Getting fresh, clean tap water is something we expect. That makes it all the more disgusting when you turn on the faucet, only to see black water pouring out of it. But what is in the water that makes it turn black?
Here we will see what it means to have a black water burst from the faucet and what you can do about it. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make sure clean water is flowing through your pipes again. Let’s take a look!
What to do first
Before you panic, there are some initial steps you should take. These will help you diagnose the problem and give you a better idea of how to fix it.
1. Check other faucets
If you are seeing black water from one faucet, then it is best to check the other faucets in your home. This will allow you to see if it is a single faucet problem or if the problem is with the water supply. There is no good answer here, but knowing this information can be crucial in determining your next steps.
2. Ask the neighbors
So you’ve checked your other faucets and see that there’s a problem throughout the house. If this is the case, then it is best to ask your neighbors if they have the same problem. If they do, then it shows that there is a problem with the water supply to the whole area and not just the supply to your house. It may also be good to ask your community (through something like a Facebook group) to see how widespread the problem is.
3. Run the water
It is also a good idea to clean the water for a while. Does the black water become clear after a few seconds or does it remain discolored? Often, black water is just a temporary problem, but if it continues to occur, then it can be a sign of a more serious problem.
After checking these three things, you’ll have a lot more information to work with to determine the problem. Next, we will check the possible causes of a black water explosion from the faucet.
Black water explosion from the tap – causes
There are many possible reasons for black water coming from the faucet. Some are more likely than others, and some are more serious than others. Let’s look at our eight potential causes.
1. Pipe replacement
Is there construction going on in your area? If so, then they can replace or repair the water pipes. I hope this has been communicated, but unfortunately this does not happen often.
Due to these construction works, dirt and sediment can enter the water pipes, causing them to become discolored. If everyone else in your area has this problem, then this is more likely to be the cause.
2. Minerals
Perhaps the most common cause of discolored water is mineral deposits. All our tap water contains minerals. Not only can these be good for us, but many prefer the taste of mineral water compared to completely pure water.
These mineral deposits in water are usually in trace amounts, but this is not always the case. If there is a lot of magnesium going through the water supply then it can oxidize and turn black. It’s not dangerous, but not very pleasant either.
3. Rust
Rust is rarely a problem with modern pipes, but it can still be a problem. Over time, the protective coatings on galvanized pipes can wear away, leading to rust. This usually turns the water an orange color, but it can also be black. If the black water is isolated from only one tap, then it may be rust.
4. Mold
This is rarely the problem when it comes to black tap water, but it is possible. The reason it’s rare is because mold takes a long time to build up, and if you use the faucet often, then it won’t have time to build up.
Also, water systems generally add a small amount of chlorine to the water to disinfect it and kill bacteria. However, if you haven’t used a faucet for a very long time, then mold may have built up in the faucet and pipe.
5. Sand or clay deposits
This is usually a problem that stems from water heaters. Over time, small particles of sand and clay can accumulate in the water supply. It usually does not affect cold water as it does not pass through any water storage area.
When you turn on the hot water, it can stir up those deposits at the bottom of the tank and turn the water black. If your cold water runs clear, then this is probably the problem.
6. Filter material
Do you have a filter connected to your water supply? Many modern filters include activated carbon/charcoal because it is brilliant at removing pollutants from water. This material is never intended to pass through water, but it can if the filter has been left unchanged for a long time or if it is damaged.
7. Conditioner material
This is effectively the same problem as the filter. If you have a water softener connected to your water supply then this may be the problem. The softener often contains many small resin balls that remove minerals from the water. Most of these beads are translucent yellow, but some of them are black. It’s usually obvious if this is the problem.
8. Rubber
As with conditioner, it will be obvious if this is the problem as you will have small pieces of rubber coming through the faucet. This is an indicator that one of the rubber seals in the pipes is starting to disintegrate.
Black Water Faucet Explosion – Solutions
Now that we know what can cause black water in your faucet, let’s see what the possible solutions are.
1. Pipe replacement
If you think the problem was caused by local building work, then there is nothing you can do. The first thing you want to do is report the problem to your local authorities if they are unaware of the problem.
Often this is only a temporary problem due to the pipe being exposed for a short period of time. Often all you need to do is run the water until the water runs clear.
2. Minerals
As mentioned before, excessive minerals are not dangerous, but they can look gross and make the water taste bad. If the problem does not go away quickly, then it would be best to install a water softener that will capture most of the minerals that pass through.
This will not only make the water look better, but you will also find that it tastes much better as it will be much softer than before.
3. Rust, deposits and rubber
There’s not much you can do if the pipes start to rust. Your best bet would be to call a plumber who will advise you on which pipes need to be replaced. This is perhaps the most expensive solution to all potential black water problems.
The same goes for seeing the rubber in the water, but instead of replacing the pipes, often only the gaskets will need to be changed. This will be less expensive to fix than rusted pipes.
A plumber will also need to be called if you are dealing with deposits in the water tank. They will have to remove the system to make it work like new. This is something you can try yourself if you’re competent with DIY tasks, but it’s usually best left to a professional.
4. Mold
If there is mold in the pipes, then it’s usually because they haven’t been turned on for a long time. It is best to run hot water through the pipes to disinfect them.
You can then clean the faucet to remove any traces of mold. A lot of household cleaners are effective at removing mold, but you can make your own solution using bleach and water.
5. Filter material or softener
If you have a filter or softener, then the material inside should not pass through the pipes. Usually the solution is to change the filter material if it has been there for a long time. If the filter or softener is damaged, then it will most likely need to be replaced.
Conclusion
Black water running through the faucet can be alarming, but it’s often not dangerous and can be fixed quickly.
There are many reasons why black water can come through the faucet. Using our tips above, you can quickly identify the problem and see what the next steps should be. You can usually fix the problem yourself, but other times, it might be best to call a plumber.
Hopefully, using our list of solutions, you can quickly get your water clean again.
