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What Causes Brown Water From a Water Heater?
The most common cause of this is a dirty or clogged filter in the hot water tank. The other possible reason is that you have an air gap between your hot and cold water pipes, which can allow air and dirt to enter into the system.
This will cause the water to be slightly browner than it should be.
Minerals and sediments accumulate in the water over time which could be the culprit. And there’s also the discoloration from damaged or recently replaced water pipes.
Not to forget about mentioning the corrosion that happens on the pipes all the time; that’s another thing that can cause brown water.
Why Is Water Brown After Installing a New Hot Water Heater?
This brown or discolored water is caused by the sediment buildup inside the tank. It’s normal for the first few months of operation.
After that, if you don’t clean out the sediment regularly, it will begin to block up the drain holes on the bottom of the tank. As a result, the water will become more cloudy and brown as the sediment builds up.
How Do You Fix a Brown Water Problem in a Hot Water Heater?
If you have a gas-fired unit, turn off the pilot light before cleaning the tank. If you have a heat pump, make sure no one is standing near the unit when you open it.
Then, remove the access panel at the bottom of the tank and use a high-pressure hose to spray down the sides of the tank. Next, pour some boiling water through the access hole to loosen any sediment.
Finally, let the tank sit overnight so all of the residue settles to the bottom.
If you have an electric model, you’ll need to turn off the power to the unit while you’re cleaning. Once you’ve removed the access panel, run a garden hose around the outside of the tank to wash away any sediment.
Pour some boiling water through the opening to loosen any sediment. Let the tank sit overnight so the sediment settles to the base.
Is Brown Water Safe to Shower In?
Showering with brown water isn’t harmful to your health.
However, if you notice any unpleasant odors coming from your water supply, you may want to consider washing somewhere else until you resolve the issue.
Is Rusty Water Toxic?
No, but it does contain iron. Iron is essential for many bodily functions, including blood clotting, cell growth, and energy production.
But too much iron can lead to problems like kidney stones, stomach ulcers, and liver disease. It’s generally not recommended to wash in rusty hot water nor to drink it.
Can Rusty Water Make You Sick?
Drinking rusty water can give you a bad case of diarrhea. You might also develop stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, or headaches.
To avoid these symptoms, you should always boil your drinking water or make sure it doesn’t have rust or anything else.
