Although there can be many reasons water in general may take on a rotten egg odor, in almost all cases if the smell starts shortly after you get a new water heater, this new smell is a symptom of the sacrificial anode rod beginning to break down.
All new water heaters smell. It is assembly oils from the manufacturing processes. It goes away over time.
Disconnect the cold water inlet piping on top of the hot water heater. Drain approximately one gallon of water from the drain valve located on the lower side of the water heater. Add liquid household bleach to the water heater at the cold water inlet. Use a half gallon of bleach for a 40-gallon water heater.
Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.
Your water supply contains either sulfur compounds that react on heating to produce H2S or SO2... or sulfur-reducing bacteria that produce the same gases (and others) in stagnant warm/hot water.
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.
You'll spend between $20 and $50 on the rod. If you choose to hire a water heater pro to get the job done, an anode rod replacement will cost you between $200 and $300. If you're not sure whether to handle this repair yourself, first examine your water heater.
-Reduced Efficiency: As scaling collects at the bottom of the tank, your water heater will become less effective at heating the water in the tank. -Corrosion: If your water heater goes long enough without a proper flush, you could also have corrosion attacking the tank itself, weakening its structural integrity.
In a word, yes. Water heaters – both tanked and tankless varieties – should be flushed at regular intervals. With this proactive maintenance step, the heater runs efficiently for a longer period of time, and service issues are less frequent.
That dreaded “rotten egg” odor that is isolated to your hot water supply is the result of a chemical reaction in your water heater. Naturally occurring ions in all water supplies called sulfates have a taste for stainless steel, as snacking on it allows them to transform into a gas known as hydrogen sulfide.
Ensure there is proper ventilation to allow air circulation and discourage the growth of anaerobic bacteria. Regularly inspect and clean the tank, ideally at least once a year or more frequently if necessary. Consider using a water treatment system or water purifier to further improve water quality.
Using a hydrogen peroxide solution of 2 pints 3% peroxide to 40 gallons of water, treat tank and run some of the solution into water lines. Let the peroxide solution set in tank and pipes for 2 hours. Solution is not toxic and requires no rinsing It kills off the bacteria.
Bacteria growing in the water heater: Bacteria growing in the water heater can also produce a rotten egg or sewage smell. Frequently, this occurs if the hot water is unused, if the water heater is turned off for a significant period of time or if the thermostat on the heater is set too low.
Sediment will build up in your water heater, and the only way to limit this is by flushing the hot water heater or using a water filtration system. Sediment gathers on the anode – or element – and limits its potential.
The anode rod attracts corrosive elements, such as oxygen and hydrogen sulfide, which would otherwise corrode the walls of your hot water tank.
However, most professionals recommend inspecting the anode rod every one to three years and replacing it every four to five years. If your water supply has a high mineral content or if your water heater usage is heavy, these timelines may need to be shortened.
This time will be sufficient to clear out any debris resulting from installation. So, how long should you let water run after a new tank-style water heater installation? Given the design style of the system, you will need to run water through for a longer time, for at least 20-30 minutes after it has been installed.
Sediment that accumulates in your tank. (Don't worry! It doesn't come out of your faucets.) If neither you nor a professional have flushed your water within the last five years, Water Heaters Now recommends not flushing it yourself.
Expect a pro to charge you between $75 and $200 to come to your home to flush your water heater, depending on where you live. While this cost deters many homeowners from performing this annual maintenance, it can extend the water heater's lifespan by years, making it worth the additional cost.
In general, plumbers cost $45 to $200 per hour, while electricians cost $50 to $100 per hour. Expect the following average price ranges for labor alone: Replacing a tank-style water heater: $150–$450. Replacing a tankless water heater: $600–$1,850.
If you suspect your water heater is more than 10 years old—it is time to consider replacing it before you're left with an emergency decision. To determine the age of your water heater, you'll need to identify the Brand Name and Serial Number for your unit.