Treating Foul-Smelling Hot Water

June 14th, 2011 | Author: | Plumbing and Plumbers

Hot water, once considered a luxury, is considered to be a necessity by many, so any issues with the hot water in your home are immediately problematic. If your hot water develops a foul odor, not only is it unpleasant, but it may be a sign of damage to your water heater. Typically, foul-smelling water is caused by sulfur-producing bacteria that may reside in hot water heaters, especially in those with magnesium tubes.

Fixing Your Heater

Fortunately, there are a number of solutions to this problem that you can attempt before you begin to consider water heater replacement. These possible solutions include:

  • Raise the temperature: This is the simplest, most direct solution. Turn the temperature of your water heater to above 160° F, let it sit for several hours, and then flush your system. After it refills, the bacteria should be gone.
  • Replace the anode tube: Water heaters typically come equipped with anode tubes, often made of magnesium, to prevent the tank from rusting. Unfortunately, these tubes can also help the bacteria to propagate. If your anode tube looks damaged or corroded, contact a specialist to replace it.
  • Chlorinate the system: if the problem persists, you may need to chlorinate your system to fully kill the bacteria. Chlorine feeders or periodic chlorine flushes are some of the ways you can keep your heater in great working order.

These useful tips may be able to solve a foul-smelling water problems. However, if these options do not work, you will need to have your hot water heater replaced.

If you or someone you know has problems with foul-smelling hot water and needs a professional to assess the problem, contact a plumbing professional.



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