The bacteria Serratia marcescens causes pink stains
The bacteria Serratia marcescens causes pink stains. Click on prototype for better view.

Each year, a few customers call to ask us nearly pink stains or residues that occasionally develop in moist areas in their homes. They generally observe this in toilet bowls, around sink and tub drains, on shower curtains or other shower surfaces, and even in pet water dishes.  The customer naturally wants to know if there is something wrong with his/her water.

No, a pinkish residue is not a problem with your water quality, and is not harmful in this situation.  It is testify of leaner that are common inhabitants of our surroundings.  The well-nigh typical of these leaner is i known as Serratia marcescens .

These bacteria come from any of a number of naturally-occurring sources, such as soil, mulch, dust, and surface waters, and they thrive in an surround that is moist and high in phosphates.  More people indicate the trouble occurs in the summertime months when temperatures and humidity are college, and specially if windows are kept open for whatever length of fourth dimension.

Serratia will not survive in chlorinated drinking water.  However, where water stands long enough for the rest chlorine disinfectant to dissipate, such as a toilet in a guest bath, or on a shower curtain, the pink color may develop.  Customers who remove the chlorine from their h2o by use of an activated carbon filter may likewise be more than likely to feel the problem.

How Tin can I Get Rid of the Stains?

Once established, Serratia is difficult to eliminate entirely.  However, regular and thorough cleaning, followed by disinfection with chlorine bleach, is the best means to command the organism.

  • Wipe bathtubs, shower walls and curtains, and around drains in order to dry them, followed past spraying or misting with a production that contains bleach or other disinfectant.
  • For toilets, clean the bowl regularly. You may wish to add ¼ cup of bleach to the toilet tank, let correspond xv-20 minutes, and so flush the bowl a couple of times to fully rinse the disinfectant. Bleach should not exist left in the toilet tank for prolonged periods, however, equally information technology will harm the safety seals and valves inside.
  • Use care with any abrasives to avoid scratching a fixture or surface, which will raise the likelihood of bacterial growth.
  • Clean pet water bowls in a similar manner. Leave a bleach solution in the basin for 15-20 minutes, followed by thorough rinsing.

Should you have any further questions, please phone call Henderson H2o Utility at 270-826-2824.

Pink Stain Cleaning
Make clean off the pink balance, and then mist with a product that contains chlorine bleach. Click on image for amend view.