Why Is My Water Heater Making Rusty or Brown Water?
Carmel • Westfield • Noblesville • Indianapolis
You turn on the shower expecting clean, clear water — and instead, you get a stream of rusty brown. It smells metallic, looks dirty, and instantly makes you wonder if it’s safe.
At ExpertPipe Indy, we get this call nearly every week from homeowners across Carmel, Westfield, and Indianapolis. Brown or rusty water is a classic symptom of internal corrosion inside your water heater or plumbing system — and ignoring it can lead to leaks, health concerns, and total tank failure.
Here’s what that discoloration really means, how to pinpoint the cause, and how to fix it for good.
1. What Causes Brown or Rusty Water?
A. Corrosion Inside the Water Heater Tank
Most rust-colored water originates inside the tank itself. Over time, the protective glass lining inside your heater wears away, exposing bare steel to water. Once corrosion starts, rust particles mix into your hot water supply.
Signs it’s your water heater:
The discoloration only appears when using hot water (not cold).
The problem starts gradually and worsens over months.
You notice sediment, flakes, or cloudy buildup in sinks and tubs.
Fix: If your tank is under 8 years old, replacing the anode rod and flushing the system can sometimes stop the rusting. If it’s 10+ years old or leaking, replacement is the only permanent solution.
B. Failing Anode Rod
The anode rod is a metal core (usually magnesium or aluminum) designed to “sacrifice” itself so the tank doesn’t rust. Once it’s completely corroded, your tank starts rusting instead.
Fix: Have a plumber inspect and replace the anode rod every 3–5 years. It’s a $100–$200 fix that can extend your heater’s life by up to five years.
C. Rusty Plumbing Pipes
If both hot and cold water look rusty, the issue might be old galvanized steel pipes, not your water heater. These corrode internally and shed rust flakes into the water.
Fix: Replace corroded sections with copper or PEX-A piping. ExpertPipe Indy can scope your lines with a camera to locate the worst sections before repiping.
D. Municipal Water System Flush
Occasionally, the city water department performs hydrant flushing or main repairs that stir up sediment and rust in local lines. This can temporarily tint your water brown.
Fix: Run your cold tap for 5–10 minutes until the water clears. If it persists more than a day, it’s likely an internal issue, not the city supply.
2. Is Rusty Water Dangerous?
Rust itself isn’t typically harmful, but it can:
Stain sinks, tubs, and laundry.
Ruin clothes in the wash.
Damage dishwashers and fixtures.
Contain iron bacteria or sediment that affects taste and odor.
If your water smells metallic, slimy, or sulfuric (“rotten egg”), there may also be bacterial growth inside the tank, which requires immediate attention and disinfection.
3. How to Diagnose Whether It’s the Heater or the Plumbing
Test 1: Run cold water from a faucet for 1 minute, then switch to hot.
If only hot water is brown → it’s the water heater.
If both are brown → it’s your pipes or city supply.
Test 2: Drain 2–3 gallons from the tank into a bucket.
If the water is discolored or full of sediment, the tank is corroding internally.
4. How to Fix Rusty Water
Option 1: Full Tank Flush
Drain the water heater completely and refill it to remove built-up sediment. ExpertPipe Indy performs this service with pressurized flushing equipment that clears up to 95% of debris.
Option 2: Replace the Anode Rod
If corrosion hasn’t gone too far, installing a new magnesium or aluminum rod prevents further rusting.
Option 3: Replace the Heater
If your tank is 10+ years old or leaking, replacement is the best long-term fix.
We install Bradford White, Rheem, and American Standard units built with heavy-duty linings and brass drain valves for Indiana’s hard water.
Option 4: Water Softener or Filtration System
Hard water accelerates corrosion. Installing a softener or filtration system keeps minerals from attacking the tank and plumbing lines.
5. The ExpertPipe Indy Water Heater Inspection Process
When you call (317) 731-3028, here’s how we handle rusty water complaints:
Visual inspection of the tank, fittings, and drain valve.
Flush and sediment discharge test to measure buildup.
Anode rod inspection and replacement if needed.
Water pressure and pH test for corrosion risk.
Recommendation report — repair, replacement, or filtration upgrade.
We’ll tell you exactly what’s wrong and fix it same-day whenever possible.
6. How to Prevent Rust in the Future
Flush your water heater once a year.
Replace the anode rod every 3–5 years.
Install a pressure-reducing valve and expansion tank.
Keep temperature set between 120°F–125°F — higher temps accelerate corrosion.
Use a water softener if your hardness exceeds 12 grains per gallon.
Prevention is cheaper than replacement — and keeps your water clear, clean, and safe.
7. FAQ – Rusty or Brown Water Issues
Q: Is rusty water from my heater dangerous to drink?
A: It’s not toxic, but not recommended. It can contain metal particles and bacteria.
Q: Can flushing really fix rusty water?
A: If the tank isn’t too far gone, yes. If it returns within days, internal corrosion has likely begun.
Q: My water smells like rotten eggs. What’s that?
A: That’s hydrogen sulfide gas, caused by bacteria reacting with the anode rod. We can replace it with an aluminum-zinc rod to eliminate the odor.
Q: Can you replace just the tank liner?
A: No — once the glass lining is breached, the tank can’t be repaired.
Q: How fast can you replace a rusty water heater?
A: Same-day service is available across Hamilton County for emergency replacements.
📞 Call ExpertPipe Indy at (317) 731-3028
🌐 Visit expertpipeindy.com
ExpertPipe Indy — Restoring clean, clear, rust-free hot water for Carmel and Indianapolis homeowners every day.
