Every couple of years I note minor clogs in the sink aerators. Mostly the kitchen. The faucet is 6 years old, Delta, high end type. House pipes are all copper. Just added a new water softener. Hardness was 7 grains. Now it is zero. I have noted that the aerator is clogging up almost daily. A close up is included here. I tried to see if vinegar would make the fizz. No fizzing and they appear to float. I drained the electric water heater about 20 gallons. A little brown sludge at first then perfectly clean using a 12 ounce clear water glass. I do the water heaters every year. There is a large cold water particle filter under the sink that gets changed every 6 months. I do notice more clogging by using only hot water but there is also clogging using cold but not as much.
Any ideas?
First I'll say you should check the infeed screens on your clothes washer and dishwasher as they are getting the same water.
Having to clean your aerators once a year isn't too bad. I'm betting the sediment will get better over time now that you have the softener. It won't be overnight but in the coming year you might notice the improvement. Sometimes any change in water chemistry can cause scale in the water heater and pipes to break free but if you keep using the softener it will clear up and be better in the long run.
Checked washing machine hot and cold strainers. No sign of anything. The Bosch dishwater is difficult to get at but seems to fill up perfectly like always. Also, I looked at two bathroom faucets and nothing. I did a test using a coffee filter. Real tiny amount for cold but major amounts for hot. I was actually able to make a 3/16” diameter ball of the stuff. It felt rubbery. I am thinking it could be breakdown of the hose rubber that comes out of the faucet and allows you to move it around the sink. It pulls out about 2 feet. The faucet is around 10 years old.
Rubber and plastics don't last forever so it is possible the hose is breaking down. I've never tried using vinegar for testing. I'm thinking it's too weak to show a reaction quickly. I normally use a stronger acid like muriatic (hydrochloric) which reacts instantly.
It was the pull out hose. I cut it open and the inside lining had deteriorated. It was the same blue-green stuff that was clogging the aerator. Delta Faucet sent me new a hose and wand as warranty replacements. I have had great luck with all my Delta faucets. Their customer service is excellent.
Thanks again for the help in solving this odd problem.
I’m replacing over 560’ of 1/2” steel line because, well, you can imagine the pressure isn’t great. I’m relaxing with MUCH bigger PVC. however, there are a couple of laterals off of the main line that are still 1/2” and they go to troughs. These lines have no real way to join my PVC to as there are no nearby threads and if I have to dig it up, I’d replace it completely.
Anyway, can you legally use and bury a a steel compression fitting to join my new pvc to old iron pipe?
Hey Gang.
I wanted to add a toilet in my basement. It is finished and the room I want to add it in, has the main stack in the corner I can access. I rather not rip up the floor to add one, so I was looking online and can get a rear exit (discharged) toilet which mounts to the floor which looks like it will work perfect for my needs.
There is an existing sink already plumbed down there so I just wanted to change up the drain size and hopefully connect off the stack in the pics I attached.
Can this be done? am I missing a vent? thanks
[img]https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/978x824/basement_toilet_2_39ac1b775669264df629012e5a96c9c37f7d4f99.jpg[/img]
[img]https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/956x824/basement_toilet_3_planned__843b70073daf02c892ccf1e620517ed8cb586b0e.jpg[/img]
03-19-21, 11:15 AM
