed this, then read on! Although iron isn’t harmful to the body, it can cause several issues with your water:
1. Staining
As mentioned above, one of the most common issues with iron-saturated water is its propensity to leaves stains ranging from small rust marks around the faucet, to entire showers or bathtubs coated in an orange film. Even if your water comes out clear, if it’s iron-heavy, the iron oxidizes with the air, creating rust after the fact.
Not only can it stain the porcelain in your bathrooms, but it can also stain clothing or cause it to appear more dingy after washing. It can even weaken garments, causing them to become more likely to fray. Similarly, your dishes may start developing rust stains or spots over time.
2. Bitter Taste
A small amount of iron in the water won’t be noticeable, but if there’s a high concentration, it might feel like you’ve got pennies in your glass.
3. Water Discoloration
Two types of iron can make their way into your home’s water; ferrous and ferric. Ferrous is the type that is dissolved in the water but shows up on surfaces later, while ferric can be seen in the water as a rust color.
4. Clogged Pipes
One of the worst and most costly problem with iron in the water is clogged pipes. In severe cases when the iron concentration is extremely high, it can begin to build-up in pipes, and over time can cause clogged drains and faucets. If this occurs, repairs and replacements will be necessary.
Fortunately there’s a solution to your iron problem! Water softeners are extremely effective when it comes to removing harmful amounts of sediments like iron from your water. Having a professional plumber come to your home to perform a water test to determine the condition of your water is a great option. Iron might be one of many contaminants that should be filtered out, and water conditioning can help!
