Rust-colored Water
Rust-colored Water | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Cumberland Gap
When the water coming from your faucets turns a rusty hue, it’s more than an eyesore—it’s a warning sign that sediment or corrosion has built up inside your tank water heater or supply lines. HEP’s licensed plumbers in Cumberland Gap move fast to diagnose the cause, flush the system, and replace failing anode rods or corroded components before they compromise your family’s health and your home’s plumbing fixtures.
Call us at the first sign of discoloration, and we’ll arrive with the tools and parts needed to restore crystal-clear water—often in a single visit. From thorough inspections and maintenance plans to full unit replacements, HEP delivers honest advice, up-front pricing, and workmanship that’s backed by decades of local experience. Don’t let rust stain your sinks—or your peace of mind; let HEP keep your water clean and your comfort flowing.
FAQs
What causes rust-colored water to come from my tank water heater?
The most common reason is internal corrosion of the steel tank or its sacrificial anode rod. When the anode rod is exhausted—or the glass lining inside the tank cracks—oxygen in the water reacts with iron in the tank, creating iron oxide that tints the water brown or reddish. In some Cumberland Gap homes, high-iron well water can also deposit iron particles that later flush out looking rusty, but if you only see discoloration in the hot water line, the heater itself is almost always the culprit.
Is rust-colored hot water harmful to my family or appliances?
Rusty water is generally not a serious health hazard, but it can have a metallic taste and may stain laundry, fixtures, and dishes. More importantly, it points to ongoing corrosion that will eventually cause leaks or a full tank rupture. Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines can develop internal buildup that shortens their lifespans. For these reasons we recommend scheduling service as soon as you notice persistent discoloration.
How can I tell if the rust is coming from the water heater or my plumbing pipes?
Do a quick isolation test: 1. Run cold water from a faucet for 60 seconds—if it’s clear, your cold line and municipal or well supply are likely fine. 2. Switch to hot water from the same faucet. If it turns rusty within a minute, the problem is almost certainly inside the heater. 3. For added confirmation, draw water directly from the heater’s drain valve into a clear container; visible rust particles or brown water usually indicate internal tank corrosion.
Can flushing the tank remove the rust and fix the problem?
A thorough drain-and-flush can remove loose sediment and extend the life of the heater if the issue is caused by iron deposits rather than tank wall decay. In our Cumberland Gap climate, we recommend an annual flush for city-water homes and twice a year for well-water homes. However, if the tank metal itself is corroding or the anode rod is spent, flushing will only provide temporary improvement. A technician should inspect the anode rod and tank lining before recommending repair or replacement.
When should I replace the anode rod, and when is full water-heater replacement necessary?
Replace the anode rod every 3–5 years—or sooner if a visual inspection shows it is less than ½ inch thick or coated with calcium. If corrosion has eaten through the tank wall (pinholes, leaks, or persistent rusty water even after a new anode is installed), replacement of the entire heater is the safest, most cost-effective option. Most glass-lined tank heaters last 8–12 years in Cumberland Gap’s water conditions; if yours is older, upgrading to a new, more efficient model will save on energy bills and reduce the risk of sudden failure.
Do you service rust-colored water issues in Cumberland Gap, and what will it cost?
Yes. Our licensed technicians provide same-day diagnostics, flushing, anode-rod replacement, and full tank water-heater installation throughout Cumberland Gap and the surrounding tri-state area. Diagnostic visits start at $79, which we credit toward any repair. Flushing with anode-rod inspection typically runs $120–$180. If a new 40- or 50-gallon electric or gas heater is required, most installations range from $1,100 to $1,800, depending on capacity, fuel type, and code upgrades. We provide upfront, written estimates before any work begins.