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    bcas400e's Avatar
    bcas400e Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Oct 2, 2006, 05:54 AM
    Brown water from some faucets - weird
    Hi,

    I noticed something odd today in my bathroom. The hot water from the sink was a little brownish. The shower seems fine. Also noticed some brownish when running hot water in the tub.

    Now for the weird part. I don't see this happening in the guest bath or the kitchen sink!

    Any ideas on where I should start?

    Thanks in advance!

    BCA
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #2

    Oct 2, 2006, 03:36 PM
    The brown water you see is iron oxide,(rust) caused by mineral build up in your hot water heater. For long life and fewer troubles you should keep your heater clear of mineral build-up by flushing on a regular schedule. Let me show you how. Attach a hose to the boiler drain at the bottom of the tank. With the pressure on, open the boiler drain and let it run until the water runs clear. You will see a spurt of red,(rust) followed by white grains,(lime or calcium carbonate). This shouldn't take more then a few minutes. Do this monthly to keep it clear. Now flush out your hot water lines on ALL fixtures. Now pull each aerator and clean the screens. Be sure you put them back togather the same way you took them out. Don't forget to flush it out every month. Your heater will thank you for it. Hope this helps, Tom
    bcas400e's Avatar
    bcas400e Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Oct 3, 2006, 04:44 AM
    Hi,

    Thanks for the info. But what I am finding odd is the kitchen sink and guest bath don't do this. Why would that be?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #4

    Oct 3, 2006, 07:43 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by bcas400e
    Hi,

    Thanks for the info. but what I am finding odd is the kitchen sink and guest bath don't do this. Why would that be?
    One explanation is that the bathroom has first draw off the hot water main. How old is your house and what are the pipes made of? Regards, Tom
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    bcas400e Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Oct 6, 2006, 04:24 AM
    Hi,

    The house was built in 1990 and I am assuming the pipes are PVC/Copper? Not sure what was being used then.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #6

    Oct 8, 2006, 06:29 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by bcas400e
    Hi,

    The house was built in 1990 and I am assuming the pipes are PVC/Copper? Not sure what was being used then.
    Well, that stops any spectulation that you have galvanized pipes that may have rust on the walls. Which points right back at the water heater as the source. How ofter do you flush your heater? Cheers, Tom
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