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mattyb123 · Apr 25, 2012, 05:56 AM

Hello all,

I've done some searching on this but haven't found the answer. I've lived in my house for almost three years and just decided to fill the tub to take a bath. This only happens when the hot water is run but I get these black oily particles on the top of the water that smear when I touch them. The common source from my searching seems to be braided hoses but I have CPVC throughout my house. The only braided hoses are going to my washing machine. A little more info. Is that I have city water and I think the water heater is approximately 10 years old. It's also an NG setup. If someone can help I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Matt

speedball1 · Apr 25, 2012, 07:22 AM

Hi Matt and Welcome to The Plumbing Page. At AskMeHelpDesk.com. These black particles. Do they show up anywhere else besides the bathtub tap or is that the only fixture affected? Back to you, Tom

mattyb123 · Apr 25, 2012, 07:42 AM

Good question. The only reason I've noticed them is because the tub was filled. What I can do is fill my sinks and post my findings. Would this have anything to do with the age of my water heater?

Irishroses2 · Jun 2, 2013, 11:59 AM

I am having the same problem myself. At first it was just in the master bath, then it started to show up a little in the downstairs bath tub. Now the downstairs bath tub is FULL of those particles. So frustrating... I never had the problem until we replaced our hot water heater, now it is slowly going from one place to another... HELP!!

Originally Posted by Irishroses2

I am having the same problem myself. At first it was just in the master bath, then it started to show up a little in the downstairs bath tub. Now the downstairs bath tub is FULL of those particles. So frustrating.... I never had the problem until we replaced our hot water heater, now it is slowly going from one place to another... HELP!!!

Ps... we are on city water AND we do have the braided water lines.

speedball1 · Jun 2, 2013, 12:10 PM

How often do you power flush your heater tom remove built up sediment? Back to you. Tom

Irishroses2 · Jun 2, 2013, 02:34 PM

The hot water heater isn't even a year old. Surely I shouldn't have to flush it this soon?

speedball1 · Jun 2, 2013, 04:53 PM

The hot water heater isn't even a year old. Surely I shouldn't have to flush it this soon?

Wrong! If you wish to keep your heater operating at its best you'll set up a regular maintenance schedule. Depending on your area there's always minerals in your water, Let me show you how,

For long life and fewer troubles 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

hkstroud · Jun 2, 2013, 06:49 PM

I am not personally familiar with the problem but based on what I see around the internet, I would replace the flexible lines with hard copper and see if that resolves the problem. Cost should be minimal if you can solder copper pipe or reasonable plumbers fee if you can't.

speedball1 · Jun 3, 2013, 01:45 PM

Hey Widget Maker,
You said," I would replace the flexible lines with hard copper "
And he said, "we do have the braided water lines"
So you might have hit on the solution. Good catch! Tom