I have very hard water and high Iron. What kind of softener do I need?

If your water leaves rust stains in your sinks and showers, turns your laundry orange, and still feels rough on your skin, you likely have two issues at once: very hard water and high iron levels.

While both problems cause headaches for Houston homeowners, they require more than just a basic water softener to fix.

Why Hard Water and Iron Are a Tough Combo

Hard water is loaded with calcium and magnesium minerals that cause scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and fixtures.

Iron in water (either ferrous, “clear” iron or ferric, “red” iron) causes:

• Rust stains in tubs, sinks, and toilets

• Metallic taste in drinking water

• Discoloration of laundry and dishes

• Potential damage to water heaters and plumbing

A standard water softener is designed to remove hardness minerals—but not to handle heavy iron. In fact, high iron can clog the resin bed inside a softener, drastically shortening its lifespan.

The Right Solution for Hard Water + High Iron

To solve both issues, you typically need:

1. An Iron Filtration Stage Before the Softener

   • Removes iron (and often manganese) before it reaches the softener.

   • Prevents resin fouling and extends softener life.

2. A High-Capacity Water Softener

   • Designed for Houston’s very hard water conditions.

   • Reduces scale buildup, protects appliances, and improves skin and hair feel.

3. Professional Installation & Setup

   • The right valve settings ensure your system regenerates properly for both hardness and iron removal.

Why Work with Environmental ProTech

We’ve spent over 30 years treating Houston water, including neighborhoods with some of the highest iron and hardness levels in Texas. Our approach:

• Free in-home water test to measure hardness, iron type, and concentration.

• Custom system design to handle both hardness and iron effectively.

• Professional-grade equipment built to withstand local water challenges.

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.