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Question

In a 50 yr. old house, why is black water coming from the bathtub spigot after no use for a yr. or so?

Submitted: 108 days and 3 hours ago.

Category: Home Improvement

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Posted by Rick 108 days and 2 hours ago.

Answer

Hi XXXXXXXXXX
The most likely cause of the problem is either corrosion from iron fittings in the water piping or the sediment that accumulates along the sides of the water pipes is getting flushed out. The water should clear up after the pipes are flushed for several hours (if not sooner).

108 days and 2 hours ago.

Reply

Thank you, Rick. Apparnetly, last night, some water backed up in the stall shower. Now, the "debris" is black flecks. Smells like some kind of metal. I suspect it's the same problem. A large plumbing outfit told me last month that we need COPPER PIPING because the old is corroding rapidly. What do you think?

108 days and 2 hours ago.

Reply

Thank you, Rick. Apparnetly, last night, some water backed up in the stall shower. Now, the "debris" is black flecks. Smells like some kind of metal. I suspect it's the same problem. A large plumbing outfit told me last month that we need COPPER PIPING because the old is corroding rapidly. What do you think?

Accepted Answer

If you don't have copper water piping then you most likely have galvanized iron pipe in a 50 year old house. Replacing the galvanized piping is a good idea. You don't necessarily need to replace it with copper. While I am partial to copper myself there is a cheaper and (under certain conditions such as aggressive well water) longer lasting alternative. Get at least 3 quotes and ask for PEX (cross linked polyethelyne) tubing. It is a bit cheaper than copper and much cheaper to install particularly in a retro-fit. Many old timers (me included) are reluctant to use it because we have used copper our entire career but PEX is the wave of the future and has a long track record in Europe. It's been arount here in the States for about 20 years and has been approved for water piping (in most jurisdictions) for at least 10 years.

Accepts:
Expert:	Rick
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	8/6/2009

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Licensed Construction Supervisor & Remodeling Contractor 35+ years experience

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Question

In a 50 yr. old house, why is black water coming from the bathtub spigot after no use for a yr. or so?

Answer

Hi XXXXXXXXXXThe most likely cause of the problem is either corrosion from iron fittings in the water piping or the sediment that accumulates along the sides of the water pipes is getting flushed out. The water should clear up after the pipes are flushed for several hours (if not sooner).

Reply

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Accepted Answer

Related Home Improvement Questions

Hi XXXXXXXXXX
The most likely cause of the problem is either corrosion from iron fittings in the water piping or the sediment that accumulates along the sides of the water pipes is getting flushed out. The water should clear up after the pipes are flushed for several hours (if not sooner).