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Problems
Preventing Irrigation Iron Stains
Understanding Irrigation Iron Stains
Irrigation iron stains occur when iron-rich water from wells or other sources is used for lawn and garden irrigation. When this water contacts air, the dissolved iron oxidizes (rusts) and leaves unsightly orange-brown stains on driveways, fences, homes, and landscaping features.
Common Causes:
- High Iron Content: Well water with iron levels above 0.3 ppm
- Oxidation: Iron converting from dissolved to solid form
- Iron Bacteria: Microorganisms that feed on iron
Impact on Your Property
Beyond being unsightly, iron stains can permanently damage surfaces, reduce property value, and create ongoing maintenance headaches. Irrigation systems themselves can also suffer from iron buildup.
Driveway Pressure Washing
$200-400/year
Sprinkler Head Replacement
$300-600/year
Property Value Reduction
Up to 5%
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Clogged Sprinklers
Iron particles can accumulate in sprinkler heads and nozzles, reducing water flow and causing uneven coverage of your lawn and garden.
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Property Damage
Persistent iron stains can permanently discolor concrete, siding, fences, and other surfaces, reducing your property’s appearance and value.
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System Inefficiency
Iron buildup in irrigation pipes and valves can restrict water flow, increase pressure requirements, and reduce the efficiency of your entire system.
Common Signs of Irrigation Iron Problems
These telltale signs indicate iron in your irrigation water. If any look familiar, it’s time to take action.
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Stained Driveways
Orange-brown stains on concrete and pavement
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Discolored Fences
Fences and walls marked by iron-rich water
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Stained Landscaping
Plants and decorative stones with rust deposits
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Clogged Sprinklers
Sprinkler heads blocked by iron buildup
Solutions for Irrigation Iron Staining
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Rid O' Rust System
A specialized iron stain prevention system that injects a sequestering agent directly into your irrigation line to prevent iron from oxidizing and causing stains.
- Prevents new iron stains
- Easy to maintain
- Compatible with existing systems
- No electricity required
- Simple installation
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Katalox Filter System
A high-performance filtration media that effectively removes iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide from your irrigation water before it reaches your sprinklers.
- Removes up to 15ppm of iron
- Long media life (8-10 years)
- High flow rates
- Reduces maintenance costs
- Self-cleaning backwash
Rid O' Rust System
The Rid O’ Rust system works by injecting a sequestering agent into your irrigation water that keeps iron in solution, preventing it from oxidizing and causing stains. Unlike filtration systems, it doesn’t remove iron but instead changes its chemical properties.
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Advantages
- Low initial investment
- Easy installation
- No electricity required
- Works with existing irrigation systems
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Disadvantages
- Very high ongoing chemical costs
- Requires regular refilling
- Less effective with very high iron levels
- Doesn’t actually remove iron (sequesters it)
System Sizing Examples:
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20 GPM System (1-2 acres)
Feeder Unit: ROR-20 Model
Chemical Usage: ~10 gallons per month (running 4 hours/day)
Initial Cost: ~ $800
Monthly Chemical Cost: ~$405
Installation: 1-2 hours professional -
45 GPM System (3-5 acres)
Feeder Unit: ROR-45 Model
Chemical Usage: ~20 gallons per month (running 4 hours/day)
Initial Cost: ~ $800
Monthly Chemical Cost: ~$810
Installation: 1-2 hours professional
Katalox Filter System
Katalox is a high-performance filtration media that physically removes iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide from water. It works through a combination of oxidation and filtration, effectively trapping iron particles before they can cause staining.
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Advantages
- Removes up to 15ppm of iron
- Long media life (8-10 years)
- Handles high flow rates
- Also removes manganese and sulfur
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Disadvantages
- Higher initial investment
- Requires electricity for backwash
- Professional installation recommended
- Requires periodic maintenance
System Sizing Examples:
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20 GPM System (~1 acres)
Filter Size: 8 cubic feet
Tank Size: 20″ x 60″
Initial Cost: $9,000-12,000
Annual Operating Cost: $25 (electricity)
Installation: 3-4 hours professional -
45 GPM System (2-3 acres)
Filter Size: 16 cubic feet
Tank Size: Dual 20″ x 60″
Initial Cost: $20,000+
Annual Operating Cost: $50 (electricity)
Installation: 3-4 hours professional
Solution Comparison
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Feature
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Rid O' Rust
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Katalox Filter
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Feature
Rid O' Rust
Katalox Filter
Initial Cost (20 GPM)
$800
$9,000 - 12,000
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Feature
Rid O' Rust
Katalox Filter
Initial Cost (45 GPM)
$800
~ $20,000+
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Feature
Rid O' Rust
Katalox Filter
Annual Operating Cost
$400-800/month ($4,800-9,600/year)
$50-150 (electricity)
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Feature
Rid O' Rust
Katalox Filter
Max Iron Removal
Prevents staining up to 3ppm
15ppm
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Feature
Rid O' Rust
Katalox Filter
Installation Complexity
Simple (1-2 hours)
Complex (3-6 hours)
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Feature
Rid O' Rust
Katalox Filter
Maintenance
Monthly chemical refill
Annual inspection
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Feature
Rid O' Rust
Katalox Filter
Media Lifespan
N/A
8-10 years
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Feature
Rid O' Rust
Katalox Filter
Best For
Low-volume irrigation systems, limited iron
High iron levels, long-term solution
How We Solve Your Irrigation Iron Stains
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Custom Assessment
We evaluate your home’s size, water usage patterns, and budget to recommend the perfect solution.
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Professional Installation
Our certified technicians handle the installation and setup, ensuring everything works perfectly.