Iron Bacteria in Well Water – What You Need to Know

Iron bacteria, a name that sounds as scary as it is, is a type of bacteria that is found in the water, soil, and surfaces of homes. It is prevalent in basements and homes in Southern New Hampshire & Eastern Massachusetts and is responsible for discoloration of the soil, water, sinks, and drains. 

It is essential to know what you can do to prevent this bacteria from forming and what to do if it is already in your home. This article by Rescon Basement Solutions will look at the risks associated with this bacteria, how it develops and what you can do to treat it.

What Is Iron Bacteria?

Before breaking into ways to treat iron bacteria, let’s first go over what exactly it is. Iron bacteria is a type of bacteria that grows in or around water that contains high levels of iron. Water with high iron content is usually found in water wells and can also be found in wells that are heavily influenced by sulfur. 

Iron bacteria is naturally occurring, but the bacteria begins to grow when the iron levels are high. When iron bacteria grows in water, it can often result in a brownish, rust-colored substance that coats the inside of pipes and other areas of the well. This can be highly detrimental to your well and your water, leading to problems with your water quality and damage to your home’s drainage system.

Is Iron Bacteria Harmful to Us?

While iron bacteria in wells does not outright cause health issues, there are several unpleasant factors it brings. Those include:

• Foul odors
• Corroded Plumbing Equipment
• Clogged Pipes & Drains
• Increased chance of sulfur bacteria infestation

Even though the presence of iron bacteria is not unhealthy to the people in your home, it is incredibly unpleasant to deal with and can end up costing you big.

How Does Iron Bacteria Affect Your Basement?

Iron bacteria causes a brownish-orange stain on the concrete. These stains are not just ugly but can lead to the destruction of the concrete itself. The dark discoloration of the concrete is a result of the microorganisms that are present in the water. These microorganisms feed off of iron and produce a red pigment, which causes discoloration. 

The stains you see are just one of the ways iron bacteria can wreak havoc on your basement. The other common way bacteria can be a nuisance is in the smell it can produce. It is often described as smelling musty or luke sewage and it is not something you want lingering in your basement. Additionally, iron bacteria can affect the way your water tastes and smells, making it unpleasant to drink or be around. 

What Is the Best Way to Treat Iron Bacteria?

After you know that you have iron bacteria in your basement, you have a couple of options. The first is a home remedy that can help mitigate the issues. The second is to contact a professional team to deal with the problem once and for all.

1. The bacteria can be treated with a mixture of chlorine bleach and water. You will need to use a mixture of 2 quarts of household bleach to a gallon of water. You should add this mixture to your basement sump pump to kill the bacteria in your pipes. 
2. Get in contact with a team you can trust. If you do not feel comfortable dealing with the iron bacteria yourself, you are in luck. Contact Rescon today for any of your basement needs.

Contact Rescon Basement Solutions Today

If you are tired of dealing with iron bacteria in your home or are worried you are a candidate for it, then contact us today. We provide Southern New Hampshire & Eastern Massachusetts with various basement services designed to keep your family healthy and happy. Schedule an appointment with us today and see what we can do for your home!