Symptoms · 5 min
Why are my sinks orange? Iron stains explained
Orange and rust stains on sinks, toilets and laundry usually mean iron (and sometimes manganese) in the water — common on Canadian wells.
Looking for a lab or free test option? Find a Water Test · Not sure which system you need? Run the Water Problem Wizard for a recommended stack and installed cost ranges.
Iron leaves a calling card
Dissolved iron oxidises when it hits air, leaving orange rings in toilets, rust marks in sinks and reddish laundry. Manganese can add brown or black staining.
Softener alone is rarely enough
Light iron sometimes rides along with a softener. Moderate to high iron needs a dedicated iron filter (or oxidation plus filtration) sized to your lab result in mg/L and your peak flow rate.
Test before you buy
Ask for iron, manganese, pH, hardness and tannins. Wrong media or undersized tanks waste money and still stain.
Get matched locally
Use the Water Problem Wizard if you see orange stains, then get an exclusive installer quote for iron treatment in your area.