Pink Sink? Rust-Stained Clothes? Iron Out the Problem

Did you know that iron is not dangerous to your health? However, if you’re tired of the effects of this mineral, you’re likely looking for a way to remove iron from the water supplying your Toronto home.

Are you tired of those nasty red stains in your sink and toilet? Does the thought of doing a load of whites make you cringe because you know you’ll never see them white again? Iron in your water is a problem for many people, especially those in rural areas dealing with well water.

First, let’s address the myth that you need iron in your water for your body’s sake. This is not the same iron you get from food or vitamin supplements. This is insoluble iron and cannot be correctly assimilated by your body. It simply causes problems: it clogs your pipes, ruins your laundry, and leaves rings around your porcelain sinks, toilets, and appliances.

This article will briefly explain what type of water purifier filter you will need depending on the type of iron in your water supply and where the contamination is coming from.

Choosing the best iron filter is very important for the efficiency of the system. The wrong type of filter, installed in the wrong position, will make it largely ineffective. This is a good reason to have your Toronto plumber handle the installation.

You need to have your water tested to determine the type of iron in your water supply and to find out if there are any other minerals or chemicals contributing to poor water quality. Your Toronto plumber will be able to perform this kind of test for you.

Along with the testing, the source of iron contamination should be identified. Is the high mineral content due to iron buildup in the pipes supplying your Toronto home, or is it coming from your well water supply?

If the source is your pipes, you will need to install a whole-house water filtration system to protect your entire plumbing system. This will prevent iron from affecting your bathtub, shower, washing machine, toilet, and drinking water. If, on the other hand, the contamination is coming from the well water supply, you could consider digging a new or deeper well. That is often a cheaper option than maintaining an iron water filter for many years.

The choice of whole-house water purification will depend on the above results, and your Toronto plumber will be able to advise on the best water filter system to install. If you want to research your options beforehand, here are the available treatment options:

• Manganese Greensand Filters – To remove dissolved ferrous iron by converting it into solid ferric iron form.
• Whole House Iron Filter System – To remove iron as well as manganese and hydrogen sulphide (the rotten egg smell).
• Pre-sediment filter added to a whole-house iron filtration system – This can help extend the life of your iron filter cartridge and prevent possible clogging.

The maintenance costs for each of the above will vary according to the pH of the water, the flow rate, how often you use the water, and the concentrations of iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulphide present.