Read the pattern
Compare a cold sample in a clear glass, hot and cold at several fixtures, first draw and later flow, recent main or plumbing work, nearby reports, and how long the condition lasts.
Decision terrace 14
Move from evidence to a bounded authorization
Hold the safety line
Wait to drink unexplained discolored water and avoid filling the heater while cold water remains discolored under SPU guidance. Do not mix cleaners, dismantle treatment equipment, or improvise a hot flush.
Place the Seattle boundary
SPU's live page distinguishes trapped air, system disturbance, internal rust, heater involvement, and reporting thresholds. Use the current steps rather than an undated neighborhood anecdote.
Write the visit
Private work should identify which fixture, service, interior pipe, heater, or treatment component will be checked, why, whether sampling is needed, and what finding would justify replacement.
Keep the closing evidence
Confirm improvement under the same outlet, temperature, timing, and settling conditions. Keep the public case, sample notes, replaced part, and follow-up instruction separate.
Current public source