Very often, replacing the standard magnesium or aluminum anode rod with an aluminum/zinc alloy anode will solve the problem. The zinc is a key ingredient, since pure aluminum anodes will also reek to high heaven.
Get rid of the anode rod and replace it with a CorroProtec powered anode rod. It lasts for 20 years, eliminates the sulfur stink immediately and permanently. No need to keep treating the tank with peroxide or chlorine over and over. It's a once and done fix! It's the magnesium anode rod that promotes the stink.
The anode rod attracts corrosion-causing minerals in the water, which can lead to the buildup of bacteria. This bacteria can produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which has a distinctive "rotten egg" smell.
The water heater anode rod is a key part of keeping your hot water tank in good shape and extending its service life. Without regular replacement, however, you may risk excessive corrosion, leaks and damage to your plumbing system.
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.
Turn the heater off, clean it thoroughly, and replace the filter. If the musty smell remains, there may be mold or mildew in your home's ductwork. Leave ductwork cleaning to properly trained HVAC professionals. Doing so ensures the use of the right chemicals and tools by technicians with experience.
An important part of your water heater, it moves cold replacement water to the bottom of the tank when you use hot water; otherwise, both will mix and reduce the water temperature. Anode Rod Replacement: While an anode rod costs between $20 and $50, a plumber can replace it for $50 to $150.
Your sacrificial anode may last longer, but if it's been more than 5 years since a human being even set eyes on it then you're long overdue for an inspection. That's because, in some cases in particularly mineral-rich water, the anode rod will last less than a single year – although 3-5 years of life is about average.
Note: If your anode rod is on the top of the heater, you will only need to allow the tank to drain about a quart or 1/2 a gallon of water. If the anode is located on the side, drain the tank until the water is below the anode rod port.
Aluminum Zinc Anode Rods
Zinc, unlike aluminum or magnesium, is not conducive to producing hydrogen sulfide. Therefore, when you replace the existing rod with an aluminum zinc alloy rod, it helps reduce the hydrogen sulfide gas, thereby mitigating the smell.
Disinfect and flush the water heater with a chlorine bleach solution. Chlorination can kill sulfur bacteria. If all bacteria are not destroyed by chlorination, the problem may return within a few weeks. Increase the water heater temperature to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for several hours.
Without a functioning anode rod, the tank itself would start to corrode, leading to leaks and system failure. This is why the condition of the anode rod is often a good indicator of the overall health of the water heater.
Unfortunately a new magnesium, or even aluminum, rod can increase the smell compared to an exhausted rod. A powered anode protects like magnesium or better, and it does not facilitate H2S production. sanitizing can have a very good effect.
Chlorine bleach can effectively remove medium to high levels (over 6 mg/l) of hydrogen sulfide. The chlorine in the bleach chemically reacts with (oxi- dizes) the hydrogen sulfide eliminating the "rotten egg" odor. Chlorine bleach also reacts with iron or manganese, and disinfects water supplies.
The frequency of anode rod replacement can vary based on factors like water quality, the volume of water usage and the type of rod used. However, most professionals recommend inspecting the anode rod every one to three years and replacing it every four to five years.
The tried and true way to remove the “rotten eggs smell” from your hot water tank is to replace your water heater's anode rod with a zinc-aluminum rod. While the aluminum will fight against corrosion, the zinc will combat the reaction that creates the rotten egg smell.
Remove it from the tank and check its condition. A corroded anode rod may look pitted; in serious cases, sections of the rod may be missing altogether. If the anode rod is corroded, it's time for a replacement.
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.
The frequency of anode rod replacement depends on several factors, such as water quality, usage patterns, and the type of anode rod installed. In most cases, we recommend inspecting and potentially replacing the anode rod every 3 to 5 years.
All water heaters have a minimum of one anode rod. Some water heaters have longer warranties because they have two anode rods. If there are two anode rods, that is because one is attached to a hex head at the top and the other is a combination anode attached to the hot water outlet.
The anode rod attracts corrosive elements, such as oxygen and hydrogen sulfide, which would otherwise corrode the walls of your hot water tank.
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.
“Dirty Sock Syndrome” refers to when a foul-smelling, mold- or mildew-like odor comes from your air conditioner when you first turn it on. This happens when moisture, dust, and dirt build up on your AC system's evaporator coil, inviting bacteria and mold to multiply.
The smell of car exhaust inside your home could mean the furnace is not venting properly. Furnace vent pipes vent gases that are created during the combustion process outside. Contact a professional to check for blocks in the pipes to ensure carbon monoxide isn't spilling back into your home.