How do I get the rust out of my water?!?!?

Question

I bought a house about 3 months ago, and I'm just now noticing after having washed my entire wardrobe over ten times now, that every piece of clothing that I own that has the least bit of white within it is stained rust color. Also, I have to clean a lot of rust like build up from my bathtub constantly and the same type of stain appears where the water sits in the bowl of the toilet. I'm just wondering what I'm going to need to do with my water to get it out? Water treatment system, new well? More simple solutions? Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

First off take a water sample and get it tested then you will know exactly how much iron you have. Then you will most likely have to invest in a water softener and possibly an iron filter. The water test will determine what you need to fix the problem. I have very nasty water from the well and I have a Peerless water softener with a M rating which means it combats rust removal also to a point. If your iron level is too high you will need the iron filter also...

Answer 2

Try this. There is a drain at the bottom of the hot water heater (looks just like a hose connection), connect a hose to it and run the hose to a sink or tub or outdoors. Open the valve and look at the water coming out. It may have a bit of rust in it due to settlement in the tank. Fluch it for a few minutes until it runs clear. Let the tank sit for a day and repeat. If you still have rust in the water your tank is shot and should be replaced IMMEDIATELY. A rusty tank is a flood waiting to happen. It may last a month or two or it may last an hour or two. If you don't see the rust, try a tap. If the tap is flushing rust but the tank is clear, you have rusty pipes and should replace them. Either way you are looking at a fairly large expense unless you are a good do-it-yourselfer. A new hot water heater is fairly expensive. If you do have to replace the heater, you should go with a tankless system. They can supply constant hot water and don't have the expense of constantly heating water you aren't using. They last for many times the life of a normal heater and are very energy efficient. They run anywhere from $200 to $2000 depending on volumne of water needed. Good luck.

Answer 3

You most likely need an iron filter. First get the water tested to determine how much iron you are dealing with. If it is too much for a water softener to remove then an iron filter is you only choice.

Here is some more information and pricing from an online retailer that I have purchased from.

http://www.qualitywatertreatment.com/iron_filters.htm

Answer 4

You have iron in your water. Ask at the hardware store for a product that removes iron from clothing. Look into a water filter system also.

Answer 5

You may be able to remove the sediment with a mechanical filter. Contact a plumber and see what he/she suggests. Some pipefitter friends of mine have installed a duplex system, where they can isolate one filter and use another one while they replace the first one.

good luck.

Answer 6

Your going to need a water conditioner.
There is only one type of water condtioner that can take care of rusty water.

Answer 7

water softner, and water conditioner system