How to fix black water coming out of faucet? Well, plumbing problems are often diversified and may come and go in different directions. However, these problems often require immediate attention since a small problem may quickly aggravate to a serious one overnight.
Often, these plumbing problems can be disastrous sometimes. Imagine you open your faucet in your kitchen or bathroom sink and see black water pouring out instead of the clean water you are used to. Certainly, this is a very distressing scenario.
However, if you find that black water is coming out of your home faucet or multiple faucets, there is no cause of alarm. There are several reasons as to why black water is pouring out of your faucet and most of these reasons can be handled quite easily.
Although water can again come out clear after some time, it is wise to create an action plan should the plumbing problem causing black water coming out of your faucet ever happen in your home again. Planning in advance on how to handle and fix your plumbing system from being plagued with black water in the future is important.
In this post, how to fix black water coming out of faucet, we have mentioned the most common causes of black water in faucets and the steps you can take to solve the problem as quickly as possible without incurring further damage or inconvenience.
Common Causes of Black Water Coming Out of Faucet and How to Fix It
If black water flows out of your faucet once you turn it, the probability is that you will want to fix the issues as quickest as possible. Certainly, it will look disgusting, and therefore you wouldn’t want it to last any longer. But what are the possible causes of black water coming out of faucet? Here are the possible causes:
1. Mineral Deposits
If you have excess mineral deposits in your water that flow through your home piping systems, then it might be the cause of black water coming out of your faucet. For instance, magnesium, iron, and manganese are notorious minerals that when they build up in your plumbing systems over time, can cause black water to flow out of your faucet.
When these minerals mix with the oxygen they oxidize and turn black as they flow with water out of the tub faucet thus making the water black as well. It is important to note that these excess minerals deposits are overly harmless to humans. Regardless, you wouldn’t want to brush your teeth, drink or wash dishes or clothes in this discolored water.
How to Fix Mineral Deposits
It is fortunate that you can easily eliminate excessive minerals that cause black water pouring out of your faucet. The first thing to do is to call a water testing company or buy a testing kit and test your water to find out the specific mineral causing water discoloration in your home.
You will need is a water filtration system or water softener system that can remove the excess magnesium, manganese, and iron from the water that flows through your plumbing system before it reaches your faucets.
Having a high-quality water filtration system installed at your home will help make your water turn from black to clear and safe for use should the cause of the black water pouring out of your faucet be oxidation of minerals in your water.
2. Rusty Pipes
Blackwater coming out of your tub faucet is a common occurrence in old houses. If your piping system consists of old rusty pipes, flakes of rust can easily find their way from the inside of the pipes into your water flowing in them.
The rust that gets into your water will then oxidize and turn dark and discolored as it flows out through your faucets. Although rusty water often appears dirty orange, brown or red, sometimes it can appear black. Iron pipes, steel pipes, copper pipes, and galvanized pipes with protective zinc layers are all vulnerable to rusting.
If the black water flowing out of your faucet is due to rusty pipes, you can possibly notice it from the noticeable hard, misshaped particles that accompany the discolored water flowing out of your faucets. This is because mineral flakes can also be a possible cause of black water coming out of your faucet.
How to Fix Rusty Pipes
Fixing the problem of black water flowing out of your faucet due to rusty pipes is ideally not a DIY project unless you have the pre-requisite plumbing skills. this is because you might need to go behind the walls to repipe the rusty pipes in your house. As such, it is advisable to hire an experienced plumber to fix your rusty pipes.
3. Defective Water Softener
Without a doubt, a water softener will improve the quality of your water. With a water softener, the white limescale commonly caused by hard water around your faucets or on the inside of your plumbing system will not be there thus adding lifespan to your plumbing pipes and appliances. Moreover, your hair will be softer while your skin will improve for the better and finer.
Like any appliance, your water softener has a lifespan. Besides, some elements will require replacement on a regular basis to make it soften your water efficiently. If the water softener breaks, then it means you will have to repair it or simply replace it with a new one. However, when your water softer is defective, you might notice black water coming out of your faucet.
You might have installed a water softener because your water was black due to too much magnesium getting oxidized as water flows out of your faucet. So, if you see a return of black water, then you know your water softener is defective and needs a replacement.
But if you bought your water softener to simply soften your clean hard water, once it breaks down, you might see black water flowing out of your faucet. This is because water softeners come with natural resin beads that are often black. If the water softener is defective, these black resin beads may get into the water turning it black.
