We have built a new home with new well, plumbing, water heater, etc. Our water was very hard and had clear water (ferrous) iron. We solved that problem with a water softener. Now all taps run clear with no iron or metallic taste with the exception of one: the kitchen sink hot water continues to run with a light brown/tan coloring, even when left running for over a minute or two. The taste is fine but the color is there. Other bathroom taps including the showers run clear on cold and when we turn on the hot water in those bathrooms, it runs the same color as the kitchen sink but flows clear after about 5 or 10 seconds. The water softener is brand new and made a significant difference in the quality of water right away. However, the kitchen sink hot water tap remains a mystery. Any suggestions or ideas? Thanks!

What kind of pipes do you have in your house ? It seems to me like there is a section of corroding pipe that is discoloring water.

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Milo

The water softener should NOT treat the cold water supply into the water heater. If the cold water is softened before going into the water heater there could be a reaction with the ANODE rod of the water heater causing the discoloration. Check on that and then post back, OK?

Mark

What kind of pipes do you have in your house ? It seems to me like there is a section of corroding pipe that is discoloring water.

Back to you

Milo

I will have to check on that with my plumber, Milo. It is a second home that we get to on the weekends. From looking at the pipes in the crawl space, it looks mainly like plastic PVC with some metal connections that they run into. The plumbing is not more than 6 months old. Thanks again for your help.


The water softener should NOT treat the cold water supply into the water heater. If the cold water is softened before going into the water heater there could be a reaction with the ANODE rod of the water heater causing the discoloration. Check on that and then post back, OK?

Mark
Thanks, Mark. Not being a plumber (of course) I will have to check that out when I am at the house this weekend. What I don't understand is why it is the kitchen sink and the other faucets run clear after a short time. The kitchen faucet continues to run the discolored water.k Thanks again for taking the time to help. I'll also ask my plumber about the installation.