It’s easy to assume all water is alike. While clean and safe water is a basic necessity, not all homes have the same standard of water straight from their taps. Furthermore, not all households receive municipally sourced water. Instead, some use private wells.

Regardless of where your home’s water comes from, iron in your water supply is an issue many people encounter. Like others, you may also have no idea that iron is present in your water.

How Is Iron Getting in My Water?

Iron occurs naturally in soil and stone. As water moves underground, it absorbs trace minerals. Some regions have higher concentrations than others. That matters. Small amounts can enter household plumbing through the water supply.

Don’t fear if you suspect that iron is in your water. This situation isn’t an emergency. However, iron in a water supply can have unwanted effects. “High iron concentrations in water are usually an aesthetic concern,” says Shu Saito, HVAC and Water Filtration Expert and CEO of All Filters. “But that doesn’t mean you should ignore it – over time, it can stain fixtures, damage appliances, and even change how your water tastes and smells.”

The Signs of Iron in Your Water Supply

The presence of iron in water isn’t as obvious as you might imagine. However, this mineral can become easier to detect as time goes on. Some people notice iron’s presence, which is made visible in the form of reddish stains in sinks or bathtubs. However, not all signs are visual. If your morning coffee tastes oddly metallic, iron in your water supply could be to blame.

Other signs of high amounts of iron in your water may include the following:

Discolored laundry after washing your clothes

Clogged appliances

Reduced water pressure

Slimy toilet tank buildup

Other Contaminants to Consider

While checking your water supply for iron, you may also notice the presence of other contaminants. It’s more common than you’d think. Your tap may also contain other minerals, chemicals, or even biological pollutants. Fortunately, modern home filtration systems are powerful and customizable enough to handle much more than just iron.

“Combination filters are becoming more popular,” says Saito. “They allow homeowners to address a range of contaminants in one system, from hardness and iron to chemical byproducts.”

Some of the most common impurities in water include the following:

Chlorine:Many municipalities use this chemical to treat their water, which can leave behind an unpleasant taste and odor.

Lead: Sometimes, water supplies are near service lines or old plumbing. Unlike chlorine, lead in water is a serious health hazard you’ll want to address immediately.

Viruses and/or bacteria:Typically present due to nearby groundwater contamination or flooding and should be taken care of right away.

Nitrates and nitrites:These contaminants are typically present in more rural and agricultural areas due to fertilizer runoff.

Hydrogen sulfide:This gas is most notable for its pungent odor, which emits a “rotten egg” smell. In higher concentrations. Hydrogen sulfide in your water can be dangerous.

Testing Your Water

Whether you suspect or are certain that iron is in your water, the next step is to know for sure with a test. Most people can get the results they need with an at-home test kit purchased online or from a hardware store.

“We always recommend contacting a local lab or county health department for testing,” says Saito. “If you’re on a private well, annual water testing is a must because iron levels and other contaminants can change seasonally or after heavy rainfall.”

Filtering Iron Out of Your Water

An iron water filter is a specialized filtration system or type of filter that reduces iron particles and dissolved iron from municipal water supplies as well as well water. Whether through oxidation, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, or catalytic carbon media, filtration can reduce iron from water.

Some homeowners can filter out iron with point-of-use solutions, such as a reverse osmosis system that resides under a sink. If you’re dealing with high iron concentrations, a whole-home filtration system is your best bet. 

“Many homes already have basic filtration systems in place,” notes Saito. “In those cases, it might be as simple as upgrading to a catalytic carbon filter cartridge that specifically targets heavy metals like iron.”

DIY-savvy homeowners might be able to install a point-of-use filter on their own. However, whole-home installations are far more complicated, requiring cutting into water lines, connecting drain systems, and other complicated tasks. It could be best to leave such a complex installation procedure to a professional contractor or plumber. At a minimum, DIYers taking this task on should have:

An understanding of their home’s water pressure and plumbing layout

Knowledge of the local area’s plumbing codes

Pipe cutters

Wrenches

Teflon tape

From preserving your health to maintaining the lifespan of your appliances and plumbing, clean water is one of the most important things to have access to. Beyond that, clean water is also pivotal to your quality of life. Wanting water that’s clear, clean, and tastes great is possible at all times with the right filtration system.

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