John Wood
Corrosion / Rust Contamination
John Wood water heater causes discolored (rusty or brown) 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
Corroded anode rod shedding rust, Internal tank corrosion, Rusty galvanized piping connected to heater
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Discolored water is usually not a direct safety hazard but indicates corrosion.
- 1. Flush tank: Drain several gallons from the drain valve until water clears. If discoloration returns quickly, internal corrosion is likely.
- 2. Inspect anode rod: Shut off water, relieve pressure, and remove the anode rod from the top of the tank. Replace if heavily corroded or missing.
- 3. Check piping: Inspect nearby galvanized steel piping for rust. Replace with copper or PEX and dielectric unions as needed.
- 4. Tank condition: If the tank is old and rust persists, plan for heater replacement.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
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