AboutSteve Young Expertise I will answer questions on residential water treatment, i.e. use of softeners, filters, reverse osmosis systems, disinfection, iron and/or sediment removal and other issues facing the homeowner.
Experience I have worked in the water treatment area for 15 years. I have specialized in the design of reverse osmosis, deionization, and water softening units. I have also done work in water quality and stream and river remediation as it relates to the Clean Water Act.
Organizations I am currently serving as an Expert for Home Improvement, Travel (New Mexico) and Travel (North Carolina)
Expert: Steve Young Date: 7/7/2008 Subject: Black water from well
Question QUESTION: I live out in the country and have a well. I just noticed black sand like particles in the water coming from all faucets & toilets. I understand this could be a sign of corrosion from the holding tank. How do I find out if this is where the problem is coming from? I have been on the property for 4 years. The previous owners where here for 3-4.
ANSWER: Hi Mary,
The best way is to get a sample of the well water before and after the tank. Obviously you already have the "after" sample. Hopefully, your well is plumbed so that there is an outlet valve at the top of the well before it goes into the holding tank. Get a sample at this point and compare. If the well water is clear then it is likely that the corrosion is occurring in the holding tank or in the lines leading into the house. What is the construction of your holding tank? Do you know if it is lined? Please let me know if I can help out in any other way.
Take care,
Steve
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Steve,
The "holding tank" is not one of those big expensive kinds. It is about 4 foot tall, blue, and shaped like a bullet. There is a faucet at the base of it I can turn on. If it ends up being some corrosion in the lines or even the tank, can I get by with a filter? I think the couple that lived there before used one.
Answer Hi Mary,
OK - if it's one of the blue pressure tanks, then it's doubtful that it is the source of the corrosion. Those tanks are lined with a butyl type rubber and very rarely, if ever, corrode.
Yes, you should be able to install a filter to take care of the particulate problem.
Here is a website that has the kind of filters that I would recommend.
I would probably use the WH1B+-HF High Flow Series 5 Micron Whole House Sediment Filter Package. You don't have to get it from this company but I have used their products and have been very pleased with their products and service. You can find similar filters at Home Depot or Lowes or any other large home improvement center.
This is relatively easy to install if you or anyone you know has some plumbing skills. If not, you can purchase it and then contract with a plumber to install it. Shouldn't cost more than $100 to install.
Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions or if I can help out in any other way.
Take care,
Steve
