5 Telling Signs It Might Be Time to Install an Iron Filter

Clean water is essential to every household, which is why cities pour resources into treatment and distribution systems, and rural homes depend on a well and a properly working plumbing system that draws groundwater straight to the tap. Regardless of the source, the taste, look, and even the safety of the water can be affected by its contents.

In some areas, high levels of iron are relatively common in the water supply due to the proximity to iron-containing soil and rocks or from the gradual corrosion of old iron pipes and fixtures. To identify high levels of iron in the water and determine if you need an iron filter for the home, watch out for the following signs.

What Is an Iron Filter?

Removing excess iron from the water supply requires a specialized system. "An iron water filter is made to remove iron from your water supply. Iron can show up in water in different forms, and finding the right filter type based on your water’s chemistry is crucial," Martin Chan, licensed plumber and the owner of AquaZona, says.

Generally, iron filters work by using a filtering medium to catch and oxidize iron particles as the water flows through a filtration tank, making the water cleaner and better for both drinking and bathing. You can find whole-house filtration systems that will filter the iron as soon as the water enters the home, but you can also get point-of-use systems that are installed directly before a faucet or shower fixture to filter iron specifically at these points in the home.

5 Signs You Need an Iron Filter

Read on to discover the sneaky (or sometimes blatant) indicators that you should install an iron filter in your home.

1. Reddish or Orange Stains on Faucets, Sinks, and Plumbing Fixtures

Excess iron in the water can be relatively easy to spot, leaving behind unsightly stains wherever water frequently flows. "If you’re noticing reddish or orange stains in sinks, toilets, or on white laundry, that’s usually a sign that iron is present," Chan says. Look for rust-colored staining of a reddish or orange hue on your plumbing fixtures, including sinks, faucets, showerheads, and even toilets. You might also find evidence of iron in your water when you see that the whiteness of your light-colored laundry fades.

2. Metallic or Unpleasant Taste in Your Drinking Water

The taste and look of the water can be a prime indicator of whether you should invest in an iron filter or not. "You might notice that your water has a metallic taste," Chan notes, before mentioning, "If you fill a clear glass with water and let it sit for a while, you might find tiny, rust-colored particles that have settled at the bottom. That would be oxidized iron." Similarly, if the water seems to be discolored or has a yellow or brown tinge to it, this is a sign that you should get the water tested and consider installing an iron filter for the home.

3. Water Has a Musty, Rotten Egg Smell

The iron that can affect household water systems isn't just from soil or minerals, it can also be found in iron bacteria deposits that look slimy and have a foul smell. This situation is especially common for homes on a well system, which is why proper filtration and water treatment are so important. "In some cases, especially with well water, the water might smell musty or like rotten eggs if iron bacteria are involved," Chan says.

4. Low Water Pressure and Reduced Flow Rates

Having high iron levels in your water won't automatically harm your plumbing, but gradually it will take a toll. "Over time, iron can build up in pipes and water heaters, causing clogs or reducing efficiency," Chan says. When iron builds up in the pipes, it can lower the water pressure for the entire home and reduce the flow rates. Additionally, you might notice that plumbing fixtures or water-using appliances become clogged more easily and that corrosion is more prevalent in your pipes and plumbing system. If these symptoms seem familiar to you, it's recommended to test the water and consider installing an iron filter to protect your plumbing and appliances.

5. Dry Hair and Skin After Bathing

Showers and baths should be relaxing, private moments that help your body feel refreshed before leaving the house, after a work out, or after a long day away from home, but if you have a high amount of iron in your water, then there is a good chance that your hair and skin will feel dry after bathing. If these symptoms seem common, you might want to have the water tested to confirm if the iron content is too high before investing in an iron filter, either for the whole home or a point-of-use filter specifically for the tub or shower.

Tips to Improve Water Quality

To ensure that your home has healthy, clean water for drinking and bathing, here are a few tips to consider to safeguard your water supply.

• Get an iron test kit. These kits can be found at most home improvement stores, giving homeowners a quick way to determine if there is too much iron in their water, though, for more accurate results, its a good idea to schedule a professional test to find out the exact level and type of iron, as well as anything else in the water that could be causing problems.
• Install a basic iron filter. Consider a filter like those that attach directly to the faucet, which can be installed by the average DIYer with basic plumbing know-how. If you purchase a whole-home system, it's best to hire a professional who works with iron filters regularly to ensure the system works properly and doesn't damage the existing plumbing.
• Don't solely rely on a softener. Relying on a water softener alone for high iron issues can help to alleviate the amount of iron in the water, but might not solve the problem completely. It's better to install a dedicated iron filter to keep the drinking and bathing water safe for use.
• Consider a combination filtration system. Iron rarely shows up alone, and it's often a sign that other minerals are present in the water, which is why a comprehensive test is essential. The results might indicate that installing a combination filtration system tailored to your water needs is the best choice for your household.
• Test well water regularly. If you’re on a private well, it's recommended to test the water at least once a year due to changes in the water table, rainfall, or nearby landscape, which might shift your water quality over time.