I read somewhere where it may be bacteria in the pipes, or a high amount of iron or copper.
2007-02-25 10:56:27 · 4 answers · asked by pluto 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
What you've heard is right. Metals oxidize over time, which means that iron or copper pipes will gradually erode and rust, and when water is flushed through them, it comes off in little flecks. Many water sources naturally carry iron, copper, and other minerals as well.
Iron-oxide is rust, which as we know, is red in color. Copper-oxide is usually red in color as well.
With bacteria... well, that could create nearly any color; if it concerns you enough, you could get your water checked, but in all likely hood, it's just iron or copper which won't harm you unless you're drinking buckets of the stuff.
2007-02-25 11:04:09 · answer #1 · answered by Argon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
High levels of iron causes the color you're talking about. Whatever you do, do not use a chlorine bleach product to clean this off your tub. Chlorine bleach actually sets the stain. Use something like Zud or anything that has oxalic acid crystals in it.
2007-02-25 11:08:04 · answer #2 · answered by Holly R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is just the mineral deposits in the water. When the water dries it turns colors. Mine is yellow like rust but I just use Comet to get rid of it and it works just fine. You might need to get the faucet fixed so that it doesn't drip anymore.
2007-02-25 11:05:14 · answer #3 · answered by Jorge's Wife 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably a rust stain. Buy some spray CLR, let set for a while, & scrub w/a brush - your tub will be nice & white again.
2007-02-25 11:04:45 · answer #4 · answered by Taffy Saltwater 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