If your white sink, shower floor, or laundry has taken on an orange or rust-brown tint, iron is one of the most likely causes. Iron is a naturally occurring mineral that shows up in groundwater. Its most noticeable effect in a home is staining. This guide describes what iron staining looks like in St. Louis homes, how to tell it apart from other problems, and how to test before you decide what to do next.
What orange staining looks like
Iron staining has a recognizable pattern. It appears as orange, rust-colored, or brownish marks that do not wipe away easily. Look for it in these places:
- Sinks, tubs, and shower floors, often around the drain or under the faucet
- Toilet bowls, especially at the water line, where stains build up over time
- White laundry, which can take on yellow or rust-colored spots after washing
- Dishes and glassware that look dull or spotted after the dishwasher runs
Clear water that turns orange
A common clue is water that looks clear when you first draw it, then turns orange or leaves a film after sitting in a glass or bucket. Dissolved iron is colorless when fresh. When it meets air, it oxidizes and forms the rust-colored particles you see. If the water looks rusty right out of the tap, the iron is more likely in particle form, which can come from pipes or a water heater. If the water only turns orange after sitting, dissolved iron is the likelier explanation.
Hot side or cold side
Compare the hot and cold taps in the same room. If only the hot water looks rusty, the water heater or hot water pipes are a strong suspect. Water heaters contain a metal anode rod meant to protect the tank. As the water heats, minerals and corrosion can settle at the bottom of the tank and get stirred up when the heater runs. If both hot and cold water are orange, the source is more likely the water supply itself, whether that is the public water line into your home or a private well.
Where St. Louis homes usually see it
St. Louis area homes get water from a few different sources, and the source affects what you should look for. Many homes in the city and inner suburbs connect to a public water system, where the provider regularly tests the supply. Homes in outlying parts of St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County may use private wells, where iron in the groundwater can reach the tap without any treatment. Older homes can also have galvanized steel pipes, which rust from the inside and release particles over the years, even when the water supply itself is clean.
Test before you decide
Gather facts before you buy anything or call anyone. Start with these steps:
- Check your water provider's annual water quality report. It usually lists iron if iron is present in the public supply. If you have a private well, no such report exists, so testing is the only way to know.
- Note which fixtures stain. Record whether hot, cold, or both show the problem, and whether stains appear at one fixture or throughout the house.
- Use a home test kit from a hardware or home improvement store, and follow its directions exactly.
- Send a sample to a certified laboratory if you have a well or want a complete picture. A lab report gives you a measured result and shows whether iron is the only issue.
Cleaning what is already stained
Stains left alone tend to get harder to remove. Rust-specific cleaners are commonly used on hard surfaces, but test any cleaner on a hidden spot first, since some finishes and fabrics do not tolerate acids. Never mix cleaning products together. Identify the source before you scrub, because cleaning without addressing the water will bring the stains back.
What to do next
Once you know the source, your choices come down to two paths. If the water heater is the source, flushing the tank or having it inspected may solve the problem, and the job is manageable for a homeowner comfortable with basic steps. If the water supply carries iron, the options involve a treatment method matched to your test results and your household's water use. A qualified professional can help you match the method to the findings. Keep your lab report and test notes, since they make any conversation about solutions faster and more accurate.
Orange stains are a clue, not a verdict. Pinning down whether the iron is dissolved or in particle form, whether it shows up on hot or cold water, and whether your home uses city supply or a private well gives you what you need to choose your next step in a St. Louis home.