Iron Removal

Removing iron from water is a common concern for home owners who have hard water supplies. While the iron is not necessarily going to cause health effects, it can stain clothing and fixtures if it's not removed from the water. Iron removal is simple and effective for homeowners who understand the process and when to call in professional help.

    The Presence of Iron

  • Iron is present in many water supplies, especially those with harder water. While iron levels would need to be very high in order to pose a health threat, the smell and the taste of hard water is not appealing to many. The iron that is in water is clear, known as clear iron, so it can be difficult to see in water, though it is generally in the water with manganese and sulfur, creating an egg-like smell and causing damage to fixtures and clothing washed in the water. Clothing washed in iron-filled water can be permanently stained, the biggest complaint for homeowners. Having water tested when moving in is the best way to establish the current water mineral levels.

    • Filtering Out Iron

  • A water filter will be able to filter out iron if it can transform the iron into rust. When the iron is turned into rust, it can easily be washed out of the supply and away from a drinking glass or a washing machine. Some say that using a water softener is enough, but it is better to use an iron removal filter first, then a water softener for the maximum effect. The trapped particles of rust will be removed from the drain a few times a week to keep the water clean and smelling fresh.

    • Professional Iron Removal

  • In some cases, a water filter will not work well for iron removal. In these rare instances, a homeowner can call in a water filtration specialist to install a higher grade filter and softener system. Those who live in the country and use well water are more likely to need to take this step.