We purchased a Pelican Water Softener/Conditioner Combo system 7 years ago (2010). The last couple of years we started having black sediment building up in our toilet tanks and staining our bowls. Plumbers told us it was the black rubber gaskets wearing out. We replaced them, but the problem persisted. Since the toilets were old we replaced the toilets. The problem has not resolved and tiny black particulates are also showing up in our sinks and bathtub. We’ve collected and looked at the water before it enters the house and it does not appear to have any of the black particulates. So we’re wondering if the problem might be related to our Pelican system. Have you heard of this problem before?

It is the anode rod degrading in the water heater. If the substance smears between your fingers similar to a clump of mascara, that’s the source of the problem. It could also be rubber components but a majority of the time its the heater.

Long time plumber.

I have heard of it and I believe it is the media degrading (guaranteed for life, Ha!). Are you on city or well water?