Most of the time, you grab a glass and fill it with water, and never even look at it. We always assume that water from the tap in our home is pure, clear, and safe to drink. But what about the day that something catches your eye just before you take a big gulp of water? Could that really be black flecks floating in the water you are about to drink? Upon closer examination, that is precisely what you see in the glass. And after dumping and refilling the glass several times with the same result, you are sure that something is wrong. But you have no idea what it is or how serious the health risks could be.
3 Most Common Causes Of Black Flecks In Your Water
While the appearance of contamination in your drinking water is nothing to ignore, it is also not typically something that poses an immediate or long-term health risk. The following are some of the most common reasons for the black speck in your water:
- Pipe Corrosion: Old pipes begin to corrode after many years of service. And when they do, small particulates appear in your water. These flecks are tiny pieces of metal from the pipe and can also contain bits of corrosion and rust. These flakes often occur right after you have turned the water main to your home off for service and then turned it back on.
- Pieces Of Corroded Water Heater: If the flecks are confined to your hot water, the culprit is likely the holding tank on your water heater. You might notice the specks stuck to the side of your bathtub after you have been soaking in a hot bath or see them stuck to a pot that contained hot water. These particles are a sign that you need to drain and flush your water heater. Hopefully, there is no significant damage to the tank walls, and a good flushing will eliminate the flecks.
- Pieces Of Broken Parts: If the small black debris is rubbery or soft, the chances are good that it is from a worn-out gasket, O-ring, or rubber seal. While this is not a huge health concern, it should be a bit concerning to think about what might be leaking due to a worn-out seal or O-ring.
The Solutions
There could be many small issues that have caused the black flecks in your water. But the good news is that the licensed plumbers at Turbo Plumbing & Rooter are sure to be able to track down the offending item. And depending on which fixture, appliance, or pipe is causing the problem, the solutions will vary. Some of the common corrective measures include:
- Draining and flushing the water heater
- Replacing the water heater anode rod
- Repairing or replacing a water line
- Repairing or replacing a faucet
In almost every case, the discovery of small black particles in your home’s water is not a reason to panic. However, the situation does need to be resolved. A call to the team at Turbo Plumbing & Rooter is the fastest way to determine what is causing this annoying situation and how to correct it. We offer 24/7 emergency service, or you can schedule a same day appointment if you agree that the issue is less urgent. If scheduling presents a challenge due to your busy day, we offer appointments in the evening and on the weekend. Our goal is always to provide our customers with a free-no-obligation price quote and the information needed to make the repair choice that best meets their needs and budget.
