My hot water heater occasionally (2 x per year) eliminates a black inky/soot substance into our sink. The water heater is a Reliance Gold with a 10 yr. warranty

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My hot water heater occasionally (2 x per year) eliminates a black inky/soot substance into our sink. The water heater is a Reliance Gold with a 10 yr. warranty
Not too much information to go on. Gas or electric? City water or pump? Is this stuff oily? Does it smell? Let me have all the details that you can. Regards, Tom

Not too much information to go on. Gas or electric? City water or pump? Is this stuff oily? Does it smell? Let me have all the details that you can. regards, Tom

I have the same problem. Black soot, not greasy but more like metal particles in my hot water that clog up my shower heads and dishwasher and washing machine. I also have a gas Reliance hot water heater. The hot water does have the rotton egg smell (sulfur). I do have a well and a water softener as well. I've been told to replace the anode rod. Is the anode rod breaking down and leaving all of the black particles in the water?