Water heater question

[Mjs2007]

Hello,

I noticed in the shower this morning that the water was slightly green and was only lukewarm. Went down and investigated to find a lot of rust in the lower thermostat area of our electric State water heater. It was dry in there and behind the plastic cover. The upper thermostat seems fine.

I had to break free the insulation and cover somewhat as it was all rusted together. The water heater is only a year old and was already “rebuilt” once a few months ago.

Any idea what could be wrong with it? Is it just cursed?

Thanks for any suggestions.
It is under warranty but I just want to be aware of what the issue might be, in case the plumber is dishonest about it when they come out.

 

[Twowaxhack]

it’s probably condensation.

Call the manufacturer or read on their website about condensation. Its free, it’s informative and it will answer your questions about water or rust found around the jacket of your water heater.

 

[Mjs2007]

Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll look into that. I’m just not sure how condensation would cause the unit to not work, or why the water would be discolored.
Also wondering how it happened so fast. As I said it was “rebuilt” (words of the plumber) a couple months ago, and there was no rust at that time.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll look into that. I’m just not sure how condensation would cause the unit to not work, or why the water would be discolored.
Also wondering how it happened so fast. As I said it was “rebuilt” (words of the plumber) a couple months ago, and there was no rust at that time.

It probably wouldn’t unless it was excessive condensation.
Do you often deplete the entire tank or nearly deplete the tank of hot water ?

Not sure why the water would be green. That’s strange

If it was luke warm you could have a bad thermostat or an element defect.

You could have a small leak.

Things break. A plumber can install new parts on anything and the parts break. Even what is considered quality parts can have defects.

I had a delta faucet cartridge last week that was defective. I’ve installed brand new water heaters and they leak. It happens.

Steel can rust overnight.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Maybe it got wet when the plumber worked on it and when he put it back together it rusted

I’d check for leaks around the elements and make sure nothing was wet.