What Causes Yellow & Orange Resin Beads in Your Plumbing?

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Top Reasons Why Yellow & Orange Resin Beads are in Your Plumbing

If you notice yellow or orange resin beads in your toilet, sink, bathtub or anywhere in your plumbing system, don’t worry too much. These are generally non-toxic and can be flushed out of your plumbing system. Ignoring these beads, however, can be harmful to your plumbing, as they may clog up smaller passages in fixtures and appliances.

In this post, Palo Alto discusses two possible reasons why yellow or orange balls may appear in your plumbing system. We also share a few tips on how to deal with them.

Failing Water Softener Screen

Water softeners typically have small zeolite resin beads, which soften the water through ion exchange. Normally, these beads remain in the water softener in order to perform their job. When the yellow beads in water get out of the softener and reach your pipes, however, this could mean that the water softener screen has been torn or damaged. The beads often end up getting stuck inside water faucet aerators. If you find them in your water faucet filter, check your water softener screen or call a plumbing expert for a more thorough inspection.

Dissolved Water Heater Plastic Intake Tube

The appearance of colored resin beads is a common issue in old water heaters manufactured between 1993 and 1997. These beads clog up water faucet filters and cause water to only be lukewarm. These issues are usually caused by a faulty dip tube in your water heater, which can easily be fixed by replacing the broken dip tube and flushing the water heater.

Ion-exchange water softeners

If you have an ion-exchange water softener in your home, it is not uncommon for the beads to break loose and end up in your plumbing. This usually happens when the softener is overcharged with salt, which causes the beads to become brittle and eventually break apart. If you notice that your plumbing is full of these small beads, it is important to have your water softener serviced as soon as possible.

Damaged Pipes

If your pipes are damaged, all sorts of materials can enter into the piping and eventually make their way into your home’s plumbing. This includes everything from dirt and sediment to small animals and insects. Once these materials are in your plumbing, they can cause all sorts of problems, including clogs and leaks. If you suspect that your pipes are damaged, it is important to have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Dirty Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump in your home, it is important to keep it clean. A dirty sump pump can suck up all sorts of dirt and debris, which can then end up in your plumbing. If you notice that your plumbing is full of dirt and debris, your sump pump likely needs to be cleaned.

Failing Septic Tank

If you have a septic tank, it is important to have it inspected regularly. Over time, the septic tank can become full of all sorts of materials, including human waste and detergents. If the septic tank becomes too full, it can overflow and send all of these materials into your plumbing. If you suspect that your septic tank is failing, it is important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

There are many reasons why yellow and orange balls might be in your plumbing. These resin beads are typically small, but they can cause big problems if they are not removed from your plumbing. If you notice yellow or orange balls in your plumbing, it is important to determine the cause so that you can take the necessary steps to fix the problem.

If your current water heater is from 1993 to 1997, it’s highly likely that your unit has already exceeded its life expectancy. Instead of spending your money on repairs, you might want to consider investing in a new water heater. This will eliminate the possibility of the issue recurring and save you from spending too much on repairs. Make sure to replace your faucet and shower head filters as well.

How to Prevent Orange and Yellow Resin Beads from Taking Over Your Plumbing

Do you have an ion-exchange water softener in your home, it is important to keep it well maintained. This includes adding salt to the softener regularly and having the unit serviced by a professional every few years.

If you have a septic tank, it is important to have it inspected regularly and pumped out every few years. This will help to prevent the septic tank from becoming full of resin beads and other materials that can overflow into your plumbing.

It is also important to keep an eye on your pipes and sump pump. If you notice any damage, it is important to have the pipes repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Additionally, if your sump pump is dirty, be sure to clean it regularly.

Following these tips will help to prevent orange beads in water from taking over your plumbing. However, if you do find these beads in your plumbing, it is important to take the necessary steps to remove them and prevent them from causing further damage.

Palo Alto is a trusted plumbing contractor with over 16 years of industry experience. We take care of jobs of various sizes. Whether your project is large or small, you can count on us to meet or exceed your expectations. Call us at (650) 405-1460 or fill out our contact form to request a consultation. We serve customers in Palo Alto, CA.

