On Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:44:54 -0700 (PDT), None
wrote:

We have an outside tap in the side passage that runs off the mains
supply (we're not on a well), and when that is run, the pressure on
the kitchen sink tap drops immensely, which would mean they are both
running off the same feed.

If you pour yourself a glass of water from the kitchen tap during this
time, it will be filled with brown particle debris. The same thing
happens if you pour a glass of water from the kitchen tap while the
shed washing machine is running. The bottom of the attic tank is
covered in this debris. It appears to be iron bacteria, as it is slimy
stuff, but that's just my best guess. When only the kitchen tap is
running, or anything 'downstream' of it is running (other sinks/
showers), then the worst you'll see is a couple of specks of the
stuff.

Would hugely appreciate some advice or even answers.......


Is it possible to get to the mains pipe as it enters, or even before
it enters the house? Or at least as early as possible in the run
before it reaches any other taps.

If so you could turn off the supply in the street and plumb in another
tap and see if the water was dirty there. Although it seems when the
pressure is high there is no dirt. Maybe if you reduce the pressure
using the street stopcock the water will becom dirty.

I guess this would prove that the water is dirty before it arrives at
your house.
--

blackbat /\x/\