Black specks in hot water?
We noticed black specks that smudged our tub and silicone dishes and noticed it was only when we ran hot water. It’s coming out from all faucets.
Upon research online we figured it had to be something with the hot water tank so we had a plumber come out to look. I initially thought it was the flex lines but we have copper flex lines so that’s not it. The plumber opened the flex lines to see some rubber rings that had deteriorated a little bit so he replaced that and flushed the tank a few times.
Fast forward a day later, there’s now way more black specks coming out - like if I put the pieces together it would be way more than that rubber ring so I don’t think that was the problem. I’m not even sure it’s rubber or not. When I put a piece on my finger and rub it leaves like a black chalk mark almost. Anyone have any idea?!
Related Discussions
How to get rid of mice?
We seem to have some unwelcome Mickeys and Minnies in our house. What is the best way to get rid of them?
How to remove popcorn ceiling with asbestos?
I want to remove my popcorn ceiling, but it has asbestos in it. How do I go about this safely?
How to caulk baseboard gaps?
How do I fill gaps at baseboard, should I caulk? If so, does anyone know how to caulk baseboards?
How to fix squeaky hardwood floors?
How do I fix squeaky hardwood floors?
Black specks in my water?
More recently, we often have little black specks in our water, especially hot water. I only notice it in the bathtubs, as they stick to the sides and smear when you t... See more
I have ruined my copper sink! Please help!
I'm hoping to save my copper sink, but I am afraid I have totally ruined it. I need some suggestions on how to save it! What can I spray it with, or where can I fin... See more
How old is the tank?
Did the plumber actually clean out the bottom of the hot water tank?
Also, do you have a water softener?
I have the same issues and i have a brand new water tank. Its a brand new house. I dont know what to do but they smudge like a greasy waxy type of way.
Oily, smudgy debris in your water is generally a clue that a flexible rubber hose somewhere in your home plumbing system is disintegrating. Chlorine or chloramine added to the water supply as a disinfectant will tend to eventually corrode rubber. The most frequent culprit in this situation seems to be the flex hose leading to your water heater. It is likely that you will need to have a plumbing professional replace the hose. Fortunately, the newer versions are usually protected with a water disinfection-resistant lining.
Here is a discussion and possible causes and solutions
https://terrylove.com/forums/index.php?threads/black-particles-in-bath-hot-water-only.49345/
Did he drain your water heater? You are supposed to do that annually. Sediments build up in the bottom.
It could be the dielectric sleeve on the ends of the flex hose. Could be a gasket on the t&p valve. The discussion link has what other people found to be the problem.
Sounds like rust from the pipes
The culprit might perhaps be a build up of potassium permanganate.
It is a purplish black crystalline solid that is widely used in water treatment.
Over time, and variances in water pressure, sometimes there is a build up inside the end pieces on individual faucets.
Here's what I would suggest:
-Remove the end piece, or mesh filter/aerator from the end of the faucet.
-Remove the inner O ring and clean the area well
-Clean the filter well (a toothbrush usually works well)
-Run water through the entire faucet on 'full open'. Without the end filter, you should find that the water pressure is stronger than normal
-Look carefully to detect any black residue coming out with the water
-Continue running the water until it runs clear
-Replace the ring, filter/aerator if they show signs of deterioration
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_permanganate
https://www.thespruce.com/removing-a-faucet-aerator-2718836
https://lonesysadmin.net/2008/12/26/how-to-reassemble-your-faucets-aerator/