Iron Staining
Iron Staining | Water Purification | Plumbing | Crossville
Tired of scrubbing reddish-brown streaks from sinks, tubs, and freshly laundered clothes? Crossville’s groundwater is naturally rich in iron, and when that iron oxidizes inside your pipes it can leave unsightly stains, metallic tastes, and stubborn odors. HEP’s local plumbing experts specialize in water purification systems engineered to strip out excess iron before it ever reaches your faucet, protecting both your fixtures and your family’s water supply.
From whole-home filtration units to targeted point-of-use solutions, we test, design, and install equipment that fits your household’s exact flow rate and water chemistry. Our technicians handle everything—system sizing, professional hookup, routine maintenance—and back it all with friendly, hometown service. Say goodbye to iron stains and hello to crystal-clear water; schedule your complimentary in-home assessment with HEP in Crossville today.
FAQs
What causes the reddish-brown stains on plumbing fixtures in Crossville?
In the Cumberland Plateau, groundwater often flows through iron-rich sandstone and limestone before reaching private wells or the municipal system. As the water becomes oxygenated in your home, dissolved ferrous iron (Fe2+) converts to ferric iron (Fe3+) and precipitates as rust-colored particles. These particles cling to porcelain, fiberglass, and even laundry, leaving stubborn reddish-brown or orange stains commonly called “iron staining.”
How does a dedicated iron filtration system prevent staining?
An iron filtration system is installed where the water line enters your home. It typically uses an oxidizing media such as manganese dioxide, Birm®, or catalytic carbon to convert dissolved iron into a solid that can be trapped in the filter bed. The unit then backwashes automatically to flush the captured iron down the drain. Because iron is removed before the water reaches faucets, toilets, and appliances, staining no longer occurs and existing fixtures stay clean.
Are there different forms of iron in water, and does the treatment method change?
Yes. Water can contain: • Ferrous (clear-water) iron – dissolved and invisible; removed with oxidation/filtration or an ozone/air-injection system. • Ferric (red-water) iron – already oxidized and visible; removed with sediment filtration or multimedia filters. • Iron bacteria – microorganisms that feed on iron and create slimy coatings; treated with chlorination or hydrogen-peroxide injection followed by filtration. A water test will identify the iron type and concentration, allowing your plumber to match the proper purification technology.
Will installing an iron filter reduce my home’s water pressure?
A correctly sized system has minimal impact on pressure. Our Crossville installers calculate flow rate requirements (gallons per minute) based on the number of bathrooms and peak demand. We then select a filter tank diameter and control valve that can handle that flow with very low head loss, typically under 5 psi. If you already struggle with pressure, we can add a booster pump or larger piping to preserve strong flow throughout the house.
How much maintenance does an iron filtration unit require?
Most residential units are fully automatic. The control valve initiates a backwash cycle every few days to clean the media bed. You simply: • Refill the solution tank with potassium permanganate or chlorine if your system uses it (every 1–3 months). • Check that the drain line is clear. • Schedule a professional inspection once a year to test water quality and verify the valve and media are working properly. The filtration media typically lasts 7–10 years before replacement, depending on iron levels and water usage.
Is a water softener alone enough to solve iron staining in Crossville?
Standard water softeners can remove small amounts of ferrous iron (up to about 1 ppm) by ion exchange, but they become fouled quickly at higher concentrations common in our region. Once the resin is coated with iron, it loses softening capacity and can even release iron back into the water. For most Crossville homes, we recommend pairing a dedicated iron filter ahead of the softener. The iron filter eliminates staining, and the softener then removes hardness minerals, protecting plumbing and improving water taste and feel.