Ruud water heater shows signs of rust-colored water from hot taps.

Safety first: Rusty water is usually not an immediate safety hazard but indicates potential tank failure.

• Step 1 – Flush tank: Drain and flush the Ruud heater to remove loose rust and sediment.
• Step 2 – Inspect anode rod: Remove the anode rod from the top of the tank. If it is heavily consumed (less than 1/2 inch core remaining), replace it with an OEM Ruud-compatible anode.
• Step 3 – Monitor water quality: If rust returns quickly after flushing and anode replacement, the tank lining may be failing.

Persistent rust and leaks usually mean the tank is near end-of-life and should be replaced.