Bad Smelling Hot Water

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Jos1969

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#268085 27-Feb-2020 11:07

I just had a question about the hot water in my folks place.

It is kind of bad smelling and if you fill the basin with water it's kind of brown looking.
I've been googling the subject, and the topic of the "anode rod" in the hot water cylinder comes up.
The house and water heater are just over a year old though (it's a new build), so I don't think this would have worn out yet?

They are on bore water.

JeremyNzl

361 posts

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#2428122 27-Feb-2020 11:24

Brown sounds like high iron unless there is something else going on, Get water test kit from Hills Laboratory or similar etc They will send you a kit,

You say its only the hot water which is weird, what is the water like at an outside tap the shortest run to the bore supply

trig42

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#2428127 27-Feb-2020 11:35

Bore water can play havoc on a HWC (it is generally not pH neutral).

Goosey

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#2428137 27-Feb-2020 11:51

Are filters fitted between the bore and house? Do these need changing?

For a new build, I would be expecting some sort of water filtration having been installed.

Jos1969

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#2428146 27-Feb-2020 12:08

JeremyNzl:

Brown sounds like high iron unless there is something else going on, Get water test kit from Hills Laboratory or similar etc They will send you a kit,

You say its only the hot water which is weird, what is the water like at an outside tap the shortest run to the bore supply

Actually, I just ran the cold water and that is brown, too. Not sure if the cold has a smell. Maybe the warmth of the hot water makes it more noticeable. I'm not sure if there is ANY kind of filter between the bore and house, only a little one for the drinking water on a separate tap.

Jos1969

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#2428148 27-Feb-2020 12:09

Goosey:

Are filters fitted between the bore and house? Do these need changing?

For a new build, I would be expecting some sort of water filtration having been installed.

Thanks. I'm not sure if there are any filters. It's a new/old build. House was destroyed by fire, rebuilt. Bore was already there. I think they just connected it up again.

Goosey

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#2428174 27-Feb-2020 12:39

If discolouration on the cold then guess the issue is with the bore or the connection perhaps letting in soil?
Eitherway, best you find a plumber or someone who knows about wells etc

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JeremyNzl

361 posts

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#2428175 27-Feb-2020 12:41

The key could be in the comment the bore was just connected up again,

Run outside tap till the water clears ,

bore casings are steel and do rust and discolour standing water

Goosey

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#2428177 27-Feb-2020 12:44

JeremyNzl:
The key could be in the comment the bore was just connected up again,

Run outside tap till the water clears ,

bore casings are steel and do rust and discolour standing water

Op said reconnection to the bore was a year ago during rebuild of the house after a fire etc.

bfginger

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#2428542 27-Feb-2020 23:50

There isn't a septic tank anywhere near the bore by any chance?