'Bits' in your water

Dark red/brown ‘bits’ can be caused by: 

• Historical sediments, that have built up over time, being disturbed in the water pipes - usually caused by sudden changes to direction or flow rate of the water within the mains, for example when there is a sudden higher demand such as the fire service using a lot of water to fight a fire. 

• Corrosion of your internal pipes due to age or repairs.

• By planned or unplanned work to the water supply network, which has caused sediment in the pipes to shift. 

Small dark grey or black particles:  

• If your pipework is made from lead, small dark grey or black particles can occasionally be caused. This is most likely if your house was built before 1970. Find out more about lead pipes here.

White particles: 

• These particles are calcium deposits or more commonly, naturally occurring limescale. They are more common in hard water areas and are not harmful.  

Blue particles:  

• Shavings from blue plastic pipes, known as 'swarf' can occur if there have been pipe replacements at the property or within the water supply network. These are not harmful and usually should clear through the system quickly. 

Black or pink particles: 

• In some cases, ‘bits’ in your water can be associated with biofilms. This does not come from the cold water mains supply. It is mould and slime that build up, especially in and around your taps. Click here for more information on slime and staining.  

If your tap water contains ‘bits’, you should avoid running the hot water tap or using dishwashers, washing machines or any other appliances which use your hot water supply. 

In most cases particles are not harmful, to resolve the issue follow the following steps: 

• Allow the first incoming cold water tap (usually in the kitchen) to run at a trickle until it clears – why not collect this water and use it to water your plants?  

• Sometimes this can clear quickly (within minutes), but this can take longer depending on the cause. 
  
  
• If you are experiencing slime, please follow our advice about slime and staining.

• If the particles still don’t clear, please check with your neighbours to determine if their water is also discoloured.
  
  
• If your neighbours are not affected, this is most likely an issue with your internal pipework. Please click here to find a Watersafe approved plumber. 
  
  
• If you are seeing red, black or blue particles and your neighbours are affected, the issue may be related to a burst pipe or planned works in your area. You can check to see if we're aware of work in your area.   

• If you are seeing grey particles and your house is built before the 1970s, you may have  lead service pipe . Find out about replacing your lead service pipe here 

• If you are seeing white particles and your neighbours are affected, this is most likely calcium deposits, please follow our advice about water hardness here.