I had a new hot water tank installed about 6 months ago. It is a Rheem 50 gal. natural gas water heater. It was installed through one of the big box home centers. The problem I have had since it was first installed is that the first surge of hot water that comes out is discolored, a rusty color, and lasts for only 2-3 seconds. This happens at any faucet in the house and only with the hot water. It seems to be noticable after about 8+ hours of non-use. This never happened even once in the previous nine years with my old natural gas hot water heater.
My home has PEX piping for both hot and cold water. There is probably about 18" worth of copper tubing and fittings that connect from the water heater to the PEX cold water inlet and hot water outlet. Dielectric fittings were installed between the heater nipples and the copper tubing/fittings. There is a new expansion tank on the line. I use city supplied water.
I have unscrewed the expansion tank and examined the fitting and tank for rust - nothing. I pulled out the sacrificial anode from the tank - present and in proper size. I have drained several gallons from the tank flush valve and do not notice discoloration or sediment.
Suggestions as to what is the cause of the discolored hot water?
My home has PEX piping for both hot and cold water. There is probably about 18" worth of copper tubing and fittings that connect from the water heater to the PEX cold water inlet and hot water outlet. Dielectric fittings were installed between the heater nipples and the copper tubing/fittings. There is a new expansion tank on the line. I use city supplied water.
I have unscrewed the expansion tank and examined the fitting and tank for rust - nothing. I pulled out the sacrificial anode from the tank - present and in proper size. I have drained several gallons from the tank flush valve and do not notice discoloration or sediment.
Suggestions as to what is the cause of the discolored hot water?