Iron is a common metal found in well water. It is the most common mineral in the earth, and groundwater or runoff dissolves the iron. Once it gets into your well, it can cause issues throughout your home, so you’ll need to work with your well services contractor to remove it.   

What to Know About Iron in Your Well

The Signs You Have Iron

Some of the iron in your water will stick to your plumbing fixtures or other surfaces such as the tub or sink. It leaves behind a dark brown or reddish stain that is difficult to remove. The stains may also appear on dishes and laundry. Iron can clog your plumbing as the deposits build up inside the pipes.

High iron levels give your water a metallic taste. You may find that you don’t like drinking your tap water due to the flavor. That unpleasant flavor tends to get worse when used for drinks such as coffee and tea.

How to Remove It

Your well services contractor can run a test to determine the type of iron in your water since the kind you have will impact how it is removed. Ferrous iron, for example, is best removed with an ion-exchange water softener. The sodium ions are exchanged for the positively charged iron ions. Birm can remove dissolved iron by oxidizing the iron and removing it from the water. Bacterial iron, which is harmful to drink and creates a red sludge in your water, should be removed with shock chlorination to kill the bacteria.

If you want a water well installed, rely on the technicians at Mike Woolsey and Sons Well Drilling and Pump Service in Summersville, MO. This water well drilling company offers well services for property owners in Texas County and throughout southern Missouri. The products they install come with a five-year warranty for your peace of mind. See their full list of services online, and call (417) 932-4036 to schedule an appointment.