Residue in cold water pipes

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Residue in cold water pipes
Author: Loretta Evans (TN) I recently had a bathtub w/shower installed. The water in the cold water pipes all have a black residue, It cleans up like soot except it is a bit oily. Some times it is very small pieces and sometime it is large pieces coming from the shower. The pipes were replaced with plastic several years ago. Any suggestions?
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Re: Residue in cold water pipes

Author: srloren (CA)

Are you sure it is the cold water. Sounds like debris from an older water heater. Hopefully the plumber did not install the valve upside down with the hot on the cold side. Go to your water heater and turn off the valve at the cold pipe where the water comes into the water heater. Then go turn on your hot water at the shower/tub valve. If water comes out the plumber reversed the valve on installation.....just a guess. Maybe someone will come up with another better suggestion.

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