Iron bacteria are a natural part of the environment. These microorganisms combine dissolved iron or manganese with oxygen and use it to form rust-colored deposits. In the process, the bacteria produce a brown slime that builds up on drains, pipes, and plumbing fixtures that makes your home look unsightly and unclean. Not to mention the negative effects it can have on your home if not taken care of.
Effects Of Iron Bacteria In Your Home
Iron bacteria in wells do not cause health problems, but they can have the following unpleasant and possibly expensive effects on your home:
- Causes odors
- Corrodes plumbing equipment
- Clogs pipes
- Clogs drainage systems
- Increases the chances of sulfur bacteria infestation
Iron bacteria can cause damage to pipes due to deposition of iron compounds, resulting in clogging tuberculation of pipes and red water. Iron bacteria can make your water taste and smell unpleasant, but according to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, there is no health risk associated with iron bacteria if you accidentally ingest it.
However, if you do have iron bacteria making your water turn red, we do not recommend drinking it. Instead, switch to bottled water until the problem is fixed.
Preventing Iron Bacteria In The Home
Prevention is the best safeguard against accompanying problems. Iron bacteria are nourished by carbon and other organics, and it is essential that these are not introduced into any part of a drainage system. Because it is difficult to get rid of iron bacteria once they exist, it best to isolate it and try to control it rather than trying to completely “cure” the problem.
Contact us about iron bacteria in Richmond, Virginia as well as Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, and Ashland.
