Water Softener - Iron Stains in Sinks or Fixtures

Iron is present in water. Whether you do or do not have a water softener in your home, it is possible for iron in the water to stain sinks or other fixtures. A GE Appliances water softener will remove some amounts of clear water iron. Please remember that your water softener cannot cure a rust stain problem if you are experiencing any of the following:
 
  • If your city/well water is chlorinated and still has a high iron content.
  • If your city/well water is treated with phosphates.
  • If water testing shows "bacterial iron".

Removing Clear Water Iron

A high clear water iron content is usually identified by seeing rust (red) stains in sinks, bathtubs, showers and toilets. With clear water iron, also called ferrous iron, water from a faucet is clear when first put into a glass. After approximately 15 to 30 minutes, the water begins to cloud or turn rust-colored.
 

Prevention

Iron affects the ability of the water softener to remove hardness from the water. The amount of iron in the water needs to be taken into account when setting the hardness number on the appliance. When setting the hardness control, take the iron content (PPM) and multiply it by 5, then add this number to the water hardness.
 
For example, if your water hardness is 20 GPG (grains per gallon) and the iron content is 2 PPM (parts per million), you add 5 to the hardness number for each 1 PPM of iron. In this example, you would use 30 for your hardness number.
 

Maintenance

If your water supply has clear water (ferrous) iron, periodic resin bed cleaning is needed. We recommend using Super Iron Out™ brand resin bed cleaner to thoroughly clean your resin bed if your iron content is high. Clean the bed at least every six months, or more often if iron appears in the soft water between cleaning.
 

Support

  • For detailed instructions on maintaining the resin bed when your water supply has clear water iron, please take a look at our Water Softener Resin Beads article.
  • Should you need repair service on your water softener, please contact us at 1-800-952-5039 for assistance.