What Causes Yellow & Orange Resin Beads in Your Plumbing?
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.
