Iron in Your Water? Here’s What Central Indiana Homeowners Should Know
Iron in our water here in Indiana can be a real pain. If you’ve ever seen orange stains in your tub or had white laundry come out looking dingy, iron is probably the culprit.
🚩 Common Signs You Have Iron in Your Water
- Orange or brown stains in tubs, showers, and sinks
- Rust-colored buildup in toilets
- Stains inside washing machines and dishwashers
- Yellow or orange-tinted laundry
Slimy buildup in plumbing (sometimes caused by iron bacteria)
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common water issues we see in Central Indiana.
The 3 Types of Iron Found in Water
Not all iron is the same. Here’s a quick breakdown:
1️⃣ Ferric Iron (Red Water Iron)
This is iron that has already oxidized (rusted).
It’s what causes those red or orange stains you can actually see.
2️⃣ Dissolved Iron (Clear Water Iron)
This iron starts out invisible in your water. But once it hits air (like in your sink or washing machine), it oxidizes and turns into ferric iron — leaving stains behind.
3️⃣ Bacterial Iron
This one’s a little different. It’s actually iron-loving bacteria that feed on iron and leave behind a slimy sludge in your plumbing system. It can clog pipes and create unpleasant odors.
Iron Problems with City Water
Most people think iron is only a well water issue — not true.
Most city water actually starts as well water that’s treated with chlorine or chloramine to kill bacteria and make it safe to drink. Some cities also use reservoirs.
Here’s where iron sneaks in:
- Older municipal systems often have cast iron water mains
- Water naturally tries to dissolve materials it touches, including those pipes
- Chlorine and chloramine are oxidizers, which can make water more aggressive
- This speeds up pipe corrosion, adding iron into the water supply
So yes — even city water customers in Central Indiana can deal with iron staining.
Iron Problems with Private Well Water
If you’re on a private well, iron can come from several places:
- Naturally occurring iron in the groundwater
- Older steel well casings
- Galvanized plumbing pipes inside the home
And just like city water, well water can contain ferric iron, dissolved iron, and iron bacteria.
How an Iron Filter Fixes the Problem
This is where the right equipment makes all the difference.
An iron filter works a bit like a water softener in the sense that it cleans itself, but that’s where the similarities end.
Here’s how it removes iron:
- Air Pocket – The filter tank holds a pocket of air at the top. When water enters, dissolved iron is exposed to oxygen, starting the oxidation process.
- Oxidizer Media – The water flows through a special media that speeds up oxidation, turning dissolved iron into solid particles (ferric iron).
- Sand Bed – The sand captures those iron particles and keeps them out of your home’s water.
Result? Clean, iron-free water.
How the System Cleans Itself
Iron filters automatically regenerate to stay effective:
- Backwash Cycle – Water flows backward through the tank, lifting the media and flushing trapped iron down the drain.
- Air Recharge – The system refills the air pocket at the top of the tank.
- Rinse Cycle – Remaining particles are flushed out and the sand bed settles back into place.
Then it’s ready to keep filtering again.
Why an Iron Filter + Water Softener Is the Best Combo
If you have high iron and only a softener, you’re headed for trouble.
- Iron can clog and damage a softener over time
- This leads to early failure and expensive replacement
Adding an iron filter:
- Protects your softener
- Helps it last much longer
- Saves money in the long run
- Keeps white laundry bright
- Keeps fixtures and appliances clean
Need Help With Iron in Your Water?
If you’re dealing with stains, odors, or buildup, it might be time to look at an iron filtration system. Central Indiana Plumbing and Well Service can test your water and recommend the right solution for your home. Clean water. No stains. No hassle. Give us a call at: (765)336-9808 today. Visit our Facebook page and find out what other happy customers are saying - https://www.facebook.com/wellpumpman/reviews