Let’s be honest. The water heater is considered one of the most important plumbing fixtures in the home. It gets tons of use. The average family of four uses about 60 gallons of hot water daily. When this “appliance” is working properly, life is good, but when it goes on the blink, everything gets thrown off. Take, for instance, rusty water. No one ever wants to see discolored water like this coming from their water heater. It can be quite shocking to experience, especially when just turning on the faucet. Plumbing experts have some advice for preventing rusty water.
Have a Good Flush!
One way to prevent rusty water is to schedule regular maintenance by a plumber. It helps to have your water heater flushed every six months to a year to remove sediment that has built up and settled on the bottom of the tank.
Having your water heater flushed by a pro will also help extend the life of the anode rod. This essential component, made of metal, is designed to ‘become corrosive and rust’ so that your water tank does not. This piece should be replaced every few years. There are different anode rod metals suited for certain climates. For example, a magnesium anode would be better for your home if you have a freshwater system. Coastal climates could benefit from having aluminum or zinc anode rods.
When the anode rod stops operating effectively, it may leave your system vulnerable to corrosion. This essential component guards against rust and optimizes water heater performance.
Check for Loose Connections
Here’s another expert tip from HVAC pros: Loose connections can cause rusty water to emerge. It could be a valve that wasn’t tightened properly. Plumbers say that loose, leaky connections at or around your water heater can expose outside elements to rust-causing moisture and minerals.
Water heaters can be tricky plumbing fixtures for the homeowner, and trying to troubleshoot can sometimes cause bigger problems. A professional service call is the best way to proceed when discovering issues like rusty water.
Hard Water Is a Culprit
The minerals in hard water can accumulate in excess sediment, and this can also cause the appearance of rusty water. Some homeowners choose to have water-softening equipment installed to prevent the problem.
Rusty water would cause anyone to become alarmed, but usually, the matter can be repaired quickly. If you are living in Waukesha, WI and noticing rusty water or any other strange plumbing problem, contact the expert team at Jeff’s Custom Care for exceptional water heater services.