why is my water yellow

[Sunking]

So any other ideas?

Time for professional help. Start with a Lab Test which is inexpensive.

[steff503]

Well it's back!!
Once again yellow water. I got a water test kit, tested for Ph, Chlorine,Hardness, Iron, Copper, Nitrites and Nitrates, all results good.
So any other ideas?

[steff503]

Hey thanks,
We pulled the rod. It was very pitted, not at all smooth. There is also grit in the bottom of the tank. I removed the rod and plugged the opening and refilled. Got really good and hot today and still no yellow!!
Good call.

[LucMan]

Your tank seems to be stainless steel, but still has a magnesium anode rod. Perplexing. I suggest you pull the anode rod and take a look at it to see if there is any magnesium left on it. The anode rods have a steel center core that maybe exposed,rusting and giving you the yellow water. If this is the case replace the anode rod with a new magnesium not aluminum anode rod. Yes the magnesium rods cost twice as much but will be more effective at protecting your tank and they are available as sausage link type so that they can be re-installed in low ceiling height applications.

[steff503]

LucMan, We are neighbors, I am in Sullivan county NY
It is this tank

http://www.solar-water-heater-pro.com/solar-hot-water-tank-40-gallon.aspx

water system pressure in tank is about 48psi

[LucMan]

What type of tank is it? What is your water system pressure?

[steff503]

This is a new solar water heater. I hope it has not rusted already. Is there a way to test if it is rust?

[Sunking]

Brown, orange, red, or yellow is most likely rust. If it is a gas or electric water heater means time to change it out now as the lining has failed and a leak soon to follow.

[steff503]

I have a direct, single coil tank with back up electric. The water comes out yellow. Is there any one thing that could cause this? We have flushed the tank but after it heats the water is yellow.
I have an other water heater, propane, same water supply it is not yellow. Although before we got this system the water from the propane heater was yellow.
I had the water dpt out they did not know what could cause it.
Any ideas would be appreciated.

Steff