Fixit: Colors in water = problems

Rainbow colors appearing in a bathroom have nothing to do with a pot of gold. Water that's colored and stains of many hues indicate a water problem that can be fixed.

• Blue water; blue stains. When water sits in pipes, especially those less than a year old, it can absorb some of the copper, making the water appear blue. Let the water run a bit to flush it out.

If automatic toilet bowl cleaner is turning water blue, a cross-connection in the plumbing can be the cause. If the water has been turned off, depressurization in the system can cause the blue toilet bowl cleaner to migrate to other fixtures, especially in apartments. Run the water for a few minutes. If the blue color persists, call a plumber.

Sinks or tubs can develop a blue stain below the tap, a signal that the plumbing is corroding. Call a plumber.

• Green or blue-green stains are typically caused by water dripping from corroded copper or brass pipes. Water will have a metallic taste. Call a plumber. Green stains also can be mold. (See pink stains.)

• Pink, blue and green stains. In bathrooms, mold can take on a variety of colors, in addition to the common gray and black. Pink mold typically is caused by Serratia marcescens, a type of bacteria. It's present in household air, so it will colonize and grow wherever there's a suitable environment, especially in warm, moist conditions. Mold and bacteria feed on the nutrients in the water or deposits on the fixtures, such as skin scales, dirt and soap scum. Clean the area with a solution of 1 cup chlorine bleach, 2 tablespoons liquid detergent that does not contain ammonia and 1 gallon of water. Use a scrub brush or a non-scratch scouring pad, and in the corners use a toothbrush. Let the surface dry, then rinse with clear water. To prevent the quick buildup of mold, change the conditions that produce it -- ventilate the bathroom during and for about 15 minutes after bathing. Also, wipe fixtures dry. The daily use of a spray preventive cleaner such as Clean Shower may help slow mold growth.

• Reddish-brown stains in fixtures can be from dissolved iron in the water. Have the water analyzed and apply the appropriate iron treatment to the water.

• Yellow, orange, red or brown stains on clothing or dishes also can be caused by iron in water.

• Rainbow-colored sheen on water is from iron bacteria, naturally occurring living organisms (harmless to humans) that live on iron in the water. They also produce reddish-brown slime inside the toilet flush tank, and can make the water stink like swamp water. The water source needs to be treated to kill the bacteria. Contact a plumber or your local extension agent.

• Brown water usually is a temporary condition caused by hydrant flushing or other municipal maintenance work. It's safe to drink, but wait to do laundry until the water runs clear, usually within a few hours or a day.

• Black stains in sinks and tubs and laundry could be mold (see above) or it could be manganese in the water. This is especially true if the water also feels greasy. Manganese often appears with iron, so iron removal treatments will also remove manganese.

Includes information from Texas A & M System Extension and Milwaukee Water Works.

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-9033, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies.