Black Particles in Fresh Water Supply

[cm]

My boat is 8 years old and the water pump and accumulator are still working fine. However, during the last year I have noticed a few fine black particles in the water coming from the taps in the galley and head. There is nothing in the ss strainer before the pump, although these particles would probably get through it.

I only use town water delivered through a non PVC drinking quality hose fitted with a fine filter, or my watermaker which has been biocided for the last year.

I cannot see any brand name on the red metal accumulator (could be on the back - so I will have to remove it).

Is it the bladder in the accumualtor starting to go? Anyone else with this issue?

[Zanshin]

One possibility is that your charcoal filter is disintegrating and you are getting granules of that in the water. When did you last replace it?

[sleighride]

My boat is 14 years old and the only time I get fine black particles from the fresh water system is when I change my charcoal filter in my Seagull water purifier. The particles then dissipate quickly after I run two or three liters through the system.

[Seagem]

Could it be the flexible hoses to the the taps that are disintegrating?

[cm]

The particles are hard and tasteless. They started after I bought the filter. So, it is likely they came from the one year old, with plenty of remaining capacity, in-line carbon filter I use when connected to town water. Athough I flushed it thoroughly initially and try to keep the flow down to the correct pressure, I must have have put too much pressure through at some time, which resulted in the particles. At least I don't have to replace the accumulator - yet!

I will test the filter at higher pressure into a bucket next time I use it. I will also attach a thin piece of fine cloth to strain out any more particles when at low pressure - max 3 lt a minute.

[Zanshin]

Those charcoal filters stop working after about 6 months regardless of how much (or little) water goes through them. Particularly with a watermaker and shore water you need to change the filter in time before it stops letting those caustic chemicals to the watermaker membrane.

[zofiasailing]

CM, we had the same thing happen. Same length of ownership, always town water supply etc..
Solution was simple. The taps all need the diffusers to be removed and cleaned. The mesh was ghastly. Once cleaned the dread black spots all gone.
Hope this helps.