I installed a 50 Gal Kenmore, "12 year", 2 anode rod hot water tank in 2012. It's worked fine.
About 45 days ago, I noticed black flecks in our hot water. The water is no discolored (not rusty or soupy like I've seen from others). It's clear with black tiny dots and an occasional fleck. It certainly does not look like water you'd want to drink. Until I started researching, I was ignorant to the fact that I needed to flush my tank periodically. I decided to flush it and noticed that the problem was about 98% cleared up. (I say 98% because with close inspection I could detect a tiny black dot occasionally. It was certainly significantly better and the wife reported no more issues (In the bath tub is when she could really see the issue). Attached is a picture of a bucket of water that I filled during the flush.
Last night, wife reported to me that the problem was back. Sure enough, it's exactly like it was 45 days ago...or worse. While I'm inclined to flush the tank again, it seems way too soon to be the actual problem. I have not inspected the anode rods, and I guess that's the next step. Any other thoughts?
About 45 days ago, I noticed black flecks in our hot water. The water is no discolored (not rusty or soupy like I've seen from others). It's clear with black tiny dots and an occasional fleck. It certainly does not look like water you'd want to drink. Until I started researching, I was ignorant to the fact that I needed to flush my tank periodically. I decided to flush it and noticed that the problem was about 98% cleared up. (I say 98% because with close inspection I could detect a tiny black dot occasionally. It was certainly significantly better and the wife reported no more issues (In the bath tub is when she could really see the issue). Attached is a picture of a bucket of water that I filled during the flush.
Last night, wife reported to me that the problem was back. Sure enough, it's exactly like it was 45 days ago...or worse. While I'm inclined to flush the tank again, it seems way too soon to be the actual problem. I have not inspected the anode rods, and I guess that's the next step. Any other thoughts?