You’re obsessive about cleaning. Your kids and spouse give you the hardest time. Despite the numerous “Chill out, mom” and “Take a break, honey” statements, you never let your bathroom or kitchen fixtures stay dirty, so why on earth are they turning green? They aren’t copper! Or, at least you don’t believe they are. Copper isn’t the only thing that will turn plumbing fixtures green. There are three common household issues that can taint your fixtures. Five Star Plumbing lists what they are below.
Corrosion
Your water could be the problem. If you have hard water, in other words, water that is high in mineral content, it will corrode your kitchen and bathroom fixtures and turn them green or teal. Yes, copper and lead plumbing materials (you definitely shouldn’t have lead in your plumbing anymore) will react to the hard water minerals by turning green or bluish-green, but any plumbing can react to the corrosive minerals if their content is high enough. If your water tastes metallic, you have hard water.
Electrolysis
Your plumbing fixtures (and sinks and tubs) could also be turning green or blue-green because you have multiple metals in the make-up of your plumbing and when they come into contact with water, electrolysis occurs. For example, let’s say for a moment that your plumbing system has both copper and stainless steel pipes. The area where the two pipe types touch, such as a joint, will begin to corrode when the water touches it. This corrosion comes out through the water and discolors your fixtures.
Mildew
The final reason why your plumbing fixtures are turning blue-green or green is mildew and mold. Even if you are obsessive about cleaning, fungi can build up around the faucet taps and if the conditions are just right – warm and wet – it can spread like wildfire. Penicillium is a common mold found on plumbing fixtures and it is greenish-blue. If the green on the fixtures looks like mold, like what grows on old food in your fridge, it probably is. Soak the fixtures in baking soda and white vinegar to remove the mold.
Five Star Plumbing is located in both San Antonio, TX. We can help determine why your plumbing fixtures are turning green or bluish-green and fix the problem. If you believe old copper and lead piping are to blame, let us upgrade your plumbing system to safer materials that do not corrode. Call us today at 210-446-4570 (San Antonio).
