I have a working Water Softener, but I am still getting Iron Staining. Why is that?

🔍 first, let’s talk about what water softeners do (and what they don’t)

Water softeners are designed to remove hardness minerals—mostly calcium and magnesium. Some softeners can remove low levels of iron (usually up to 1 ppm), but once iron levels get higher or become oxidized (exposed to air), a softener alone just won’t cut it.

That means if your home has:

• High levels of iron

• Iron bacteria or oxidized iron

• City water with fluctuating iron levels

…your softener might be functioning perfectly and still not solving the root issue.

🧱 what iron does in your home

Iron in water can leave behind:

• Orange or reddish stains in sinks, tubs, and toilets

• Yellowing or blotchy laundry, even with bleach

• Metallic-tasting drinking water

• Clogged pipes or fouled resin in your softener over time

And worst of all—it makes your water feel dirty, even when it's technically safe to drink.

✅ how to fix it

If you’re seeing iron stains, you need a solution built for iron removal, not just softening. At Environmental ProTech, we often recommend:

• Pre-filtration to capture iron before it hits your softener

• Iron-specific filters for higher levels

• Upgrading your current system to include multi-stage treatment

We’ll start with a free in-home water test to identify exactly what’s in your water—and then build a solution that targets it head-on.

PS. We have over 30 years experience in bringing clean water to the Houston Homeowners. Our reviews speak for themselves! If you want clean drinking water from your faucet, contact us at 281-495-4420 to schedule your free water test today.