Water Heaters - Hot water odor
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cemack
06-19-09, 05:10 AM
I replaced my electric hot water heater about 4 months ago and now my hot water has a strong odor. I have well water and my cold water has no odor at all. Any ideas??:confused:
Superswede
06-26-09, 06:50 PM
Hi,
This is caused by (harmless) sulphur reducing bacteria. Hard water makes it worse. Being left unused for long periods makes it worse too.
Most, if not all water heaters come with an anode rod made of magnesium - that's probably what you've got in the new water heater. Replacing the magnesium rod with a zinc rod is the first thing you can do.
Also, add a pint of hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) for every 40 gallon capacity. Repressurize it and run hot water to all hot water fixtures until it just warms. Then leave undisturbed for at least one hour - or better yet, over night. Don't worry about the hydrogen peroxide - it's harmless at this concentration.
When you don't use hot water for longer periods of time - turn the heater off. It will discourage the bacteria to return. They like it warm.
Source: The water heater work book, by Weingarten
Also check <a href="http://www.water-heater-quick-guide.com/water-heater-anode-rod.html" target="_blank">this out</a>.
This is caused by (harmless) sulphur reducing bacteria. Hard water makes it worse. Being left unused for long periods makes it worse too.
Most, if not all water heaters come with an anode rod made of magnesium - that's probably what you've got in the new water heater. Replacing the magnesium rod with a zinc rod is the first thing you can do.
Also, add a pint of hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) for every 40 gallon capacity. Repressurize it and run hot water to all hot water fixtures until it just warms. Then leave undisturbed for at least one hour - or better yet, over night. Don't worry about the hydrogen peroxide - it's harmless at this concentration.
When you don't use hot water for longer periods of time - turn the heater off. It will discourage the bacteria to return. They like it warm.
Source: The water heater work book, by Weingarten
Also check <a href="http://www.water-heater-quick-guide.com/water-heater-anode-rod.html" target="_blank">this out</a>.