Rust Colored Hot Water....bad water heater???

Question

When I first turn on the Hot water it is slightly rust colored....cold water is fine, so I am thinking my water heater needs to be replaced(???). I have public water...not a well. Thanks.

Answer 1

most people dont know but once a month you should drain water from the sediment tap located at the bottom of most hot water tanks.(run water until it appears clear) This is where any sediment and rust in the water will lay. Over time it will really build up and you will notice it in your water.

I doubt it is the piping in your house because you are not seeing it in your cold water unless the cold water pipes had been replaced at one time.

Try this first it might do the trick

good luck

Answer 2

Try this. There is a drain at the bottom of the hot water heater (looks just like a hose connection), connect a hose to it and run the hose to a sink or tub or outdoors. Open the valve and look at the water coming out. It may have a bit of rust in it due to settlement in the tank. Fluch it for a few minutes until it runs clear. Let the tank sit for a day and repeat. If you still have rust in the water your tank is shot and should be replaced IMMEDIATELY. A rusty tank is a flood waiting to happen. It may last a month or two or it may last an hour or two.

If you don't see the rust, try a tap. If the tap is flushing rust but the tank is clear, you have rusty pipes and should replace them.

Either way you are looking at a fairly large expense unless you are a good do-it-yourselfer. A new hot water heater is fairly expensive. If you do have to replace the heater, you should go with a tankless system. They can supply constant hot water and don't have the expense of constantly heating water you aren't using. They last for many times the life of a normal heater and are very energy efficient. They run anywhere from $200 to $2000 depending on volumne of water needed.

Good luck.

Answer 3

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Hi, If you are getting rust coloured water from your hot water tank then it sounds like it needs replacing. First thing go and take a look at the hot water tank. If you see any rust coming through down the botton of the tank get it replaced soon. Don't leave it like I did. I came home and my garage was flooded. Litres of water wasted. Or worse still if your tanks inside it could ruin the carpet. What can happen to the tank is the top will blow off or the side sean will split. Rust in water and rust at the botton of the tank are warning signs.

Answer 4

Depending on the age of your hot water heater, you could have bunches of rust and sediment dancing around in the heater. Drain the heater.

To do this: ( and no, I am not being sarcastic...some folks don't know stuff about stuff )

Turn off gas or electricty to the HWH.

Turn off water supply valve to the HWH and allow to cool for at least 3 hours.

Attach a garden hose to the valve at the bottom of the HWH and allow to drain to the yard. Monitor what comes out.

If your HWH is ten years old or older, I suggest replacing it.

Good luck!

Answer 5

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RE:
Rust Colored Hot Water....bad water heater???
When I first turn on the Hot water it is slightly rust colored....cold water is fine, so I am thinking my water heater needs to be replaced(???). I have public water...not a well. Thanks.

Answer 6

It could be your water heater and it could be a recent break in the water line. Not yours but, the main line coming to your house from your water supplier. (IF your on city water and not a well). If it's only HOT water it could be your water heater. Call your electric company. Mine replaced my water heater with a larger one and instead of charging for the service call or the water heater I pay $3.00 a month. It was WAY worth it.

Answer 7

Rusty Hot Water

Answer 8

It sounds like the hot water heater does need replacement.The inner metal is probably starting to corrode, therefor discolouring the water. The lifespan of a hot water heater is 10-20 years.

Answer 9

The hot water pipes are getting a rust build-up, this happens quicker in the hot water piping than the cold, eventually this will restrict the flow to a trickle, you will need a plumber sooner or later to replace the affected pipes.

Answer 10

Probably your pipes.. old metal pipes... don't think it is the water heater.. try the pipes first.. only way to check if it is the water heater is to drain it and well that's not something you really want to do unless you have too...