Dirt coming out of bathroom taps?

Question

I have slimy black sludge coming out of my bathroom taps - if I run the tap the muck sticks out by 2-3mm and if you rub it, it comes away in bits. I keep the taps clean but this dirt must be coming from the pipes or the tank itself - any ideas what can be done? - thanks!!

Answer 1

You need to get someone to check your hot water tank in the loft and see if it has been contaminated - the tank should be kept covered but sometimes this is not the case and birds or other things can contaminate them. If you do not have a loft tank then it can be a sign of a leaking tap washer - i.e. when it runs constantly with warm water and then bacteria and other organisms start to grow in the tap. The cure for this is a new tap washer

Answer 2

Is this a house or apartment and is it just coming from the bathroom and what tank ru talking about. Please elaborate.

Answer 3

If it is the hot water, you need to have your water heater cleaned out/ replaced. If it is both, you might have a crack in a water line that is in the ground which will require a reputable plumber to repair. If you are lucky it will be water the hw heater.

Answer 4

It's either rust from old galvanized pipes (do you know if you have copper plumbing) or sludge from the bottom of your water heater.  It might be time to replace it.   If you have to, consider a tankless.  They're more expensive, but it will pay for itself over time.

Answer 5

yes this is very easy to sort out if you know the right people. I can hook you up with a yellow pages.

Call a plumber!