Why brown water drains from hot water heater?
Brown-tinted water appearing when the drain faucet on a water tank is opened is normal. The brownish water is created by dissolved mineral and metal sediment collecting at the bottom of the hot water tank. This sediment creation is a normal function of the hot water heater heating the water and is released when you open up (or drain) the tank. Draining the tank should be done on a periodic basis – I drain my hot water tank every 6 months. Draining lessens the mineral/sediment buildup and helps extend the life of your hot-water heater.
