How water heater rusty water?

Question

Hi. We have a hot water heater that seems to have something wrong with it. Whe your turn on the cold only, the water is clear. When you turn on hot water, it is a rusty color. We think it is the hot water heater doing this. Anyone have a similar problem? How to fix? We have drained the heater and still the same problem. Thanks in advance!

It is an electric hot water heater

Answer 1

if draining the water heater and flushing it out doesnt work then you will more than likely have to replace the heater. calcium and rust can build up inside and turn very solid. i have seen them so solid you cant get out elements.

Answer 2

Water heaters are essentially tanks of water with either fuel burners or electric elements for heating the water, controlled by a thermostat.

With few exceptions, the tank of a water heater is made of steel and is therefore subject to deterioration, corrosion, and rusting.

Without actually seeing the water heater, I'd guess that your water heater is an older model that is showing signs of corrosion and rusting of the tank. Look for signs of rust penetrations on the body of the water heater, particularly around the top and bottom seams. Rust penetrations may look like obvious rust, or may just appear as little bubbly, bumpy areas beneath the paint.

If this is indeed the case, it would be prudent for you to begin shopping for a new water heater; perhaps have a plumber come out and give you an estimate on replacement when needed. That way you'll at least be prepared and informed when your water heater bites the dust.

Answer 3

You need to replace more than the water heater. That much rust in your water means something in your water supply is a foul. Old galvanized water pipes going bad or a well with a rust bacteria problem. The well problem can be dealt with by treating it with about 5 pounds of sodium hyperchlorite Swimming pool chlorine powder mixed into a 5 gallon bucket of water. or 2 bottles of straight chlorox poured down inside the well pump head. Let it sit in the well overnite and then run the water on the ground through a hose and into your sinks for about 15 minutes. I know that sounds wasteful but this water is not drinkable in this treated state until the taste of chlorine goes away. The color of the rust red will go away too over time. Pipe problem is a lot bigger and bit more costly, pipe replacement is involved here.

Answer 4

It's either time for a new water heater or new hot water pipes. If your hot water pipes are copper then you probably don't need to replace the pipes. If your hot water pipes are galvanized steel then you may need to replace the pipes and/or the hot water heater. If you have a newer house you don't need to worry about the pipes. Steel pipes haven't been used in a very long time (since the 1960s I think).

Answer 5

You can try draining it from the bottom of the tank(shut off gas/electric )(sorry I just re-read that and you did )But if you already purged the lines(let the water run at full bore for 5 minutes, plan on a new tank. The anode is shot.

Answer 6

The glass lining in your tank is leaking and the water is coming in contact with the metal tank causing it to rust. Time for a new water heater.

Answer 7

buy a new water heater. cost in repairs may equal the price of a new one. Turn the temp to a lower setting when it is replaced or repaired.

Answer 8

you can try a few more flushes to clear up your problem but it sounds like the hot water sets idle a little to much and it may be time to consider replacement...good luck