Residue and Slime

Pink residue and black slime mold or particles on bathroom fixtures and tiles are NOT a water quality issue. It is a common occurrence on regularly moist surfaces and in humid climates.

Pink Residue

If you have ever noticed a pink residue or film on your bathroom fixtures, or in your toilet bowl — don’t be alarmed, it is a common occurrence. Typically, pink residue, which can also appear dark grey, is formed by a common airborne mold bacteria called Serratia Marcescens. This is found naturally in soil, food, animals and is present in a number of environments. It thrives on moisture, dust and phosphates and can be dispersed into the air through any number of activities, once it is airborne, the bacteria will seek a moist location in which it can grow. It can often appear during or after construction or remodeling. The use of activated carbon filters, which remove chlorine from the water, can make the problem worse and allows the bacteria to thrive.

How to Eliminate Pink Residue

• Non-abrasive cleaning solutions with chlorine (abrasive cleaners may scratch fixtures, making them more susceptible to bacteria growth) are the most effective method of eliminating, or controlling the residue. 
• Drying surfaces that are frequently exposed to moisture can help prevent the bacteria from forming and growing. 
• Chlorine bleach used to disinfect the toilet will help eliminate the occurrence of the pink residue. An easy way to do this is to periodically stir three or five tablespoons of fresh bleach to the toilet tank, flush the toilet to allow the bowl to be disinfected, then add another dose of bleach to the tank.

Black Slime Mold or Particles

Black Slime Mold can appear stringy, slimy, or as particulates and is caused by airborne mold spores. Black Slime Mold is a bacteria and often grows in the aerator that is attached to the end of a faucet. Molds are living organisms, and like all  living organisms, it needs water to grow.

It can grow on almost any surface. Spores can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air-conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags and pets and be carried indoors.

Black molds will grow in places where there is moisture, such as around water leaks, windows, drain pipes or areas that have been flooded.

How to Eliminate Black Slime Mold

• Keep humidity levels between 40% and 60% .
• Promptly fix leaky roofs, windows and pipes.
• Thoroughly clean and dry after flooding.
• Clean the faucet aerator on a regular basis by unscrewing the aerator from the faucet and clean it  with a mild non-abrasive bleach solution.
• Ventilate shower, laundry and cooking areas.