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Chloramine and rubber parts in valley plumbing
Some valley water systems use chloramine, and water utilities link it to cracked flappers and flex lines.
Updated · 3 min read
Straight answer
Golden State Water's South San Gabriel report says water it buys from Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District contains chloramine. Water-industry guidance links chloramine to breakdown of older rubber flappers and flex lines, which show up as soft black flakes. Check your own supplier's report to see what applies to your address.
What this covers
Why the valley has several answers
The San Gabriel Valley is served by many water suppliers, so one street may differ from the next town over. Golden State Water's South San Gabriel report states that the water it purchases from Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District contains chloramine, added for public health protection, and that chloraminated water is safe to drink and for general uses.
It lists three special user groups who must remove chloramine before use: kidney dialysis patients, aquarium owners, and businesses or industries that use water in their treatment process.
What the water industry says about rubber
A Stanford Utilities fact sheet quotes the California-Nevada section of the American Water Works Association: chloramine disinfectants can cause the rubber or elastomer linings on older stainless steel braided flex connections and rubber flapper valves in toilet tanks to break down. That can show as soft black flakes in the water, usually on the first draw from a tap.
- Flakes that look greasy and smear on surfaces
- Black particles only when the water turns hot, which points to a water heater flex connector
- Water that clears up quickly after the first draw
San Gabriel Valley service for this
Toilets in San Gabriel Valley homes get heavy daily use. Details on toilet repair are one click away, and you can send a message or text (310) 628-9399 at any time.
What to check in your house
Lift the toilet lid and look at the flapper for softening or a sticky film. Look at the braided hoses under sinks and on the water heater for rubber that has swollen or cracked.
What we do
We replace the flapper or flex connector with a resistant version and flush the line so you can see clear water. If your supplier does not use chloramine, we look for other causes of debris, such as a corroded fitting or an old heater.
FAQs
Is chloramine unsafe?
Golden State Water's report says chloraminated water is safe to drink and for general uses, with the three user groups above needing to remove it first.
Does my water have chloramine?
Check the disinfectant section of your supplier's annual report. Suppliers in the valley differ.
Are black flakes always from rubber?
No. They are one possibility. A corroded fitting or aging heater can also release debris, which is why the timing of the flakes helps.