Tap aerators clogging up

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Fenton

3 posts

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#223467 1-Oct-2017 10:12

Hi,

I've got a bit of a problem with tap aerators clogging up with white particulates. I first noticed this after moving into the house 6 months ago, where there was very weak tap pressure. Eventually I figured out the aerators were clogged up, so cleaned those and thought nothing of it...

...until they kept getting clogged up again and again.

At this stage I have to take them off and rinse them out every few days. They are full of small white particles, but I've noticed very small amount of black matter in them too. I thought it may be some form of mineral build up, so I soaked the aerators in vinegar overnight but the white particles didn't dissolve.

Any thoughts on what to do?

Cheers

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timmmay

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#1875369 1-Oct-2017 10:54

That's not great. I'd probably get a plumber in. I wonder if you need a whole of house water filter, if such a thing exists.

Technofreak

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#1875406 1-Oct-2017 11:55

I'd be trying to find out what those white deposits are? Where are they coming from? Take them to the local council and get them analysed. I'm assuming you're on a reticulated water supply.

Are they on both hot and cold taps?

How old is the house or more importantly the plumbing in the house. Is it residue from new pipe work? Is it an old pipe breaking down?

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andrewNZ

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#1875414 1-Oct-2017 12:19

have you turned the tap on full without the aerator on for a few minutes to blow the crap out of the pipes. do it into a bucket or plugged sink so you can examine the water after ans see what came through.

andrewNZ

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#1875416 1-Oct-2017 12:20

@aredwood will likely have some enlightening input on the subject

Aredwood

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#1875556 1-Oct-2017 17:21

Do you have a Ruud gas hot water cylinder?

Fenton

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1875574 1-Oct-2017 18:12

Technofreak:

I'd be trying to find out what those white deposits are? Where are they coming from? Take them to the local council and get them analysed. I'm assuming you're on a reticulated water supply.

Are they on both hot and cold taps?

How old is the house or more importantly the plumbing in the house. Is it residue from new pipe work? Is it an old pipe breaking down?

Cheers, yeah I'm pretty keen on figuring out what they are too! Getting a bit bummed seeing bits of small particles floating around my glass of water.

We are on the city water supply here in Wellington. I don't think I can isolate it to the hot or cold taps as there are only mixers in the house. The house is 60's build and I've got no idea about what sort of plumbing it has!

Think I may need to get a plumber in for this one

Fenton

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1875599 1-Oct-2017 18:16

Aredwood: Do you have a Ruud gas hot water cylinder?

We have an electric hot water cylinder, it's a Dux 160 litre job, manufactured in 2002.

A bit of googling was pointing the finger to the hot water cylinder, there used to be an issue in the 90's of dip tubes breaking down internally and leading to the same problem.

I'm not sure but I guess it's possible the hot water cylinder is coming to the end of its life and there is something slowly breaking down internally (its an enamel lined steel cylinder, should last somewhere between 12-20 years apparently)

Thanks for your help everyone, I'll have to get a plumber in to check it out I think

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richms

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#1875604 1-Oct-2017 18:25

I had something similar. It was the remnants of the anode that I am supposed to chance on a periodic interval that I never knew about.

Richard rich.ms

davidcole

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#1875680 1-Oct-2017 20:23

timmmay:
That's not great. I'd probably get a plumber in. I wonder if you need a whole of house water filter, if such a thing exists.

They definitely do. Look up puretec wh60. Twin filters, one carbon, one sediment. There’s a wh30as well I believe with small filters.

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Aredwood

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#1875752 1-Oct-2017 21:53

Fenton:

Aredwood: Do you have a Ruud gas hot water cylinder?

We have an electric hot water cylinder, it's a Dux 160 litre job, manufactured in 2002.

A bit of googling was pointing the finger to the hot water cylinder, there used to be an issue in the 90's of dip tubes breaking down internally and leading to the same problem.

I'm not sure but I guess it's possible the hot water cylinder is coming to the end of its life and there is something slowly breaking down internally (its an enamel lined steel cylinder, should last somewhere between 12-20 years apparently)

Thanks for your help everyone, I'll have to get a plumber in to check it out I think

Almost certain to be the hot water cylinder. The Ruud cylinders have that dip tube issue. Can't comment as much on Dux cylinders as they are not as common.