Rust/plumbing question

[jade]

When I do wash in the washing machine occasionally I will get spots on clothes. I kind of looks like rust or maybe an oil or red algae. I know it has a high iron content.

Every thing was fine the first two years we lived here then I noticed a few spots on clothing (that wasn't there before I put them in the wash machine) We thought maybe it was rust from our wash machine so we replaced it. We bought a very expensive one. A few months go by and spots again.

We change our filter every week or two. (I never see any algae on the filter or anything that looks like it.) The pump was recently replaced. We replace the fittings and spigot to the wash. The pipes are PVC. The catchment was cleaned 4 months ago.

The only thing I can think of was when we first moved into the house there was no filter in the container. We didn't think to check this at that time. Maybe some debree went through and is growing algae or something in the pipes. I am totally baffled. I would think whatever it is would disperse in water. I have never notice anything in any sinks or tubs. I would appreciate any suggestions. It is ruining all of my clothes.

[Royall]

how old is the house? what kind of plumbing? You could put a 5 micron inline filter right at the washer to stop it. did you put new hoses on the new machine? If you have any questions call me. 982-8950

Royall

[Bob Orts]

Many years ago I started having a similar issue. The pipes were pex. The first culprit was thought to be the older water heater. Replacing it did reduce the problem a lot. But it reappeared months later and after some investigation, it turned out that in the massive array of piping for the domestic water, heat exchanger, water heater, etc., two things were found. One was a defective backflow preventer and a piece of iron pipe that dead ended.

The BFP allowed some reverse siphoning of the yard plumbing which could have sucked back some dirt. One of the landscape lines feed an area with flood irrigation, it was underwater occasionally for a day or two. The iron pipe appeared to have been where a pressure gauge was attached to the plumbing but when removed the pipe was left behind and capped. It should have been replaced with a piece of copper or capped at the tee. It looked good on the outside but when removed, the inside was a rusted mess.

Both were replaced at the same time and didn’t have anymore issues but can’t say which one was the real cause.

[Rene]

The washer drum might be rusted too and your getting flakes from the washing machine. It's hard to see but it would be on the "lip" of any edge of the washer.

[jade]

Thanks for your replies.

The house is only 5 years old. Plumbing is PVC. I thought about putting in a filter on the washing machine lines but I would really like to solve the problem.

I thought of the water heater too. Except I would think that you would see some rust on the filter at the pump. Nothing. I will check the BFP and lines. Thanks so much for the suggestions.

[hotinhawaii]

I have gotten this too. It seems to happen only to clothes that sit in the closet for a long time. I have never noticed it on clothes fresh from the washer/dryer. Are you sure it appears fresh out of the washer? I have often thought it is something that grows on the clothes. Have you tried CLR to remove it?

[birdmove]

quote:

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Originally posted by jade

We change our filter every week or two. (I never see any algae on the filter or anything that looks like it.) The pump was recently replaced. We replace the fittings and spigot to the wash. The pipes are PVC. The catchment was cleaned 4 months ago.

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Jade, is that about a normal interval to replace water filters-about two weeks? Just wondering because, we don't live in our place yet.We rent it out short term and come over whenever we can.It's usually rented about half or two thirds of the time.My first time we noticed the water pressure was low, so I replaced both filters and that cured it.I thought I had heard about every two monthes was normal??We have a UV light also, and the water tastes great.

Thanks, Jon

Jon in Puyallup, Wa.

[jade]

Hotinhawaii - I am postive that it is coming from the washer. I put clothes in and spots are there when I pull them out. I mostly notice it on whites. I am not sure if it is because I use bleach with the whites. I do use iron out in the wash when I wash only whites. Iron out does help but you can only use it on whites.

We used to change our filter once a month but since we started having problems we change them more often. We do not drink the water from the catchment. I would like to invest in a UV light. I have heard wonderful things about them. That is on my wish list.

It might be some problem with the water heater rusting (it is indoors and covered) I still need to have that checked. I am just stumped. Like I said you would think if it is something in the lines it would disapate with water. It is almost like someone threw something on it.

[David M]

Have you tried a filter just before the washer? Both hot and cold? Seems you could install one temporary just to test then go from there.

Ninole Resident

[Bullwinkle]

possible the washer is leaking some oil from somewhere into the water side? - speculation from a marine mechanic