brass colored stains in lavatory and kitchen

[Frank Thompson]

Something in the water turning drains & area surrounding drains in sinks to become stained a brass color. What could it be? Water is from well.

[dadiOH]

Rust. The dissolved "black iron" in the well water turns to "red iron (rust") when exposed to oxygen.

Anticipating your next question, any acid will get rid of it. Phosporic acid is commonly used, generally in CLR or similar ptoducts.

[H o m e G u y]

In Hahira Georgia (where you are) you apparently have some ground water sources that are high in iron.

This document (dated 1993) might be of some interest, seeing that Valdosta is very close to where you are:

=============== The Upper Floridan aquifer is the sole source of water supply for the city of Valdosta, Ga., and much of the surrounding area. The aquifer yields an ample supply of water; however, water quality is a concern to users and developers of ground-water resources in the area.

In some areas, the aquifer contains water having high color, high concentrations of iron and hydrogen sulfide, and undesirable bacteria, protozoa, and fungi (Krause, 1979). The water also contains relatively high concentrations of organic material in some areas. Humic substances associated with the organic material in ground water can react with chlorine during water treatment to form compounds referred to as trihalomethanes.

Total trihalomethanes have been detected in treated water in concentrations that exceed the maximum contaminant level of 100 micrograms per liter (|ig/L) for drinking-water supplies established by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division (EPD, 1990).

================

[RobertMacy]

I haven't tried cheap 'pool quality' muriatic acid for this, but used to use a mild fluoric acid, commerically available under the name Whink. Flourine based acid is used to etch glass, but Whink is so mild haven't seen any evidence of being able to do that. I tried, but didn't work.

That acid is a sleeper so neutralize with baking soda when finished. AND wear gloves. Doesn't hurt your fingers at all, until about an hour later when the damage under your fingernails becomes noticeably apparent, feels like your nails are being ripped off, but that feeling only lasts about half a day.

[Frank Thompson]

I am near Milledgeville Ga (center of state). The Southeastern Coastal Plain system is the aquifer system.... not part of Upper Floridian system

[H o m e G u y]

Your IP seems to change quite a bit.

Based on your last post, I would have placed you in "Warner Robins" Georgia - about 40 miles from Milledgeville.

For iron stains, try sodium hydrosulfite (found in products like "Rust Out" and "Iron Out").