If you’ve got orange stains on your sinks or that weird “rusty” smell when you shower, you’ve probably got iron. It’s super common, but it doesn’t have to ruin your plumbing—or your sanity.
The good news? There is a filtration system for every level of iron infestation. Let’s break it down before you spend a fortune on bleach.
The “Clear vs. Red” Iron Test
First, you need to know what kind of iron you’re dealing with. Ferrous iron is the sneaky one—it’s dissolved, crystal clear, and only turns rusty after it hits air (like in your toilet tank). Ferric iron is already oxidized—it looks like red flecks in your glass of water.
Most systems treat both, but some only work on one. Pro tip: fill a clear glass from the tap and let it sit for 24 hours. If it turns rusty, you’ve got ferrous iron. If it starts rusty, it’s ferric.
