Rusty Water or Strange Smells? It Might Be Time for a New Water Heater

Don’t wait for issues to mutate into headaches and disasters. In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we’ll dive into what causes rusty water and strange odors, and we’ll suggest what can be done about it.

Why Hot Water Turns Rusty

Rust and corrosion is a natural concern when you’ve got water housed in a metal container, and engineers address this threat with anode rods. An anode rod is a long metal rod that attracts corrosive elements in the water. It's essentially a sacrificial part designed to corrode so that the tank doesn't.

Over time, the anode rod gets eaten away completely and MUST be replaced. Once it's gone, corrosion attacks the tank directly. Rust begins forming on the interior walls over time, and small particles break loose and enter the water supply. By the time homeowners see rusty water, the damage has been done.

It’s not always the water heater that’s in trouble, though. Sometimes rusty water comes from corroded pipes rather than the water heater itself. If only the hot water appears rusty, then the water heater is likely the problem. If both hot and cold water are discolored, then the issue probably lies in the plumbing pipes.

The Mysterious Smell

No one wants to leave a shower smelling like rotten eggs, but it happens. That distinctive rotten egg smell coming from hot water is caused by bacteria growing inside the tank. These bacteria react with the anode rod and the chemical reaction produces hydrogen sulfide gas.

This problem is more common in homes with well water or water that contains high levels of sulfates. Those chemicals combined with the warmth inside the tank provide bacteria a welcoming environment. As the bacteria multiply, the smell becomes stronger and more noticeable.

If the odor you are smelling is metallic or musty, however, then the culprit might be sediment buildup. As water sits in the tank, minerals separate and settle at the bottom. This sediment layer can harbor bacteria and create various unpleasant odors.

The Solutions: A Simple Fix or Full Replacement

Flushing the water heater tank is a crucial maintenance task that should be performed once or twice a year. It’s simple enough for most homeowners to handle themselves, but many hire a plumber anyway. The process, in short, involves draining the tank, running some water to rinse the tank, then refilling the tank.

Replacing the anode rods is another maintenance task you should remember. A new anode rod can extend the life of a water heater by several years, so remember to replace it before it corrodes completely.

These solutions are only effective if you apply them on time. Once a tank has significant internal corrosion, no amount of flushing or maintenance will fix it. At this point, plumbing repair service is just sending money down the drain.

When Replacement Makes Sense

A new water heater installation is often the more cost-effective and rational option if the water heater is over 10 years old, flushing the tank doesn’t eliminate rusty water, or if the water heater has other issues as well (such as inconsistent temperature, strange noises, and inefficiency).

It is always advisable to have a plumber investigate first, though. A qualified plumber in Palmetto can inspect the unit, check the anode rod’s condition, test for leaks, measure sediment levels, and assess the water heater’s overall integrity.

The team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing has decades of experience working on a wide range of water heaters (tank-style and tankless), and we are proud to service residential and commercial units. Call or message us today to get in touch.