When you turn on the hot water tap and expect clean, fresh water, you might feel a little uneasy when you smell something bad. A frequent issue that many homes deal with is smelly hot water. Although it might seem unimportant, this is a surefire indication that there is a problem with your plumbing system or water heater. Fortunately, identifying and fixing the majority of the reasons behind foul-smelling hot water is not too difficult. This post will discuss the most effective ways to fix a broken water heater and frequent causes of bad-smelling hot water so you may finally get rid of the odor.
Common Causes Of Smelly Hot Water
An unpleasant sulfurous or “rotten egg” odor in hot water is often the primary source of its aroma; however, its source could take various forms. Hydrogen Sulfide gas production by bacteria often accounts for this issue but other variables could compound it further.
- Bacterial Growth In The Water Heater
Bacteria growth inside water heaters is often to blame for foul-smelling hot water. Although most plumbing systems treat their water to inhibit bacteria’s spread, hot temperatures and stagnant waters in a water heater can encourage it. Once bacteria start growing inside a heater, hydrogen sulfide gas (rotten egg smell) is released due to interactions between it and magnesium and aluminum anodes within.
- Corroded Anode Rod
Water heaters have an anode rod that, by self-sacrificing, guards against corrosion inside the tank. The distinctively bad smell is produced when the anode rod corrodes over time and, if it is composed of magnesium or aluminum, reacts with sulfur compounds in the water. A foul odor may arise from an anode rod that is too badly damaged to operate correctly.
- Contaminated Water Supply
Sometimes sulfur compounds or organic material may be present in untreated well water supplies that reach homes through plumbing systems – this may make your entire plumbing system smell unpleasant rather than just hot water taps.
- Low Water Temperature
It can easily foster an atmosphere where germs flourish if the water temperature in your heater is set too low. This is particularly true for infrequently used water heaters, where the water might stand still for extended periods of time.
Water Heater Repair Solutions
After determining the most frequent reasons for foul-smelling hot water, let’s look at practical fixes.
- Flushing The Water Heater
Flush the water heater. This is one of the easiest yet most effective solutions to deal with smelly hot water. Odors might arise from the accumulation of bacteria and sediment at the tank’s bottom over time. The water quality and heater efficiency can be enhanced by eliminating these impurities through tank flushing. To keep your water heater operating at its best, many plumbers advise flushing it at least once a year.
- Replacing The Anode Rod
Reinstalling a new anode rod is an easy and fast solution if the smell is coming from a corroded one. Due to their reduced reactivity with sulfur compounds and decreased propensity to generate hydrogen sulfide gas, zinc or aluminum-zinc alloy anode rods are actually installed by a lot of homeowners.
- Raising The Water Temperature
Consider setting the temperature of your water heater to approximately 140F (60C) for several hours to prevent further bacterial growth. By increasing this temperature, any bacteria producing hydrogen sulfide are destroyed – however, be wary when raising this number! When raising it gradually as this raises scald risk – proceed carefully when raising temperatures; once at this level flush to flush away dead bacteria.
- Disinfecting The Water Heater
For more serious bacterial infections, licensed plumbers could advise using hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the water heater. This method involves killing microorganisms in the water heater tank by applying a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution. Once all dead germs and hydrogen peroxide have been eliminated, the tank is completely cleansed.
- Install A Water Filtration System
Setting up a filtration system could be the best course of action if your water supply is the source of the odorous water. To maintain clean and fresh hot and cold water throughout your house, a whole-house filtration system may eliminate sulfur compounds and other impurities from your water supply before it enters your house.
When To Call A Professional?
If you’re not sure about the origin of the issue or how to remedy it, it’s always advisable to speak with a professional plumber. Some water heater repair solutions, like flushing the tank or replacing the anode rod, can be completed by competent do-it-yourselfers. Some more significant plumbing or water heater problems that need for professional evaluation and repair might occasionally be indicated by smelly water.
Conclusion
The presence of sulfurous hot water may indicate deeper problems with your water heater than merely a bothersome taste. You are able to bring your water back to its original, odorless form by determining the problem and using the right repair remedy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with a licensed plumber if your water smells bad all the time. They can assist in identifying the problem and setting it right away.
