Mystery black pipe and brown jelly in fresh water

[paddlerpete]

1 year old Motorhome that we have had 2 months has gone from having a spotlessly clean water system that has been cleaned through with puriclean 3 times since buying it, to having a tank feed pipe covered in a black hard coating and a brown jelly in the water. The jelly has blocked all the filters and system. The system has been cleaned and flushed by the dealer but we cant understand where it has come from. Also we dont know if the 2 issues are related.
The issue has however happened while we were away in Norfolk, blocking the flush first and then the taps. Any thoughts ?

 

[peterc10]

Is that black marking inside or outside of the pipe?

 

[Clivefog]

Iron bacteria, and green bacteria that has gone black. Complete clean out required, Miltons may not cut it.

May have been introduced from filling?

 

[pappajohn]

A brown gel in a water tank is usually a sign of iron bacteria buildup, which can appear as a slimy, reddish-brown deposit due to the presence of iron and sulfur in the water, often caused by natural occurrences in groundwater or disturbances during well maintenance; this bacteria can create a gel-like consistency when it accumulates over time.

Key points about brown gel in a water tank:

• Cause:
  Primarily iron bacteria, which thrive on iron and sulfur in water, causing the brown coloration.
  
  
• Appearance:
  The gel can be slimy, stringy, or appear as small particles depending on the concentration of bacteria.
  
  
• Where it forms:
  This buildup can occur in the bottom of the tank, on pipes, or even within faucets.
  

What to do:

• Flush the system:
  Run water from all faucets for an extended period to try to flush out the bacteria and sediment.
  
  • Chemical treatment: Applying a specific chemical to kill the bacteria.
    
    
  • Water softener installation: If your water has high iron content, a water softener can help
  • reduce iron levels.
    
    
  • Tank cleaning: In severe cases, the water tank may need to be professionally cleaned to remove the accumulated bacteria.
    

 

[RetiredPope]

I suspect the black is biofilm that has been killed but not removed from the surface of the pipe and the brown jelly is biofilm (attached to iron bacteria) floating around the system. Good flush and repeated filter cleaning to remove the loose stuff and ignore the black stuff. Unless you intend drinking the water without boiling

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[BouncyBoatFolk]

A good clean with citric acid mix. It's getting round to that time of year for a boiler and system cleanse.
Mike.

 

[paddlerpete]

Is that black marking inside or outside of the pipe?

Outside

 

[Sue and Rick]

Looks like paint

 

[Googlebot]

I would get that tested by someone.

There are lots of places that do biological water quality testing like the below (from a quick Google) and I don’t think it costs much, especially if you explain the problem so they have to do minimal testing.

Water Testing and Water Quality Analysis

Water testing & water quality analysis of public & private water supplies. Lab tests for biological, chemical & physical parameters in water.

watertreatmentservices.co.uk

As others have suggested, I think needs it needs something stronger than puriclean. The advantage of testing is they can tell you exactly what will fix it.

 

[andyman]

1 year old Motorhome that we have had 2 months has gone from having a spotlessly clean water system that has been cleaned through with puriclean 3 times since buying it, to having a tank feed pipe covered in a black hard coating and a brown jelly in the water. The jelly has blocked all the filters and system. The system has been cleaned and flushed by the dealer but we cant understand where it has come from. Also we dont know if the 2 issues are related.
The issue has however happened while we were away in Norfolk, blocking the flush first and then the taps. Any thoughts ?



View attachment 1016331

View attachment 1016332

Were you in SMC last week, with this issue.
I was waiting to collect mine after the damp check. And someone was complaining of this problem.

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[Jabstatt]

I am absolutely hard over about using a potable hose and flushing the hose well before I fill the tank. I am looking to find a suitable filter to put in the line.

I am amazed that potable water inlets do not lock.

Tony

 

[peterc10]

[QUOTE="Jabstatt, post: 6519688, member: 100876"

I am amazed that potable water inlets do not lock.

Tony
[/QUOTE]
Mine locks and most of the other coachbuilt motorhomes I have looked at do so as well.

 

[Landy Andy]

Mine can lock, but I’ve never locked it.

 

[paddlerpete]

Were you in SMC last week, with this issue.
I was waiting to collect mine after the damp check. And someone was complaining of this problem.

Yes that was us and ive got to say SMC were brilliant as usual.