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

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Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Hi Kristen

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

Mark

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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!

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It's a brand new water heater, Tom,

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Not exactly "brand new" Mark.

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after about a month, the water is still running that brownish/rust color

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The OP admits to a month ands God only knows how much longer then that,
Also,

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My house is older and did sit vacant for a while before I bought it.

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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!

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Originally Posted by massplumber2008

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

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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!