If you turn on a hot water tap in your home and notice the water is not clear, don’t panic. If your water heater or plumbing system is well-maintained and is not yet due for replacement, there is a good chance that you simply have a small problem that requires repair. However, if you have an older water heater, one that was poorly installed, or one that is not well-maintained, brown or rust-colored water may indicate serious corrosion.
You need a plumber experienced in water heater repairs so that you can be sure you get the repair or replacement services you need. To schedule water heater repairs in Olympia, call the experts at Brooks Plumbing. If you want to know more about the possible causes of discoloration from hot water, take a look at the following list.
- Worn Anode Rod: The anode rod attracts particles that cause rust and corrosion to protect your tank. If this rusts through, however, your water may turn a reddish-brown color, and, eventually, your tank may begin to rust. This is a small part that should be replaced from time to time, which is why it’s important to have a plumber inspect your water heater during a maintenance visit once a year.
- Corroded Tank: However, if your anode rod is not very old and rust does begin to affect your tank, replacement is usually the only option. Most water heaters will last over 10 years with proper maintenance, so if your unit has not reached this point, discoloration could point to a different issue.
- Excess Sediment: Your storage tank water heater stores water at all times, so minerals from the water supply may begin to settle at the bottom of the tank over time. Too many of these minerals may make the water appear yellow, which is why it’s important to have a professional flush your tank from time to time.
- Rusty Pipes: If both the hot and cold water taps produce discoloration, the problem may unfortunately be in your pipes. Galvanized steel pipes will eventually rust through, and should be replaced with modern copper or plastic piping.
For plumbing service and water heater repairs in Olympia, call the friendly technicians at Brooks Plumbing today!
