What is it in my water that stains white plastic pink?

Question

My shower is white (not tile, but something like plastic), and I've begun to notice that certain places where water lays for awhile are turning pink. I've also noticed this on the inside of my dishwasher (which is off-white plastic), and on the rim of the nozzel of my sprayer at the kitchen sink. What is it in the water that causes this? Is my water still safe to drink?

Answer 1

Large amounts of metal in your water will do this, hard water. Could be copper or iron minerals or both. Your water is probably safe, but it's just hard water. I would not be surprised if your washing machine has it too.

You didn't say if you owned your home, if you do I would get a water conditioning company to come test your water, they can recommend what kind of softener you need and ensure it is set to your water needs.

You will find that you use less laundry and dishwashing soap, your clothes are softer and you don't have any build up on the surfaces you mentioned.

You may want to add a reverse osmosis unit under your sink for better tasting water. If you live in Nevada, my uncle owns Las Vegas Water Conditioning I could have his office call you. But if you don't there is nothing to worry about because there are good water conditioning companies all over. Check to make sure they are licensed and their reputation with the Better Business Bureau

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_water


I believe your shower is fiberglass.

Answer 2

Pink Water Stains

Answer 3

Some would say this is mold, but it's not. It's actually the iron in the water and iron that has built up in the city pipes and your home's pipes. Your water is still safe to drink. You just have to clean this every once in a while. I work for our city, and this is a constant complaint. We are trying to improve our water system, and this info is from the engineer.

We have a water softener, too. And I love it. However, if the problem is bad enough, the water softener won't solve it.

Answer 4

Red stains are normally caused by iron in the water. You must test to determine the amount and the type of iron you have. Some types are oxidized, soluble and bacterial. All are a problem. It takes only 0.3 ppm to stain fixtures, clothes etc. Oxidized This type of iron is usually found in surface water supplies. This water contains red particles when first drawn from the tap. The easiest way to remove this type of iron with a fine mechanical filter. A cartridge type filter is usually not a good solution, due to the rapid plugging of the element. Soluble Soluble iron is called "clear water iron". After being drawn from a well and contacting the air, the iron oxidizes, forming reddish brown particles in the water. Depending on the amount of iron in the water, you may solve this problem with a water conditioner, or a combination of softener and filter. You may use an iron filter that recharges with potassium permanganate, or feed chemicals to oxidize the iron and then filter it with a mechanical filter. Bacterial Iron bacteria are living organisms that feed on the iron found in water. They build slime all along the water flow path. Occasionally, the slimy growth breaks free causing extremely discolored water. If a slug breaks loose, it can pass through to the point of use, plugging fixtures. If you suspect bacterial iron, look for a reddish or green slime buildup in your toilet flush tank. This type of iron problem is hard to eliminate. You must kill the bacteria, usually by chlorination. You must use high amounts of chlorine throughout the plumbing system to kill all the organisms. It may be necessary to feed chlorine continuously to prevent regrowth.

Answer 5

Iron in the water will do this. One source is rust in the galvanized iron pipes in your house. Another is the water supply.

Are you on city water or rural well? Are your neighbors having the same problem? How long have you lived there.

Very probably safe to drink. Does it taste funny?

Answer 6

rust from iron ore.the only to fix this problem is with a water softener,because you have hard water.once a water softener is installed,you will notice things never before,like cleaner clothes,cleaner dishes and a new softness to your hair and skin.it once was very expensive,but now you can go to your local home improvement store and purchase one for about $600.00,and they sell the salt needed.since i once worked for depot and Lowe's,i gained a lot of knowledge.one picture that showed where the hard water was coming from,was the picture of our local water table.i had my own well and guess where the local city dump was and guess how deep it was and where the water table was.i would never drink the water without filtering it.now days they have filters that will filter 99.99% of almost everything.

Answer 7

you've heard iron, metal and hard water, the other answers are correct, but i didn't see anything about water heaters. if they are not maintained they can rust and clog up with sediment. that can be a source of the stains, too. all of the things you mention where you are finding the staining use hot water. CLR is good to clean stuff up with hard water stains. and i think the pink is rust and soap scum combined. that's what it was in our house. hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 8

Sounds like iron in your water. It could come from rusted pipes.