[bill 123654]

I get dirty hot water from faucet when I drain the tank the water starts very rusty. My landlys its not the tank cause it's not leaking. He has drained it several times always gets rusty water from the tank. What could be the cause.

[massplumber2008]

Hi Bill

I have a few ideas here, but it would be helpful to know if you are on city/town water or if you get water from a well.

Otherwise, brown water usually suggests that:

1) the anode rod in the heater is shot and the hard water minerals are attacking the steel liner/tappings of the water heater resulting in rusty water. This also usually suggests that the water heater will be leaking soon enough.

2) there is a build-up of iron-reducing bacterium for whatever reason (usually associated with well water) and this results in rusty color water. The only solution here is to clean/flush the tank and pipes using HYDROGEN PEROXIDE.

Either way, rusty water is unacceptable and your landlord needs to resolve the matter. If they are unwilling to based on the fact that, "its not the tank cause it's not leaking", then you could call your local Board of Health and see if they can help you on this matter!

Questions? Let me know, OK?

Mark

[speedball1]

My landlys its not the tank cause it's not leaking. He has drained it several times always gets rusty water from the tank. What could be the cause.

In addition to Marks answer the landlord's completely wrong when he states,

My landlys its not the tank cause it's not leaking.

That's just plain dumb!
First you don't simply drain a tank you power flush it. Do you need instructions on how to care for your heater?
I also wonder about the piping. Is this a older house with galvanized pipes? Let me know, Tom