Quick Answer:
If you see tiny black particles spraying from the shower arm, it’s usually loose material inside the fixture or sediment that’s been disturbed. Turn the water off, avoid using the shower, and follow the checklist below to find whether it’s debris, rubber/plastic breakdown, or dried sediment that needs cleaning or replacement.
Why This Happens
- Old rubber seals, gaskets or parts inside the arm or head can break down and shed tiny dark flakes.
- Mineral or manganese sediment in the plumbing can dislodge and come out as small black particles.
- Corrosion of metal parts or buildup inside the riser can produce flakes that look like debris.
- Long periods of no use can let particles settle, while sudden flow changes can flush them out—see Sediment after long periods of no use and Sediment clogging aerators suddenly for more on those patterns.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Stop using the shower
- Turn off the shower immediately. Avoid further rinsing until you inspect the source so you don’t spread debris through the house plumbing.
2. Collect a sample
- Run a small amount of water into a clean container so you can see the particles more clearly. This helps when describing the problem to a pro or store clerk.
3. Remove showerhead and inspect the internal filter screen
- Unscrew the head from the arm. Most heads turn off by hand; use a cloth and pliers only if necessary to avoid scratching the finish.
- Look at the inlet screen and inside the head for flakes, rubber bits, or mineral deposits. The internal filter screen often traps debris—it may be clogged or holding particles that later flush out.
- Clean the screen with an old toothbrush and vinegar or a mild descaling solution if it’s mineral buildup. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Inspect the arm and riser
- Shine a flashlight into the shower arm and riser as far as possible. Look for rust, loose fragments, or torn rubber pieces.
- If you see significant corrosion or missing material at the connection, the arm or riser may need replacement.
5. Reassemble and test carefully
- Reattach the head and run the shower briefly at low pressure to see if particles reappear. If the problem is gone, monitor for recurrence.
- If particles return, try a temporary inline filter at the valve or consider replacing the head and worn internal parts.
6. Consider the wider plumbing
- If multiple fixtures show similar debris, the issue may be in a shared supply line or a corroding shutoff valve. That situation often needs further inspection.
What Not to Do
- Do not shower on water spraying debris.
- Do not use strong chemicals inside the head without proper ventilation or manufacturer guidance.
- Do not force-fit or overtighten plastic parts—this can cause cracking and more debris.
When to Call a Professional
- If you see active corrosion or pieces that look like metal coming from the riser or arm.
- If debris appears in multiple fixtures after cleaning the showerhead—this suggests a supply-line or valve problem.
- If you’re unsure how to safely remove or replace the arm, or if the connection is stuck and might break when you try to remove it.
Safety Notes
- Wear gloves and eye protection when removing the head and cleaning debris. Tiny particles can irritate skin and eyes.
- Cover the drain before removing parts to avoid losing small pieces down the pipe.
- If you suspect lead or other hazardous material (rare but possible in very old plumbing), stop and call a professional for testing before extensive work.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why did this start suddenly?
A change in flow, recent plumbing work, or long-settled sediment being disturbed can release particles suddenly. - Can I fix it myself?
Yes for most showerhead and screen clogs—removal, cleaning, and replacing worn gaskets are common DIY fixes. - Will replacing the showerhead stop it?
Often yes if the head or its gasket was shedding; if particles persist, the problem may be upstream.
For more related articles, see the Black Specks, Sediment, or Grit in Water hub.