It sounds like you’ve been dealing with an unusual issue of fibrous white material coming through your faucets, particularly concerning since it’s accompanied by rust. Here’s an exploration of possible explanations and solutions:
Possible Explanations for the White Fibrous Material
1. Disintegrating Dip Tube: A common culprit in cases like this is a deteriorating dip tube from the water heater. The dip tube is a plastic pipe inside your water heater that directs cold water to the bottom of the tank for efficient heating. Older dip tubes, particularly those made from certain plastics, can degrade over time, especially with heat, breaking down into thin, fibrous particles. Even if you’ve replaced your water heater recently, residual fragments could still be present throughout your plumbing system, caught in filters, valves, and aerators.
2. Rust and Debris from Water Heater Components: If the rust is appearing alongside the fibrous material, it may stem from ball bearings or other metallic parts in the old water heater. Rust can be “typical water heater crud” and often appears with sediment buildup. As the old water heater deteriorated, some metal parts might have broken down, contributing rust and metal flakes.