We have a shallow well with a 5 gal. tank & 1 h.p. pump motor. It has a cheap add on conditioner for acid. There is a lot of rust in the water especially when the water isn't used for a while. Then it comes out dark brown & takes a month or so to clear up. Then of course everything is rust stained & impossible to clean. It is only the hot water that is rusty. I am going to have a plumber clean out and recharge the conditioner & was wondering if I should have him install a whole house filter ?

Hi Tom:

Hey, if this is happening only at your hot water... then I am going to guess that you heat your hot water by a hot water heater... maybe a gas water heater?

If so, I think the anode rod may be gone and the water has started to break down the tank tappings... suggests the water heater may be on the way out.

Here, an anode rod acts as a sacrificial rod that breaks down due to electrolytic effects occurring between water and the heater itself... when anode fails (disintegrates) the tank tappings are next to be sacrificed and that results in the rusty water color... actual rust from the steel tappings of water heater.

This is usually a bad sign. If you have a water heater... do you know how old it is?

Hey, let me know if I am headed in right direction... ok? If so... we can discuss... if not, can discuss whole house filter next... have a few ideas here!. Mark

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Let me "piggyback" on Marks answer. Sounds to me like you have mineral buildup in your water heater. If your well water h Iron Oxide,(rust) in the water then the water heater should be flushed clear on a regular basis. Let me show you how.
For long life and fewer troubles you should keep your heater clear of mineral build-up by FLUSHING NOT DRAINING on a regular schedule. 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 or yellow 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 that are affected . 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