What Are the Black Specks in My Water?

If you have black specks in your home’s water, something’s not right—and identifying the source of the problem is essential to fixing it and restoring your home’s supply of clean water. Here’s a look at the most common sources of black specks from tap water and how to get rid of them.

Old pipes can begin to corrode after many years of use. When they do, small, irregular pieces of pipe can break off and wind up in your water.

If you see black specks when you turn on your hot water in the tub, shower, or sink, your water heater is likely corroding.

Are the black specks in your water small and rubbery? These could be disintegrated pieces of a rubber gasket, washer, or flexible supply hose.