Q Why, when we are gone for several days and not using hot water, does a gray-purple fine sediment discolor the hot water? The less water used, the darker it gets. One salesman told us that we needed a new water softener, but that did not solve the problem. Another salesman said we needed a new water heater, but we have not purchased one yet. We drained 15 gallons from the bottom of the water heater until the water was almost clear, but now it is discolored again. What's happening?
A The discoloration and sediment may be coming from the water heater's anode rod. Anode rods are made from a variety of metals that corrode more easily than the steel of a water heater tank. They're in the water heater to protect it. If there are any substances in the water that can corrode metal, the anode rod will "sacrifice itself" and corrode first, so the tank will not corrode and leak. When this happens, corrosion from the rod drops to the bottom of the tank, and the sediment should be periodically flushed out through the drain valve. (NOTE: Sometimes drain valves don't seal completely after closing. As a backup, consider putting a threaded cap on the valve.)
Water heater manufacturers typically recommend checking the condition of the anode rod once a year. Following the manufacturer's instructions, remove the anode rod and inspect it. The color of the rod may be similar to that of the sediment found in the water. After significant corrosion, the rod will have holes in it, indicating it may be time to install a new one.
Or, you may just want to buy a new water heater. The average life expectancy of a gas or electric water heater is 10 to 12 years.
Lori Jansen, Minnesota Water Quality Association
Loons vs. deer Q I have been seeing more Minnesota DNR "loon" license plates and fewer "deer" plates. How many of each have been issued?
A At the end of August, there were 26,772 deer plates, and 83,421 loon plates registered in Minnesota.
Kristine Chapin, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
