We bought a house in 2005. We seem to have an ongoing but intermittent problem concerning black water in the house. In the beginning it appeared that if several loads of laundry had been done, or several showers, then the water coming out of the hot water tap would be black. I thought that this could be due to sediment in the hot water heater. The hot water heater was replaced in 2004 before we bought the house. We had a plumber drain and flush the hot water heater. Then for a period of about 2 months, we did not see the black water. However, it did come back. If you capture the water in a glass and let it settle, there will actually be sediment in the bottom of the glass. If you continue running the hot water faucet, the black water will eventually disappear and you will get clear water.


The black water never appears when just the cold water is used. I have seen this black water in the sinks, bathtub and shower of both bathrooms.

I have thought about just having the water heater replaced (since we need more hot water than our tank can accommodate anyway) but I hate to do that if the problem is really something else.

Anyone have any ideas about what the problem is and a possible solution?

Sounds to me like you have a highly conductive water supply. In the case of highly conductive water... anode rods break down at an increased rate compared to anode rods that have been subjected to low conductive water supply.

When anode rods break down they can leave a blackish sediment.. usually not noticed at all.. but if breakdown occurs quickly... as may be your case.. you may actually see in water (i.e., anode rod life is near its end).

So.. first step... replace the anode rod (or replace heater as you were suggesting and see if that improves things) and see if that helps... THEN, flush that tank again (you can do that.. just come back and ask us how... glad to talk you through). If this fixes the problem (for more than 2 months) you may need to change out the anode rod every 2 or 3 years.

Anyway, that is my take on it... but give the other guys online a shot... they may have other ideas. Get back to me with any thoughts. Good day.

If this helped please RATE THIS ANSWER. Thank you.


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If you end up replacing the water heater, check out the Marathon Water Heaters. They have no anode rod. Life time warranty too. No metal construction.

Eric D

Also you might consider replacing that magnesium anode rod with a aluminum anode rod and see if that helps. In the meantime here's how to flush your heater.
For long life and fewer troubles you should keep your heater clear of mineral build-up by flushing 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) or in your case black particles of anode rod. This shouldn't take more then a few minutes. Do this monthly to keep it clear. Don't forget to flush it out every month. Your heater will thank you for it. Hope this helps, Tom