Iron and rust stains? Book a free in-home water test.
We test your water on the spot and you see the results before you pay anything. No obligation.
What it is
Orange, red or brown stains are almost always caused by iron in the water. It's mostly a nuisance, but it ruins laundry and fixtures and can clog plumbing over time.
Signs to look for
- Orange or brown stains in toilets, sinks and tubs
- Yellowed or stained laundry
- Water that looks clear at first but turns cloudy or orange after sitting
- A metallic taste
- Reddish slime in the toilet tank (iron bacteria)
What causes it
Iron is naturally common in New England groundwater, so it shows up most often in private wells. On town water, rust can also come from old pipes or a water heater.
How we fix it
The fix depends on how much iron there is and what form it's in. Low levels can often be handled by a softener with filtration, such as Whole-Home Filter + Softener (typical installed cost $3,000–$7,000). Higher levels usually need a dedicated iron filter (typical installed range $1,800–$4,000). Your exact price comes after the test.
Prices are typical installed ranges. Your exact price comes after the free test. See all pricing.
Start with a test
Several problems can look alike, and many homes have more than one. A quick test shows what's actually going on so you only pay for what you need.
Read more: Well Water on the South Shore. We test for this across the South Shore, including Hanson & Halifax, Carver & Plympton, Pembroke.
Other water problems: Hard water · Metallic taste · Scale buildup · Chlorine taste or smell · Low pH and corrosive water