Attack of the Pink Slime
August 24, 2012We occasionally get calls from concerned customers asking about a pink, slimy substance that forms around drains, on tiles, in shower stalls, around toilet bowls, and even in pet water dishes.
So what’s the source of this gruesome goo?
We can assure you of two things: 1.) It’s not caused by anything in the water you’re getting from LCA 2.) It’s (probably) not caused by a wayward monster from a B horror movie.
Believe it or not, the Attack of the Pink Slime is actually quite common, and is caused by airborne bacteria, mold, and yeast spores that thrive in damp environments.
Technically called a biofilm, this slime can be more widespread in the presence of fatty substances such as soap residue in the kitchen or bathroom, food debris in pet water dishes, and waste material in toilets. If chlorine is removed from water before use — such as through a carbon filter — the pink slime has an easier time getting established. Chlorine is also naturally removed from your tap water as it sits out, exposed to the air for a period of time, which is why the pink slime is more likely to appear in toilets and pet food bowls.
The best way to control the slime is frequent cleaning with a mild bleach solution. To get around sink fixtures, use an old toothbrush. Pink slime grows very well on surfaces such as limescale, so be sure to eliminate that as well.
To further reduce the chances of a pink slime attack, install a ventilation fan in the bathroom and dry off bathtub, shower and sink fixtures after use.
While we’re certain these tips will help, if the pink slime starts to form into the Blob and oozes up and out of your sink, you’re on your own.