My bathroom was recently remodeled and I had a Jacuzzi put in. I used Delta fixtures for the tub/shower and the sink. The plumbers used red and blue Pex lines connected to my copper pipes. When I turn the tub on for the first time each day, the water comes out red for about a second. The sink is unaffected. I use city water, not well and I have never had this problem. We have let the water run several minutes each day, but when we turn the water in the tub on the next morning (or several hours later) the red water still comes out for a second or two. The bathroom has been completed for about one and a half weeks. Can you tell me what is going on?

I assume you are curious if the "red" in the water is related to the red PEX? The answer to this is, "almost certainly not". The "red" in the water is almost certainly from oxidation in the copper lines.

The more important question is why you are having "new" oxidation problems and seemingly only in your new jacuzzi. I would suspect that the "red" is actually not new, but rather "newly noticed"; however, if this is definitely NOT the case, then I would look at electrical grounding issues. Older homes frequently used the copper pipes in the plumbing system for an electrical ground. In most modern designs the plumbing system is not integrated into the electrical system's ground; however, in either case it is possible with copper pipes to create a situation where the pipe is positively charged and isolated from a true ground. When copper is positively charged it oxidizes far more rapidly than neutral copper; oxidized copper appears a reddish-brown in water.

It is possible that the plumbers isolated a section of copper pipe and that same section of pipe is somehow positively charged. I find this improbable, but certainly possible. I think it is far more probable that your entire hot water copper plumbing system is contributing either from improper grounding or simply age (copper naturally oxidizes even if there is no charge imbalance) and that the reason you only notice the red in your jacuzzi is because it is the only plumbing fixture that has "unrestricted flow". As an experiment, you should get a clear 1 gallon container and run it 2/3 full from a garden hose first thing in the morning prior to any other water use. If you get sediment and/or the reddish color you can be certain that the "problem" is systemic (hot & cold supply) and not related to the new installation. If there is no sign of the "red" or sediment from your garden hose, then it is possible that the "problem" is just in the hot water supply. You can check this with the same container, but this time go to the sink physically farthest from the hot water heater and turn the shut-off valve to the "off position". Disconnect the line from the sink and place it in your 1 gallon jar; again fill it 2/3 full, watching for the "red" and/or sediment. It is highly probable you will see exactly what you see in you jacuzzi.

It is perfectly normal in a copper plumbing system to see some sediment/reddish color after a period of inactivity. It is also most likely to be noticeable in the fixture with the most unrestricted flow. Only in very rare cases is this any reason for concern. If the amount of copper oxide truly seems excessive, you might consider having an electrician test your plumbing system for proper grounding, but the cure could be disproportionate to the problem.

Fish

Thank you for your reply. It makes a lot of sense. The bathroom had been torn up and no plumbing used for over three weeks. I will try what you suggested to test it. Thanks again.

Hi Detseymour

Sorry, but oxidation and electrical charge is probably not going to be your issue here... just not seen in the manner that you describe your issue!

By your description, I suspect that the plumber may have used a threaded black iron nipple instead of a brass nipple somewhere close to the jacuzzi spout or valve body. Here, black nipples are sometimes (not very often) confused for a brass nipple or simply get overlooked at finish and they will produce that second or two of rusty water when a fixture is first turned on, if present.

If the problem continues at this faucet only, call your plumber back and tell him what I suggested might have happened. With any luck, this will be the worst case issue and he/she can quickly swap the nipple out!

Questions? Let me know...

Mark

My first thought was also the use of a black iron nipple or fitting. Please let us know what you find.

detseymour,

You should follow the advice given by the experts, as I stated, I find the notion of a charge imbalance improbable, though it is possible. An iron nipple makes a great deal more sense as it will oxidize even in the presence of very low oxygen levels, and restrict observable problems to the fixture it feeds; I certainly didn't think of that. I hope that I did not send you on a wild goose chase.

Cheers,

Fish

Does the rust color occur in both hot and cold water or just one? Back to you, Tom