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Bits in your water

'Bits' in your tap water

Occasionally, some customers advise they have “tiny particles” or “bits” in their tap water which sometimes can cause discolouration to the water. In most cases this is not harmful and is usually short lived. You can find out everything you need to know below:

  • Dark red/brown colour particles can be caused by:

    • Historical sediments, that have built up over time, being disturbed in the water pipes.

    • Corrosion of service pipes - usually caused by sudden changes to direction or flow rate of the water within the mains, for example when there is a sudden higher demand.

    • By planned or unplanned work to the water supply network, which has caused sediment in the pipes to shift.

    Small dark grey or black particles are often caused: 

    • If your pipework is made from lead, small dark grey or black particles can occasionally be caused. This is most likely if your house was built before 1970. Find out more about lead pipes.

  • In some cases, ‘bits’ in your water can be associated with biofilms – this is mould and slime that can build up, especially in and around your taps! Click here for more information on slime and staining. 

    While your tap water is discoloured and/or contains ‘bits’, you shouldn’t run the hot water tap or use dishwashers, washing machines or any other appliances which use your hot water supply.

    In most cases this is not harmful, to resolve the issue follow the following steps:

    • Allow the first incoming cold water tap (usually in the kitchen) to run at a trickle until it clears – why not collect this water and use it to water your plants? 

    • Sometimes this can clear quickly (within minutes), but this can take longer depending on the cause. If the discolouration does not clear, please check with your neighbours to determine if their water is also discoloured.

    • If your neighbours are not affected, this is most likely an issue with your internal pipework. If you think you have an issue with your plumbing, please click here to find a Watersafe approved plumber. 

    • If your neighbours are affected, the issue is most likely due to a burst pipe or planned works in your area. You can check to see if we're aware of an incident in your area. However, if your area is not showing, please give us a call on 0345 672 3723.

Important Notice

Cold Weather

After a few freezing cold days in the North West, it looks like the temperature is beginning to rise.

As the weather warms up over the next few days, any frozen pipes in your home will begin to thaw. When this happens, some of your pipes may leak or burst. It's worth taking some steps now to be prepared just in case this happens to you.

  1. Check your pipes in any cold places such as the loft or garage - can you spot any water dripping from the pipe?
  2. Find your stop tap, which is usually under the kitchen sink and turn it clockwise to turn off the water.
  3. Turn off your heating, open all your taps to drain the system quickly.
  4. Soak up any escaping water with towels.
  5. Check with your home insurance company to see if you’re covered for leaks and bursts or call a plumber.
  6. If you need to find a plumber in your area visit www.watersafe.org.uk
  7. If water has leaked near your electrics switch them off at the mains.

For more help and advice if you have a frozen or burst pipe head to www.unitedutilities.com/winter.

Please think about your family, friends or any vulnerable neighbours and share this information with them too.

As the weather warms up, any frozen pipes in your home will begin to thaw. When this happens, some of your pipes may leak or burst. For more help and advice if you have a frozen or burst pipe head to www.unitedutilities.com/winter. Please think about your family, friends or any vulnerable neighbours and share this information with them too.

Cold Weather

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