Why is hot water sometimes cloudy?

Question

we live in a new build house our hot water is often cloudy when it comes out of the tap, cold is fine is it a problem with the boiler or is there another reason. (in Scotland)

Answer 1

It is cloudy because when water is heated, a chemical reaction takes place because of chemicals like chlorine in the water. The result is cloudy water. You get the same effect when you boil potatoes.

Nothing to worry about!!

Answer 2

My husband is a builder/plumper and he says that it is air in either the tank or the pipes. I'm not sure why it only happens with the hot water though!

Answer 3

Its thousands of microscopic air bubbles...Nothing to worry about at all....

Answer 4

I agree, I think it's the same with ice: you know some bits always look clear while other bits are white? I think that's also because of the small bubbles, which in this case have begin stuck and therefore do not disappear. I think the air bubbles in hot water are made because some of the water (which is now hot) 'wants' to evaporate, and therefore creates bubbles of gas in the water. Therefore, if left standing, these will either cool down or rise (due to less density) to the top and disappear (go in to the air). (Probably more the latter because this process may be faster.)

Answer 5

Sounds to me like what the others have mentioned. Air in the system (hot water side only) Tiny air bubbles making it appear cloudy. Do the water in the clear glass trick. Let it sit for a minute or two and see if it clears. If it doesn't and you see sediment on the bottom of the glass then you would have debris in the system that would need to be flushed out. I would have this inspected/corrected  by the builder at their cost. This could end up being a problem down the road; an unknown leak that goes unnoticed resulting in water damage.

Not saying it will but it's defiantly possible.

It could be caused by a bad connection somewhere (bad solder joint, a connection not properly tightened) It would be ok if it clears but it sounds like it hasn't.

Answer 6

simply air bubbles. incredibly small ones. put some in a glass and stir it and watch them slowly disappear