Weird Black Specks in My Shower/Tub (hot water heater, phone, drain)
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
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.
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!
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?
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.
I have this happening to me in my apartment shower/tub. What do I do?
Call your landlord or maintenance office.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.