What’s Causing The Black Stains In My Toilet Bowl And Tank?

If you’ve ever taken off the lid to your toilet tank 和 came across what looks like black water or staining, it’s probably taken you by surprise. Or, maybe you’ve noticed black or dark staining inside your dishwasher or shower. In any case,se stains are unpleasant to look at 和 even more of a nuisance to remove.

Chances are these issues are caused from a mineral in your water called 锰. Seeing 锰 stains from your water isn’t an emergency, 但在高水平上, it can have an effect on the quality of your drinking water, 洗衣, 电器及水管. Manganese minerals can leave deposits that build up in your plumbing, restricting the flow of water over time.

But there is much about 锰 that is still unknown. In our diet, it is a common nutrient or supplement that we need to survive.

最近, 加拿大卫生部 released two guideline values for 锰 in drinking water to help protect the health of its citizens. 在美国.S., 环境保护署 和 各种状态 also offer health-based guidance to educate people on the long-term risks to their nervous system that may be caused by consuming elevated levels of 锰 in their drinking water.

How Does Manganese Get Into Your 水?

Manganese is one of the most abundant metals in water 和 soil 和 is even present in various foods that we eat, 喜欢坚果, 豆子。, 和燕麦片. It is an essential nutrient 和, in small doses, helps support our health.

However, in parts of the U.S. 比如中西部，有 elevated levels of 锰 in the soil, which can find its way into both municipal tap water 和 well water. Homeowners with 锰 in their water will experience staining throughout their home 和 may also notice an earthy, dirty or metallic taste to their water.

U.S. areas of elevated 锰 in the soil. 图片由 University of Nebraska – Lincoln

High levels of 锰 will also eventually build up in your plumbing 和 create issues for water heaters 和 water softeners, which may result in additional maintenance 和 a decreased lifespan.

The Challenge of Removing Manganese from 水

Manganese is difficult to filter from water because removal depends on its state of oxidation, pH of the water 和 the presence of other minerals in the water being treated. Since it often appears along with iron 和 hydrogen sulfide, removal can be challenging.

For these reasons, it’s important to consult a water treatment expert. Many homeowners may think a st和ard water softener can solve their 锰 issues but it’s unlikely it will adequately remove enough of it. 事实上, 锰 can foul the softener resin 和 damage the resin bed, requiring more frequent backwashing putting extra stress on the equipment.

Depending on what the water test results reveal, a more effective solution would be a true iron filter, 因为化学, iron 和 锰 elements are very similar. Another solution would be a water conditioner that utilizes a manufactured zeolite called Crystal-Right^®. 这种多任务媒体, 水权专有权, 去除铁, 锰, 和 hardness in a single pass 和 also balances pH levels of acidic water.

When it comes to drinking water, a homeowner may also assume a reverse osmosis system will remove 锰. However, high levels of 锰 without the proper filtration before the water reaches the R.O. system, can cause plug up the R.O.’s membrane system very quickly, shortening the life of the equipment.

Testing Your 水 for Manganese

If you suspect an elevated level of 锰 in your water, best way to diagnose your problem is through a 综合试水 performed by a water treatment professional.

Based on the results 和 levels of contaminants, an expert can advise you on the most effective treatment solution 和 install the proper equipment to treat your home’s water.

Trust a 水 Treatment Expert

Authorized 水权 dealers can help you with your problem water needs, from offering comprehensive 水质测试服务 to a variety of water treatment equipment to provide your family with the best water possible.