'Filled up both tubs using warm water and water is a light brown color. Also filled up sink in kitchen and same thing. Haven't noticed it in showering.. Opened door to hot water heater and did not see any leaks. Should I call a plumber. Don't know first thing about hot water heaters. It is 14 years old

Is the water brown on both hot and cold or just hot? Have you ever flushed your heater. I can show you how. Just let me know. Back to you, Tom

Its brown only when the hot water is turned on.

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Originally Posted by speedball1

Is the water brown on both hot and cold or just hot? Have you ever flushed your heater. I can show you how. Just let me know. Back to you, Tom

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It has never been serviced.

Your heater's loaded with iron oxide,(rust) and must be flushed out,

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 together 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 and thank you for rating my answer,

Tom

If after flushing the water heater the problem returns and you are on CITY/TOWN water then I'd suggest that the anode rod is shot and has allowed the tappings/tank itself to become exposed to the water in the tank. In this case, the tank is probably shot and on its way out and will need to be replaced!

Try the flush first, see if the problem returns!

Good luck!

Mark

Mark