Kenmore
Internal Corrosion or Rust in Tank / Piping
Kenmore water heater produces 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
Depleted anode rod, corroded steel tank, rusting galvanized piping, sediment disturbance
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Let water cool before handling. Discoloration may stain fixtures.
- Check cold water: Run cold water from a faucet. If only hot is discolored, the issue is likely the heater.
- Flush tank: Drain and flush the tank to remove rust and sediment.
- Inspect anode rod: Remove and inspect the anode rod. If it is heavily consumed, replace it to slow further corrosion.
- Evaluate age: If the heater is old and rust returns quickly after flushing, the tank lining may be failing. Plan to replace the water heater.
- Check piping: Inspect and replace any galvanized steel hot water piping that may be rusting internally.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
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