4 Reasons You Obtain Rusty Water

water heater

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Have you ever noticed brownish water with a musty odor coming out of the faucet connected to your hot water tank? Water that contains dissolved rust particles appears and smells rusty. Here are a few reasons of rusty water.

1. Depleting Anode Rod
   

The sacrificial anode rod made of aluminum, magnesium, zinc, or some combination of these metals is responsible for the chemical electrolysis or oxidizing reaction. This rod gets corroded in order to purify water and prevent the hot water heater tank from getting corroded or rusted. Over the months, generally 5-6 months, this anode rod oxidizes and depletes completely and results in rusty water and rusting of tank lining. Along with producing rusty water, the depleting anode rod and a corroded tank can also lead to water heater failure.

    2. Corroded Tank Lining
Rust in your hot water tank is a common occurrence. Most hot water tanks are made of steel and iron. With time, due to continuous contact with water and depleting anode rod, this tank starts getting corroded. As the tank corrodes, it flakes off and settles at the bottom of your hot water tank. Eventually, these flakes further break down and produce rusty water. In order to limit corrosion and prevent rusty water, modern water heaters come with an internal coating of glass-porcelain treated with high temperatures. But, even this lining wears off with time and results in the corrosion of tank lining.

   3. Internally Rusted Pipes
Many homeowners who face the problem of rusty water, flush the tank annually, replace the sacrificial anode rod and water heater tank, or buy a new water heater altogether. But, they still obtain rusty water from their faucets. This is generally seen in older homes and homes having iron pipes. The inner surfaces of the plumbing pipes that connect the hot water tank with faucets get rusted with time due to continuous exposure to water. The lining of these pipes breakdown and dissolve with the flowing water to produce rusty water.

   4. Contaminated Main Water Supply
It often happens that homes with PVC plumbing pipes also obtain rusty water. Water from the main water source, for instance, the municipal water supplying source contains rust particles which even the anode rod fails to oxidize. This way, you may temporarily obtain rusty water even when your hot water tank, anode rod, and plumbing pipes are in good condition.
Though rusty water doesn’t have severe consequences, it often results in skin irritations and inflammations. Rather than assuming the causes of rusty water and worrying about it, call our Edmonton water heater installers. Along with installing new water heaters correctly, we provide water heater inspection and other services. We can help you in identifying the cause and also prevent water from rusting.