My hot water turns yellow and grainey What's going on?

Question

I live in an area that has hard water. But I have never had this problem before. I called the city and they said it wasn't their fault. I can't take a bath or wash clothes with that kind of water. I called a plumber but it will be several days before they can come.

Answer 1

John`s right you have a sediment build up in your tank. If it`s an older unit, replace it. Tankless is the best long term option, lower electric bills, lower maintenance. If you decide to drain and clean the exsisting tank, kill the power, drain the tank, let set about an hour. Get a shopvac and a piece of 1/2 inch pvc pipe about 3 ft long. Duct tape it securely to the end of the vac hose. Revove the drain valve from the tank. Now you can vac out the majority of the remaining sediment in the bottom of the tank. You may also consider replacing the anode. At this point it can be removed and inspect. It`s what looks a plug on the top of the tank. The smart thing to do would obviously be to check on price and availability of the part before drain down of tank so it can be replaced at this time.

Answer 2

This could be an issue with your Water Heater and your pipes.

How old is your Water Heater?

Do you ever drain it to let out the minerals that drop out when the water is heated?

Specially in areas that have hard water, when the water is heated the minerals in the water, that make it hard, drop out of the water and collect in your water heater. Also, if not flushed out on a regular bases the same minerals can get into your hot water pipes.

The fix will probably be to replace your water heater and possibly some of the pipes.

This can also happen if they have been working on the main line in your area. Check with your neighbors to see if they have been dealing with the same problem. If so then as a group you may want to go to the water company again and request that they investigate the problem.

But if it is only your house then look to the water heater as the problem. Once replaced (and this is a pain in the neck) consider flushing the water tank once a month for about 3 to 5 minutes. All that means is to run a hose from the bottom of the tank to a drain or to outside and open the valve for about 3 to 5 minutes and let some water drain out. That should allow any minerals that have collected on the bottom to exit as well and would help to prevent this problem.

One last thing... if your going to be in your house for more than 5 more years then consider replacing the hot water heater with what is called a Tankless Water Heater. They cost a lot more but in the long run will save you money and you will get the money you save back in 4 to 5 years typically. Then anything after that is money you get back in savings. Plus there is NO TANK to have to worry about minerals collecting in. Some thing to think about.

Best of Luck

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
My hot water turns yellow and grainey What's going on?
I live in an area that has hard water. But I have never had this problem before. I called the city and they said it wasn't their fault. I can't take a bath or wash clothes with that kind of water. I called a plumber but it will be several days before they can come.

Answer 4

It SOUNDS LIKE there is a high level of sulphur content in your water. Have someone from the plant where your water comes from come to your home; let them run some tests to see what's happening. This is their "pig pen".

Answer 5

Definately sounds like rust

Answer 6

most likely the pipes need to be replaced because there rusted inside.Call the inspector.Legislations should be up to par and that is unexceptable.Your landlord should be replacing the pipes and if he doesn't call the inspector and complain.