 
Over 698,000 strictly plumbing related posts
Plumbing education, information, advice, help and suggestions are provided by some of the most experienced plumbers who wish to "give back" to society. Since 1996 we have been the best online (strictly) PLUMBING advice site. If you have questions about plumbing, toilets, sinks, faucets, drains, sewers, water filters, venting, water heating, showers, pumps, and other strictly PLUMBING related issues then you've come to the right place. Please refrain from asking or discussing legal questions, or pricing, or where to purchase products, or any business issues, or for contractor referrals, or any other questions or issues not specifically related to plumbing. Keep all posts positive and absolutely no advertising. Our site is completely free, without ads or pop-ups and we don't tract you. We absolutely do not sell your personal information. We are made possible by: 
|
|
Author:
mbsowders (TX)
I replaced my water heater two months ago due to a burned out element. Two days ago this happened with my new water heater. The Tech Specialist suggested this could be caused by dirty water. I am on a well; due to heavy sulfur content, water goes through filtration, chlorination, and softener. What I have noticed many times is that the water will be black coming out of the faucets - it's not just the hot water; sometimes the toilets fill with dark water. Sediment will appear on the bottom of the bathtub following this discharge. The water clears up after 15 seconds or so. This seems to happen when water delivery is interrupted - for example, due to work on the heater or the equipment associated with the treatment of the water. What could be causing this black water? Is it perhaps the pipes? (house was built in '83) If so, can only the pipe to the water heater be replaced and the rest remain as they are until I can afford to replace the rest? I have a plumber coming out to replace the element and will discuss with him - just looking for 2nd, 3rd, 4th opinions. Thanks!
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
Paul48 (CT)
I'm just a homeowner, but I wouldn't worry about the black residue, if it goes away.Rubber seals like the ones that are probably used in your filtration system tend to break down. If you've ever had the pleasure of working in a toilet tank, often your hands come out black.
Was the water tested, and then determined to have a high sulphur content?
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
hj (AZ)
You do NOT replace a water heater because of burned out elements. The OEM elements are NOT the most sturdy so premature failure is not unusual. I only replace elements with the most expensive "lifetime" stainless steel ones.
|
|
Post Reply
|
Please note:
- Inappropriate messages or blatant advertising will be deleted. We cannot be held responsible for bad or inadequate advice.
- Plbg.com has no control over external content that may be linked to from messages posted here. Please follow external links with caution.
- Plbg.com is strictly for the exchange of plumbing related advice and NOT to ask about pricing/costs, nor where to find a product (try Google), nor how to operate or promote a business, nor for ethics (law) and the like questions.
- Plbg.com is also not a place to ask radiant heating (try HeatingHelp.com), electrical or even general construction type questions. We are exclusively for plumbing questions.
Search for plumbing parts on our sponsor's site:
Special thanks to our sponsor:
|