How to Fix Broken Down Water Softener
Regardless of the cause of your black water out of the faucet, the solution is relatively simple for a defective water softener. You can either replace some of the defective parts or get the softener up and running again.
Alternatively, you can simply install a new water softener to start filtering out the excessive mineral deposits again. With this, your water won’t go black again since every part of the soften is in perfect condition.
4. Mildew Growth in Water Pipes
The black water pouring out of your faucet can also be caused by mildew growing in your pipes or water heater and discoloring the water that flows past them. So, if you suspect that the black water running coming out of your faucet is caused by the growth of mildew in your plumbing system, it is best to take quick action.
Mildew growth in your water pipes can be hazardous to you and your loved ones’ health, especially if the water is used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or bathing among other general home uses.
How to Fix Mildew Growth in Water Pipes
If you release the black water flowing out of your tap is as a result of mildew growth in your plumbing system, it is advisable to immediately call a professional plumber to do an inspection to find out where mildew has grown. The plumber can then recommend the best way to get rid of the mildew. That way, you will again enjoy clear water coming out of your faucets.
5. Construction Works
Is water coming to your home been shut for a few hours or days? Often when the local authorities want to repair or replace defective plumbing systems, they will shut off the water for some time. When the water is off, they can find a good time to fix the system safely and with ease.
Once they are done with the repairs or replacements, some of the residues in the fixed pipes may be carried through the pipes thus making the water look dirty. Often, the water is dark or light brown – it is rare for it to turn black.
How to Fix Black Water Occasioned by Construction Works
Water flowing through your plumbing system after construction works will not look too healthy for home use since it will most likely have particles and discolored. However, you can let this discolored water flow out or give it a day or so to clear out. That way, the dirty water will flow out and all the dirt in it before clearing full and safe for home use.
6. Sand or Clay Particles
If your home water is supplied from a private well instead of the city water line and you experience black water flowing out of your sink faucet, it might be as a result of sand or clay particles that are finding their way into your home plumbing system.
How to Fix Sand or Clay Particles
You can remove the sand or clay particles from your home drinking water in various ways, depending on the type of your water supply well. If the well is sandstone, consider installing a liner into your well. But if it is gravel or sand well, consider installing a screen or replacing the existing one to prevent sand or clay particles from finding their way into your water.
7. Old Filter System
Most water filtration systems use granular activated carbon in their filter cartridges owing to the effective granular activated carbon particles in absorbing odors, chemicals, and bad tastes common in unfiltered water.
When this filtering system has been in use for a while, the granular activated carbon particles can start making their way into your water supply and evidently turn the water black as it flows out of your faucet.
How to Fix Old Filtration System
The problem of an old filtration system that is causing your water to turn black has a very easy solution. Just replace the cartridge in your water filtration system and the black water flowing out of your faucets will stop.
Why is My Tap Water Black? Is Black Water Dangerous?
The black stuff flowing out of your cold water tap is not necessarily dangerous. However, you must want to know if it is safe to use the water for cooking, drinking, or bathing. In almost all scenarios, black water coming out of your faucet can not cause a health hazard. It is harmless and safe for bathing, showering, and washing.
Regardless, you won’t be 100% sure though. Therefore, you can assume and let the problem go by. The best thing to do is analyze the situation surrounding the black water coming out of your faucet. You may need a professional plumber to diagnose the problem and find its cause or you can just do it yourself. It is always better to be on the safe side!
FAQs
Q: Is it safe to shower in black water?
A: Although it is often safe, it is not advisable for you to shower in black water. Often, discolored water is a sign of a problem with your home plumbing system. Therefore, it is important that you first investigate and fix the issue immediately. For instance, you can try running your water for a few minutes and see if the pipes can clear.
Q: What makes hot water turn black?
A: There are several reasons why your hot water is turning black. For instance, a corroded water heater, pipe degradation, a build-up of minerals, or water softener beads can be the cause of your hot water turning black. If you are experiencing the problem with hot water alone, consider examining the condition of your water heater first.
Q: Why is there black stuff in my Brita water?
A: The black stuff is carbon particles that come out of the filter cartridge. These carbon particles are generally harmless, but they point out that it is time to replace the filter.
Conclusion
While you can be sure why is black water flowing out of the tub faucet, you should that the black water isn’t as dangerous as you might think. However, you should never drink this water or use it to prepare food.
Although black water is often entirely safe for home use, you can’t be sure of its safety, so it is wise not to risk it. Diagnose the cause and determine the next action to solve the problem. You can either replace your water filter, repipe your galvanized piping, or simply let it pass. This is all up to your call!
