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Old 03-26-2017, 07:09 PM
ERH ERH started this thread
 
Location: Raleigh-Durham, NC
1,695 posts, read 2,506,660 times
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Has anyone experienced the occurrence of small black speckles appearing in your tub or shower? They look like someone sprinkled toner cartridge from a laser printer in there. They appear to be petroleum-based, because when you rub one, it only smears the speck, and they're not at all easy to clean. The only thing I've found to remove them is Goof Off!

We thought initially that the flow-stopper gasket thing was breaking down, but now the specks are appearing in both tubs. Hubby is getting ready to tear the fixtures down tomorrow and see what's going on, but I'd love to short-cut this and move him on to his next item on the honey-do list.
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Old 03-26-2017, 07:11 PM
 
1,009 posts, read 1,558,652 times
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Could it be your water? Are you on a well?
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Old 03-26-2017, 07:59 PM
 
Location: Johns Creek, GA
17,403 posts, read 65,528,173 times
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My guess would be something in the water.
However, if you haven't used them and these spots are appearing it might be something airborne.

My initial thought was immature sewer flies...
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Old 03-26-2017, 08:11 PM
ERH ERH started this thread
 
Location: Raleigh-Durham, NC
1,695 posts, read 2,506,660 times
Reputation: 3958
Another forum member gave us our answer -- it's the rubber bladder inside the hot water heater's expansion tank. Gross, $30-$40 to replace ourselves, but glad to have the problem sorted!
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Old 03-26-2017, 09:37 PM
 
Location: Johns Creek, GA
17,403 posts, read 65,528,173 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ERH View Post
...glad to have the problem sorted!
Well, that was fast. What exactly did you do that verified the source?
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Old 03-26-2017, 10:58 PM
 
Location: Tricity, PL
61,028 posts, read 85,838,736 times
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More in your tub than a sink? Do you have water softener?
Looks like mold, some sort of bacteria.
Try to drain your water heater and report back.
If that doesnt help, then perhaps it's either magnesium sulfide from your water reacting with the anode in which case an aluminum anode is the fix.

Or there is deteriorating rubber somewhere. Chloramines used in water disinfection attack rubber causing it to breakdown. It may be from inside a flexible supply for a water heater, an expansion tank, or even valve parts...

Did you ask your neighbors if they have same problem?

BTW: seems to be a pretty common problem.
https://www.google.com/search?client...iw=412&bih=652

Note: I think I found an explanation.
I am on the phone and for some reason can't post the url of this pdf article, but please google
Guide to common water quality concerns - city of Corpus Christi and click on the pdf.

Last edited by elnina; 03-26-2017 at 11:11 PM..
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Old 10-10-2018, 07:50 AM
 
1 posts, read 7,631 times
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I have this happening to me in my apartment shower/tub. What do I do?
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Old 10-10-2018, 07:52 AM
 
Location: Knoxville, TN
2,516 posts, read 1,864,954 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KathyRobbie View Post
I have this happening to me in my apartment shower/tub. What do I do?
Call your landlord or maintenance office.
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