View Full Version : I have black soot-like particles coming from all the faucets in my house!
pta04
Sep 27, 2010, 08:34 PM
I have black soot-like particles coming from all the faucets in my house. The well was chlorinated and was ran-off before I moved in about a month ago. I didn't have any problems at first but now just about every time I turn on the water, I'm getting a sink or tub full of black soot. I have in-line filters that have recently been replaced does anyone have any suggestions about what this substance is and how to get rid of it? Thanks!
speedball1
Sep 28, 2010, 07:13 AM
For openers let's nail down the source. Do the black particles come from your well or the water heater. Let's flush the heater and find out.
You should keep your heater clear of mineral build-up by FLUSHING NOT DRAINING on a regular schedule. Attach a hose to the boiler drain at the bottom of the tank. With the pressure on, open the boiler drain and let it run until the water runs clear. You will see a spurt of red,(rust) followed by white or yellow grains,(lime or calcium carbonate). This shouldn't take more then a few minutes. Do this monthly to keep it clear. Now flush out your hot water lines on ALL fixtures that are affected . Now pull each aerator and clean the screens. Be sure you put them back together the same way you took them out. Don't forget to flush it out every month. Your heater will thank you for it. Hope this helps and thank you for rating my answer, Tom
massplumber2008
Sep 28, 2010, 09:16 AM
Hi PTA04...
You said, " I have in-line filters that have recently been replaced"...
Were these filters charcoal filters by chance? If so, it is possible that the replacement filter has torn... I'd check that.
How about a water softener? If one is present and has a charcoal filtrate then there could be an issue with that.
Let us know more, OK?
Mark
Rogerzz
Dec 3, 2011, 01:04 PM
The black stuf is probably sulfur deposit Harmless to consume but it can show up as a crust over foot valve screens to the point you have to knock it off with a screwdriver . It will show up and block pipes flow. And in your toilet tank. Sediment filter helps . Water softener does better , a lot better. Almost a cure . However Residual deposits in hot water lines will show up most comonly in bathtub faucet flow due to the heating and cooling of said deposits.The faucet being a low point and unrestrictive.
speedball1
Dec 3, 2011, 03:11 PM
Hi Rogerzz and welcome to the Plumbing pageat at AskMeHelpDesk.com. You piggybacked on an a 1 year old dead thread. In the future, before you post, look in the upper left hand corner for the date.
Thanks for your input but it's a little late. Regards, Tom