By AOK Water Services, LLC | Largo, Florida
I’m Kevin with AOK Water Services—Here’s What’s Really Going On
One of the most common calls I get from Apollo Beach homeowners is about ugly orange or brown stains in toilets, showers, and sinks.
That’s iron in the water. It sticks to surfaces, makes bathrooms appear dirty, and keeps reappearing after cleaning.
Even if your water tastes fine, iron can accumulate rapidly and cause persistent headaches.
How Iron Shows Up in Your Home
Everyday Signs You’ll Notice
- Orange or brown rings in toilets, tubs, and sinks
- Yellow-tinted water when you first turn on a faucet
- Clothes coming out of the washer with rust-colored spots
- Metallic taste in coffee, tea, or ice
- Low water pressure from clogged aerators and shower heads
Why Cleaning Doesn’t Fix It
Bleach and harsh cleaners can lighten stains, but they don’t remove iron from the water.
The moment you run the tap again, the iron settles back on surfaces.
Over time, it clogs pipes, wears down valves, and shortens the life of dishwashers and washing machines.
The Three Faces of Iron (and Why It Matters)
Clear-Water Iron (Ferrous)
Looks clear coming out of the tap, then turns yellow or orange after exposure to air.
This type passes right through simple filters.
Red-Water Iron (Ferric)
Already oxidized and visible.
It causes water to appear yellow, orange, or brown and settles on fixtures quickly.
Iron Bacteria
A slimy, reddish-brown buildup with a musty smell.
It creates stubborn stains and can coat pipes and softeners if not treated correctly.
What Iron Does to Your Plumbing and Appliances
- Clogs aerators, shower heads, and toilet parts
- Coats inside of pipes, leading to pressure drops
- Damages seals and gaskets in dishwashers and washers
- Leaves permanent stains on grout, fiberglass, and porcelain
How I Fix Iron Problems for Apollo Beach Homes
Step 1: Accurate Testing
I test for iron levels, pH, hardness, manganese, and signs of iron bacteria. The right fix starts with the right numbers.
Step 2: The Right Treatment for Your Water
- Air Injection Oxidation + Filtration: Great for clear-water iron. We oxidize iron so a special media filter can remove it.
- Greensand or Catalytic Media Filters: Targets red-water iron and helps with manganese too.
- Chlorination or Peroxide + Carbon: Best for iron bacteria and strong odors, followed by carbon polishing for taste.
- Reverse Osmosis (Point-of-Use): Delivers great-tasting drinking water at the kitchen sink.
Step 3: Simple Maintenance That Actually Works
I set you up with an easy schedule for media regeneration, filter changes, and periodic checkups.
Most families transition from daily scrubbing to quick wipe-downs because new stains no longer form.
What You Can Do Today
Quick Checks
- Remove and rinse faucet aerators if flow is low
- Use a rust remover designed for iron stains on fixtures and grout
- Look inside the toilet tank for orange slime or buildup
What to Avoid
- Relying on bleach. It can make some iron problems worse.
- Buying a generic “whole-house filter” without testing. It may not handle your type of iron.
- Putting off treatment. Stains get harder to remove over time.
Real Results for Hillsborough County Families
I’ve installed iron filtration systems all over Hillsborough County, and the change is real.
Families go from scrubbing every day to barely lifting a finger because the stains stop forming.
Water looks clear, fixtures last longer, and appliances function as they should.
Ready to Stop the Stains for Good?
Your Next Step
If you’re tired of bleaching and scrubbing only for stains to return, fix the problem at the source.
I’ll test your water and design a system that fits your home and budget.
Contact AOK Water Services
– Kevin, Owner of AOK Water Services
📞 Call Kristie or Kevin today at 727-709-0889
📩 Or contact us online.
