How do I stop my hot water from smelling like rotten eggs?
One way to prevent the hydrogen sulfide smell is to use a zinc or aluminum-zinc alloy anode rod. The reason is that zinc doesn’t react the same way with bacteria as magnesium or aluminum (by itself). Using zinc will reduce the chances of you getting hydrogen sulfide in your water heater.
Why does my hot water smell rotten?
Wondering why your hot water smells like rotten eggs? The most common odor problem from water heaters is a rotten egg smell that comes out of your faucets and fixtures when running water. This smell is typically caused by sulfate bacteria that can develop within the tank.
How do you treat well water that smells like rotten eggs?
Increase the water heater temperature to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for several hours. This will destroy the sulfur bacteria. Flushing to remove the dead bacteria after treatment should control the odor problem.
How do I get the rotten egg smell out of my faucet?
The easiest way to eliminate a foul odor in your home’s water supply is to run all the faucets for around 10 minutes. Running water from every faucet can clear out the rotten egg smell.
Where is the anode rod in a water heater?
The anode rod will be located on the top side of the unit. In some cases, it may be directly connected to the hot water outlet line on top of the heater. If you have the user manual for the water heater, it will include a diagram which shows where the anode rod is located, otherwise consult the manufacturer’s website.
How do you clean a smelly hot water heater?
If the cold water does not contain odors, but the hot water smells bad, then a thorough sanitizing of the water heater tank with 1 to 2 pints of store-bought hydrogen peroxide will eliminate the odor and smell from the water heater.
Why does only one faucet smell like rotten eggs?
Sulfur tries to find the path of least resistance to come out of, which is sometimes through the pipes leading to one particular faucet. It’s possible a pipe to the faucet is kinked, trapping the sulfur inside its nooks and crannies. The odor could also be an issue with something rotting inside the drain.
How long will a water heater last without an anode?
Diminished Water Heater Lifespan: Without a sacrificial anode rod replacement, the average tank water heater will last a maximum of 8-12 years. However, your water heater may start failing as early as 5 years old without this essential care.
Will a water softener remove rotten egg smell?
It is better just to use a softener to soften the water and then have a separate system to remove the rotten egg odor, such as an Air Charger Sulfur Filter, or an Aeration Tank. There are standalone aeration carbon tanks that aerate the water and then they backwash and that can work well.
Can sulfur in your water harm you?
If the sulfur level in your drinking water is not too high, it shouldn’t lead to any health issues. However, too much sulfate could lead to the following problems: Diarrhea and dehydration: Drinking water with a high sulfate content can have a laxative effect and lead to diarrhea, which can then cause dehydration.