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Brown water after draining

Frank12345
Frank12345 Member Posts: 6
in Plumbing

I had clear water, but it wasn’t getting hot. I drained the water heater, refilled it, and now it’s hot but it’s dirty brownish color. Do I have to just let it run for a little? Thanks

Comments

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 10,917

    you stirred up all the crud that was in it and maybe in the pipes. it will settle and flush through over time. don't wash anything white for a while.

  • Larry Weingarten
    Larry Weingarten Member Posts: 3,590

    Hi, A question. Do you have a recirculation system for quick hot water? Often the check valve in these systems fails and then stuff from the bottom of the tank gets drawn into the hot side plumbing.

    Yours, Larry

  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,194

    What type of water heater? Electric, fuel-fired, indirect?

  • Lance
    Lance Member Posts: 304

    Flush the heater until it runs clear. you may have to remove a pipe above and insert a smaller pipe connected to a hose to act as a directional wand to scour the bottom while draining. for gas water heater this is a must, for electric not so much. unless…. you have well water and two three feet of mud in the bottom. pump assist at the drain will also help. heater over 12 yrs old, save time and money, replace it. however…. if the source is a muddy well, the well problem also needs fixing. start by raising the well pump to 4' above the mud level. when a potable water problem exists, the whole potable system should be verified safe, including a source.

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