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    Teva's Avatar
    Teva Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jun 2, 2008, 07:45 AM
    Rusty hot water
    Why is the hot water in my faucets coming out rusty?
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jun 2, 2008, 08:54 AM
    Hi Teva:

    Sounds like you have a hot water heater that has a used up ANODE ROD.

    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.

    How old is your water heater?

    Check out this link for more information:

    Water Heater Anode Rods

    If interested in trying to change the old anode rod out...let me know. It is not easy to do....takes tools and great leverage to remove it.

    In fact, your heater may already be gone too far... but first, let me know how old it is.. ok?

    Also wondering if you have a water softener in your house... that can increase the breakdown rate of anode rods... all depends on water chemistry in your area.

    I also left pictures below to show you a bit of what I am talking about. One pic. Shows a comparison between an old rod and a new rod.

    Post back... MARK
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