A rainbow or oily film on the water is usually dissolved minerals, not oil from the pipes. The sheen is a chemistry clue, and testing confirms it.
The sheen
A rainbow film on the surface is often iron or manganese oxidizing. rain and older housing stock mean corroded fittings and slow drains show up often In Beaverton, the sheen appears when the water sits.
The iron
Iron in the water forms a film at the surface as it oxidizes in the air. rain and older housing stock mean corroded fittings and slow drains show up often In Beaverton, the film is common in well water.
The bacteria
Iron bacteria can add an oily-looking layer to the surface. rain and older housing stock mean corroded fittings and slow drains show up often In Beaverton, the bacteria leave a smell too.
The test
A water test tells whether the film is mineral or biological. rain and older housing stock mean corroded fittings and slow drains show up often In Beaverton, the results decide the treatment.
The treatment
Iron filtration or oxidation treatment removes the minerals behind the film. rain and older housing stock mean corroded fittings and slow drains show up often In Beaverton, a pro can install the system.
The check
A true oil film from a cross-connection is rare but serious. rain and older housing stock mean corroded fittings and slow drains show up often In Beaverton, a pro can rule it out.
The call
Identify the film before treating. Call 888-217-3585 and Beaverton Home Plumbing Co will match you with a Beaverton pro who tests.
Plumbing in Beaverton: what to know
In Beaverton, rain and older housing stock mean corroded fittings and slow drains show up often. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Washington County — from Tigard, King City and Hillsboro to ZIP codes like 97005, 97008, 97225 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Beaverton?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Beaverton Home Plumbing Co will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Beaverton.