GE
Corrosion / Rust Contamination
GE water heater causes discolored or rusty hot water.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Deteriorated anode rod, internal tank corrosion, rusting steel nipples or fittings, old galvanized plumbing
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Discolored water is usually not an immediate safety hazard but indicates corrosion.
Steps to address rusty water:
- Determine source: Run cold water only; if clear, the issue is likely the heater. If both hot and cold are rusty, house plumbing may be the cause.
- Flush heater: Drain and flush the tank to remove loose rust and sediment.
- Inspect anode rod: Remove and inspect the anode. If heavily consumed, replace with a GE-compatible anode rod.
- Evaluate tank age: If the heater is old and rust persists, the tank may be failing internally and require replacement.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
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