If your home’s water supply is off-color, it’s worrisome. If the water looks opaque and a close inspection shows you that the cloudy appearance is due to numerous tiny air bubbles, it’s generally not a cause for concern. However, other types of discoloration can be a warning of a serious issue in your water pipes or water heater that can result in pressure problems, repeated clogs or costly home water damage.

Learning about some common causes of discolored hot water can help you decide if the specific problem you’re experiencing should be investigated further by a plumbing professional:

• Accumulated scale or sediment in your water heater. As water is heated, it’s normal for naturally-occurring calcium, magnesium and other minerals to precipitate out into particles that accumulate in the tank. If your water heater hasn’t been flushed in a long time, and the accumulation becomes severe, you may see these particles in the hot water coming from the faucets. If this is occurring, have the water heater inspected and flushed by a licensed pro before the build up clogs the gas burner, impairs the appliance’s energy efficiency or causes a premature tank failure.
• Pipe deterioration. If water with a distinct orange or rusty tinge is coming from your faucets and the piping in your home is galvanized steel, it’s usually a telltale sign of significant corrosion inside the pipes. Even if your pipes still look shiny outside because of their protective zinc coating, it’s wise to have the system inspected by an experienced plumber before serious leaks start to occur.
• Water heater decay. Seeing a rust-colored hot water flow often points to age-related water heater deterioration. If the appliance is over 10 years old and the outside of the tank is rusty, there’s a good chance that the inside is corroding too. To avoid leaks or a tank failure that causes water damage to your home, it’s wise to get a plumber’s advice about replacing the unit.

If you need professional help to solve a problem with discolored hot water in your Peachtree City home, contact us at Powers Heating & Air.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 770-487-2040.

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