Black or dark water is rare and usually points to a specific source, from manganese to decaying rubber. The color alone narrows the search.
The manganese
Manganese in the water can oxidize and turn dark, often black. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In St. Louis, the mineral shows most in well water.
The rubber
Old rubber washers and hoses can break down and darken the water. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In St. Louis, the color appears after a new part is installed.
The sediment
Stirred-up sediment from the main or the water heater can run dark. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In St. Louis, a flush of the line clears the sediment.
The first draw
The dark water often shows on the first draw, then clears as the line flushes. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In St. Louis, the timing points to the pipes.
The taste
Dark water can carry an odd taste, and the taste helps identify the source. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In St. Louis, a pro can sample and identify it.
The treatment
Manganese needs filtration or oxidation treatment, and decaying parts need replacing. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In St. Louis, a pro can decide.
The call
Chase the black to its source. Call 888-217-3585 and St. Louis Home Plumbing Co will match you with a St. Louis pro who tests.
Plumbing in St. Louis: what to know
In St. Louis, freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across St. Louis city County — from Maplewood, Clayton and Richmond Heights to ZIP codes like 63108, 63110, 63103 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in St. Louis?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and St. Louis Home Plumbing Co will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in St. Louis.