Black bits in water from tap - any ideas?

BlondeHeadOn

Last week I noticed some small black bits in the water from the cold tap in the kitchen - not huge amounts, and I ran the tap a bit and they stopped coming out. Then yesterday my OH ran some hot/cold water into the bathroom sink, and it was full of little black bits. He ran a bath (also full of little black bits) to empty the hot water tank and flush water through the system, and we now have clear water again from all taps.

We don't know what caused these black bits though, and if we should do anything else. The bits were not hard but more like solid bits of black grease - you could squash them and they left a smear of black on the sink. Our first theory was that they were from a corroded washer, but they were not hard and rubbery at all. Also the first time I noticed them was from the cold tap in the kitchen, so they didn't originate in out hot water tank or anything.



Anyone had anything similar, or have any ideas? Should we be worried?

kadiekaismummi

Yes, I had this in the summer, last year, we ran the bath and sink in the bathroom, and had black bits coming out, I put it down to mould, as it was like you said black looking stff in bits, suppose it could have built up if it had been left for a while, but as you said we let all the water run out, and it went.....

burnsguitarman

We have this problem as well. It is all the time, but running the water seems to help. We also get a black 'sludgy' build up in the water inlet of the washer, and in the drains of the sinks. It looks unsightly and I don't know what causes it, so any suggestions please?

Canucklehead

Good afternoon: Excellent info available here... http://www.thameswater.co.uk/UK/region/en_gb/content/FAQ/FAQ_000058.jsp

and also from the Drinking Water Inspectorate.... http://www.dwi.gov.uk/infoleaflets.shtm

HTH

Canucklehead

BlondeHeadOn

I had to go out yesterday afternoon, so have only just read your excellent replies.

Many thanks Canucklehead - the two links you gave are excellent, and have answered my question and put my mind at rest!

Looks like we are doing the right things to deal with the problem.

:T :T :T :T :T :beer: :T :T :T :beer: :T :T :T :beer: :T :T

dora37

A good way to clear these bits (which are airborne bacteria that breed around taps and warm damp areas) is to use an old toothbrush and bleach around the rim of the tap - bleach is the only thing that will kill them.

(Do make sure it is an OLD toothbrush!).

HTH.

burnsguitarman

We regularly clean the taps etc, but inside the detergent drawer of the washer is full of black bits that eventually clog up the water inlet, (and very awkward to clean without dismantling the top of the washer) It must be something to do with the water.