The hot water in my house was running brown/rust colored. I had an old hot water heater, so I replaced it. However, after about a month, the water is still running that brownish/rust color (from every faucet in the house). What could be causing this?

Hi Kristen

Are you on city/town water supply or a well system? Let me know, OK?

Mark

Hi Kristen

Are you on city/town water supply or a well system? Let me know, OK?

Mark

Yes, I am on city water in Denver (which is typically known for great water - the cold is just fine). My house is older and did sit vacant for a while before I bought it. The old hot water heater had quite a bit of rust and sediment in it when I drained it and changed it out. I figured the new water heater would take care of the problem, but it doesn't seem to have done so.

OK, more questions...

Do you have a water softener?

Do you have a whole house filter?

What kind of water piping do you have, copper, galvanized, brass?

Finally, does the cold water show any rust/brown residue?

Back to you...

Mark

And I have another question, Do you flush and maintain your heater on a regular basis> Back to you, Tom

It's a brand new water heater, Tom, but she should certainly get in the habit of flushing the new tank on a regular basis, for sure!

It's a brand new water heater, Tom, Not exactly "brand new" Mark.

after about a month, the water is still running that brownish/rust color The OP admits to a month ands God only knows how much longer then that,
Also,
My house is older and did sit vacant for a while before I bought it.
My bet's on old galvanized pipes in the hot water system that have been loading up wit rust from the old heater for ears, I'll bet if she rep-0laces here hot water pipes and flushes out her faucets the problem will. Disappear. Your thoughts? Tom

That's why I asked her all the questions I did, Tom. Could be any of the above, for sure!

That's why I asked her all the questions I did, Tom. Could be any of the above, for sure!

Thanks for all the back and forth. To answer your questions:
1. No water softener
2. No whole house filter
3. Looks like I have both copper and galvanized pipes - some sections copper, some galvanized.

Sounds like it might be the pipes. I should have them replaced?
Tom - I've had the water heater for 2 months and I have not flushed it yet. I have read your other comments on how to do that and I'll be sure to do that monthly moving forward.[/QUOTE]

Oh, and the cold water is clear, but it seems like the cold water line is all copper and the hot line is the mixed sections of galvanized/copper.

If it were my call I'd replace those old galvanized pipes. Let's see what Mark thinks. Tom

It's unanimous! Sounds like the old pipes are the issue, for sure!