Water stains resulting from metals, tannins, lignin or any other contaminant in the water, will affect fixtures and appliances found throughout the entire home or business. These stains show up in all sorts of colors: pink, rust or reddish, blackish, dark brown, and green stains. These stains can usually be fixed with a water softener.
Orange/Red Water Stains
Reddish and orange/yellow-tan discoloration is often caused by by high contents of iron. These stains are typically found inside the home around sinks, tub drains, and toilets, and outside wherever irrigation is directed.
White Stains/Spotting
Hard Water contains large amounts of minerals such as potassium, silica, magnesium and calcium which can cause white staining or spotting also known as lime scale build-up on and around your fixtures, shower doors, glassware and silverware. Water stains and spots develop on surfaces when water evaporates and the leftover minerals accumulate, making a dull patch on the surface.
Yellow Water Stains
If you have yellow tint to your water or yellow stains around you drains, this may be caused by natural organic material known as Tannin. Tannin are a bitter-tasting organic substance present in some galls, barks, and other plant tissues, consisting of derivatives of gallic acid, used in leather production and ink manufacture. Some times tannin cause water to have a tart aftertaste (similar to tea) and an earthy odor.
Blackish/Dark Brown Water Stains
Black or dark brown discoloration around your drains and fixtures usually points to high levels of manganese.
Blue-Green Water Stains
If the stains or water are blue-green in color, then most likely, corrosion of copper is occurring within the household plumbing.
Some specific kinds of bacteria, which can cause discoloration, thrive in iron- and manganese-rich water. While these bacteria may not be harmful to the human body, they can clog pipes and affect flow rates in a home’s plumbing and appliances. This may also be due to the pH level of your water.
All of the above are treatable! Having your water tested is the best place to start. The fix maybe a single filter or it may require a combination of filters, in a specific order.
A properly configured Reverse Osmosis system will remove any staining property from drinking water.