Water Heater Sediment Buildup: What You Need to Know

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Cleaning water heater sediment can save you money on monthly energy bills by reducing the amount of heat lost to the atmosphere. Sediment buildup in water heaters is an issue that occurs when the minerals that are naturally present in your water source accumulate in your water heater. If left unattended, not only can this cause overheating and reduce the lifespan of your water heater, but the impurities can also leach into your water supply. If you happen to use this water for cooking, you may even accidentally ingest the impurities. So how can one tell if their water heater is suffering from sediment buildup?

In this article, plumbing heating and air expert Palo Alto reveals the signs that indicate your water heater is suffering from sediment buildup and what you can do about it.

Do You Need a Water Softener?

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If the glass and metal surfaces in your kitchen are speckled with water spots, you may have a hard water problem. In this blog, Palo Alto Plumbing Heating & Air discusses how a water softener can help with this problem.

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Plumbing Noises & What They Mean

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A typical home plumbing system that’s functioning properly doesn’t make loud noises, so it’s worth investigating if yours begins to do so. In this blog, plumbing and air conditioning repair service company Palo Alto discusses what common plumbing noises may indicate.

Common Summer Plumbing Problems

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Air conditioning systems are not the only ones to see overuse during the dog days of summer. This season also marks a notable increase in water usage. Water is essential to your daily activities, and ensuring that it flows smoothly without any issues should remain at the top of your priority list when it comes to summer household chores.

The Benefits of Working With Bryant® Factory-Authorized Dealers

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We here at Palo Alto are proud of our designation as a Bryant® Factory-Authorized Dealer. Not only do we offer some of the best heating and cooling systems in the country, our team of certified plumbers and HVAC technicians are also dedicated to doing whatever it takes to provide exceptional customer service. Here’s an overview of the benefits of working with Bryant Factory-Authorized Dealers.

Conserving Water With Efficient Plumbing

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Water is one of the most important resources we have on Earth, and plumbing and heating systems play a huge role in ensuring its sustainability. That’s why, in celebration of World Plumbing Day last March 11, our experts at Palo Alto Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning have listed our best plumbing tips to help your home become more efficient at water conservation. Read more

Understanding Your Home’s Water Usage

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Water is a vital component of any home’s daily activities. From the heating and the plumbing to cooking and even landscaping, there’s almost an endless list of ways in which we use water every day. According to a 2016 study by the Water Research Foundation (“Residential End Uses of Water, Version 2.”), an average American home with four members will use over 10,000 gallons of water monthly. This amounts to almost 100 gallons per day per person. Read more

4 Common Causes of Noisy Water Pipes

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Water pipes are expected to route tap water into your home, so if you have persistently noisy water pipes, they should be addressed by a professional plumbing contractor. The following are some common causes of noisy water pipes.

  1. Water Hammer – One of the most common causes of noisy pipes is known as water hammer. Water pipes carry a significant amount of pressure. If running water is interrupted by turning the faucet off quickly, the halted pressure travels back through the pipes, making a hammering noise that sounds as unnoticeable as a single tap, or loud and continuous like a jackhammer. Typical residential plumbing has air cushions that absorb the excess pressure, but can get worn out over time and will need to be fixed by a professional.

  2. Squealing Pipes – There are many reasons why water pipes can start squealing. One of the most common causes is an old, worn-out main shut off valve. You can tell this is the source if the sound carries throughout the house. Worn-out washers are another common cause of squealing pipes. Replacing these parts should be fairly simple with proper precautions, but if you’re not confident in replacing parts of your home’s plumbing, call a professional.

  3. Loose Pipes – Loose pipes are somewhat similar to the sound a water hammer makes, except that it happens randomly, instead of being triggered by faucets and showers opening and closing. If this is the case, your water pressure may be too high. Installing a pressure-reducing valve solves this problem.

  4. Toilets – A common problem with toilets is a banging or rattling noise heard as the tank ends its fill cycle. If this is the case, the ballcock assembly, the part that regulates the fill process, is worn out and will need to be replaced.

To learn more about our plumbing services, call Palo Alto Plumbing Heating & Air today at (650) 856-3400 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We are located in Palo Alto, CA and service surrounding areas.

What to Do When You Want Energy-Efficient Plumbing

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Thanks to technology, your home can reduce the amount of energy it uses to maintain its temperature and get rid of waste. While some of this technology could be more expensive upon installation, being able to save money on water and electricity bills for the rest of your life may be a good payoff. At some point, you’ve recouped the cost of installation and are working on reduced bills.