When you turn on the tap or drink from the faucet, what comes out is clear, right? Most of the time, that’s true. However, sometimes you might see small black specks in your bathtub or sink water. What are they, and should you be concerned? In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and more.
Reasons you might have black specks in your water
Below is a list of potential causes for black specks in your water supply:
1. Water heater
Your water heater is one possible reason you might see black specks in your water. The components of your home’s water heater will degrade over time. As a result, tiny pieces of metal or other debris can end up in your water supply. If you only see black specks when you use hot water and not cold water, then your water heater is likely the problem. Inspect your water heater’s anode rod and flex hose to see if they are degrading.
2. Pipe fittings
Black specks may be coming from the pipe fittings in your home. Pipe fittings are the pieces that connect sections of piping together. They come in a variety of materials, including brass, plastic, and metal. Over time, these fittings can become loose and degrade, allowing small pieces to break off and enter your water supply.
3. Pipe corrosion
Pipe corrosion is another possible reason you might see black specks in your water. If the plumbing pipes that bring water into your home are made of iron or steel, they can corrode over time. This process can release small particles of metal into your water. Pipe corrosion is more likely to be an issue if you have an older home with iron or steel pipes.
4. You are using well water
If you use a private well for your water supply, black specks may be coming from the well itself. If the well is old or has not been properly maintained, it can release particles of sediment into the water. That black sediment is likely sand, dirt, or rust. If you have a well, it’s important to have it inspected regularly to ensure it is in good working condition.
How do you get rid of black particles in water?
If you have black specks in your water, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them:
1. Run your water for a few minutes
If you only see black specks occasionally, they may be coming from a loose pipe fitting or corroded pipe. To flush them out of your system, run your cold water for a few minutes. The water pressure will push the particles out of your pipes and into your drain.
2. Install a sediment filter
If you see black specks often, or if they are coming from your well water, you may need to install a sediment filter. A sediment filter is a type of water filter that removes small particles from your water supply. It’s a good idea to have a sediment filter if you live in an area with hard water. Hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals, like calcium and magnesium.
3. Call a plumber
If you’ve tried running your water and installing a sediment filter, but the black specks are still appearing, it’s time to call a plumber. A professional plumber will be able to inspect your home’s plumbing and identify the source of the problem. They can then make the necessary repairs to fix the issue.
Should you be concerned about black specks in your water?
In most cases, black specks in your water are nothing to worry about. They’re probably bits of dirt or other organic matter that made their way into your water supply. However, if you notice an increase in the number of black specks in your water, it’s a good idea to contact your local water utility to have the water tested. In rare cases, black specks in water can be a sign of more serious water contamination.