Black Water

[Richard Vroom]

Every few days we get black water out of the hot water tap for a minute. I have a new circuit board on the hot water heater. I have had trouble with the water heater in the past but it runs well now. I cannot understand where the black is coming from??
Sincerely,
Richard

[Pick]

Probably the anode rod is shot, and needs to be replaced.

[Richard Vroom]

I have an Atworod water heater and it has no anode at all, just a metal plug???
Richard

[59toaster]

Is it coming from all the faucits or just the Galley? Most units have a water filter under the galley sink. Might want to inspect it.

[Richard Vroom]

It is coming only in the galley sink after a night heating hot water. It seems to be only from the hot water sid eof the water system. It is black like chimney sut and lasts about 30 seconds when we turn on the water in the morning. My dealer thinks I should replace the hot water tank for mega bucks.
Richard

[rluhr]

It is possible that you've got a mold infestation somewhere in the hot water system. We had this happen in a house we rented -- occasional blobs of black gunk would come out with the water.

Before you replace the tank, try "shocking" the system with a chlorine bleach/water mix (maybe 2-4% bleach). Run the hot water till you are sure the tank is full of the mix, then let it sit a little while. Run the faucets till the bleach smell is gone.

That should kill anything living in the tank, but if it is mold, you'll find bits of it coming out periodically afterward. You might still end up replacing the hot water heater.

[Richard Vroom]

I think I have found the problem. It was not the hot water but the water filter. When removed, it was full of black sutty water. I have replaced it and also added an anode to my hot water system. Hope this does it. Thanks for your help.
Richard