GSW
Internal Corrosion / Anode Depletion
GSW water heater produces discolored (rusty or brown) hot water
Advertisements
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.
Advertisements
Possible Causes
Depleted anode rod, Corroded steel piping, Disturbed sediment, Aging tank
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Allow water to cool before working on the heater. Use caution when removing anode rods.
- Check if cold water is clear: If only hot water is discolored, the heater or hot piping is the source.
- Flush the tank: Drain and flush until water runs clearer. This may temporarily worsen discoloration as sediment is removed.
- Inspect/replace anode rod: Shut off water, relieve pressure, and remove the anode from the top of the tank. If it is heavily consumed, replace with a GSW-compatible anode rod.
- Evaluate tank age: If the heater is near or beyond its expected life and rust persists, plan for replacement.
Advertisements
Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Advertisements