Rust In Well Water Problems

Rusty red water evidence of rusty or red water problems is usually caused by two sources.

Rust in well water problems.

Too much rust in your well water can also lead to the stains on laundry and other items. A sudden appearance of rusty water however can occur if a water main breaks a fire hydrant is activated or some other disturbance causes an increase or change in water flow. Iron typically appears within well water in two common forms ferric iron r ed water iron. Ferrous iron also known as clear water iron.

Ferric iron also known as red iron which turns water a cloudy orange. Ferric iron is clear well water that has been exposed to oxygen oxidized forming visible rust giving the water a reddish color. Iron in water supplies the body with an essential nutrient. It could be a broken water line from the well to the house usually you ll have a wet area between the well head and the house a bad check valve just above the submersible pump at the bottom of the well a bad connector leaving the well casing or even a broken water line inside the well casing.

Rusty water most commonly comes from well sources with high iron content and from municipal water systems with old metal water mains. It can also be due to corrosion of the water well casing liner or screen causing holes. Less common causes include rusty metal well casings these are pvc nowadays corroded water heaters and old metal water supply pipes in the home which tend to rust from the inside out. This water well problem can be caused by a leak in the home so the well pump is continuously running.

Ferrous iron doesn t affect water clarity but it stains ceramics and clothing and has a rusty taste. The three most common types of iron in well water are. In such cases you may be notified and told not to use the water until it clears. Iron can be healthy for the body because it helps transport oxygen to the blood.

The water may be a strange reddish brown color and may also have a funny aftertaste that makes it undrinkable if there is a high concentration of rust. Check for discolored water or smells. A well that has rust brown or black elements in the water requires a treatment system to correct the problem. The source of rusty water is often an inground home well but some municipal water systems also have high levels of iron due to old cast iron water system pipes that are corroding.

Iron bacteria which show up as reddish slime in toilet tanks. Holes can allow water of undesirable quality to enter the well. That lovely orangey red water mentioned in the beginning of this article is ferric iron. If the problem persists call your local water department or department of health.