How do you get rid of bacteria in house mains?

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

We have just renovated our house, ALL new PVC pipes to the mains.

In the bathrooms and laundry, there is a red sort of slime build up (if we let it get that bad) on the new tiles and grout. I can remove it but it just returns. I dread to think we wash ourselves and clothes in the water, let alone DRINK it!

Reading up on it, it seems that it could be bacteria from dirt or whatever that may have gotten into our new pipes when being laid. Or any other thoughts?

The photos don't show it at it's worse as we try to not let it get too bad.

QUESTION: Can I clean out the pipes to the mains somehow or do I need a filtration at the mains? How and what do I do?

Comments (3)

PRO
Dr Retro House Calls
4 years ago
If dirt did get into your new pipes then I would have expected that it would have all been cleaned through by now. Are you from an area with a red, volcanic soil?

PVC pipes are often used for stormwater and sewerage, which is flowing away from these wet areas, and not supplying water. Are you sure that all of your old galvanised iron supply pipes were replaced by PVC?

I would check with your neighbours if they have a similar problem, and if not then get a chemical analysis to identify the source (and type of bacteria). Some plumbers also have cameras that can travel down pipes to identify problems.

Best of luck with your research,

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls
watchedpoppy thanked Dr Retro House Calls
dreamer
4 years ago
You said it is in the laundry as well. Is this on the floor or the walls.
If it is from the water, how is it getting wet in the laundry to cause the red film? See if you can duplicate the scenario without any washing liquids (shower gel or soap). Then you can work out whether it is the water alone, or a reaction of your grout with washing liquids. In other words, is it just in the shower recess, or every tile that comes in contact with water?
watchedpoppy thanked dreamer
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watchedpoppy
Original Author
4 years ago
Our neighbours are not experiencing the same issue. I'll ask the plumber whether he replaced our old supply pipes. I assumed they did as we took away some copper piping for recycling, but maybe there should have been more. We did not have this issue prior to our renovation and we have been living here for about 25 years.

The house is on mostly clay soil.

The red slime is on the grout AND the tile itself. It is also on the rim of our brand new washing machine.. I can't see it in the laundry tub or kitchen sink, being stainless steel. I am collecting water from the kitchen tap in a plastic container to see if I can replicate the bacteria there (I hope I'm NOT successful in that endeavour).

The bacteria seems to be where the water is in contact with the tile and also around the bathroom sink hole where different soap is used.

It scrubs away easy enough with no residual staining on the tile or grout. BUT it keeps coming back.

How do you get rid of bacteria in house mains?

Comments (3)

Dr Retro House Calls

dreamer

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watchedpoppy
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How do you get rid of bacteria in house mains?

Comments (3)

Dr Retro House Calls

dreamer

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watchedpoppyOriginal Author

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watchedpoppy
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