Black particles in bath hot water only

[ddarsie]

Hello all.
Our tenant down in Hampton Roads Va area informed us that black particles have started coming out of hot water bath tub faucet. Cold tap is fine, and no other faucet in the house has any problem. City water, I do not know maker of faucet. Before I call a plumber, any thoughts on possible cause? We wonder if it is simply a rotting (?) gasket or something.
I appreciate any feedback,
Denis

[jadnashua]

They could be at all hot supplies, but many faucets have an aerator that might block or collect them. But if truely restricted to that one, it isn't the water heater. Are the black specs oily? If so, do they smear if you rub one? Are they hard, like fine sand?

[hj]

Rub your finger over one of them. If it leaves a black "trail", then it is magnesium sulfide caused the a reaction with the heater's anode rod. IF this is the case, ALL of the faucets have the problem, it is just not severe enough, yet, for you to see them.

[jimbo]

I have seen that in the past from a deteriorated flex hose used at the water heater. Do you have a black cloth braided cover, flex connector at the WH???

[ddarsie]

Hey guys back again. Had a plumber look at tub faucet. He believes there is no real problem and attributes black specks to prolonged non-use - he's assuming the non-use since we have no idea how much previous tenants used the tub. So he says just run water through faucet and let the dirt dissipate over a week or so.
I don't buy it. Current new tenant says there is less black stuff, but it came back somewhat a day later.

Per the tenant the black stuff will smear

I'm betting you guys are right and the problem is tank sediment. Just what is the difference between a drain and a flush? Searching internet they seem to call flushing a tank what I would call a drain. Is the difference simply leaving the cold water input ON during the drain process or something? I want to get another plumber or handyman in there to do a flush. It would be good if I knew the difference so I could be clear what I was asking them to do.

Any chance it could be a bad flex hose at the faucet?

You all have made good suggestions, problem is I am not at that house to check things like black trail or whether there is a flex hose at the WH.


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Thanks,
Denis

[hj]

Does the house have a water softener? Just draining or flushing the tank is seldom a cure.