How To Fix Water Heater Odors
Water heaters are essential for our daily lives, providing hot water for showers, washing dishes, and other household needs. However, sometimes they can develop unpleasant odors, which can be quite a nuisance. In this blog, our plumbing experts at Arctic Air Conditioning will cover the common causes of water heater odors and provide practical solutions to fix them.
Common Causes of Water Heater Odors
1. Bacterial Growth
One of the most common causes of foul-smelling water from a heater is the growth of bacteria in the tank. This will often present itself with a smell of rotten eggs or sulfur and will occur more commonly in tanks that are set to a lower temperature. When the water is not hot enough, it creates an environment where bacteria can thrive. These bacteria react with the magnesium or aluminum anode rod in the tank, producing hydrogen sulfide gas, which causes the rotten egg smell.
2. Sediment Buildup
Over time, sediment can build up at the bottom of the tank and create a musty or earthy smell from your water or the water heater. This sediment can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which, in turn, causes the unpleasant odors.
3. Corroded Anode Rod
The anode rod in your water heater is designed to attract corrosive elements and prevent tank corrosion. However, over time, it can become corroded itself. This most often will cause a metallic or sour odor, but it can lead to a variety of smells, depending on what kind of bacteria or materials are reacting with the anode rod.
4. Contaminated Water Supply
Sometimes the issue isn’t with your water heater at all, but with the water supply itself. Various contaminants in your water supply can cause a variety of odors once the water is heated, so anything from chemical smells to rotten or musty smells.
How To Fix Water Heater Odors
Addressing water heater smells requires addressing the root cause of the odor. To help make your water heater smells go away, try the following steps:
1. Increase the Water Temperature
Set your water heater to at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (for a few hours). This higher temperature can help kill the bacteria causing the odor. Be cautious with this method as it increases the risk of scalding. Remember to revert to a safe temperature afterward.
2. Flush the Tank
Regularly flush your water heater tank to remove sediment buildup. To do so, follow these steps:
- Turn off the water heater.
- Connect a garden hose to the drain valve.
- Drain a few gallons from the tank.
- Refill the tank with fresh water and repeat until the water runs clear.
If you don’t feel comfortable flushing the water heater tank by yourself, you can also reach out to a professional plumber for assistance.
3. Replace the Anode Rod:
Check the anode rod to see if it’s corroded. If it is, you will need to have the anode rod replaced to get rid of any odors it is causing. This is a task that is best left to the professionals to ensure the anode rod is safely removed and replaced.
4. Check the Water Supply:
If you have tried the previous fixes and the odors are still persisting, it might be worth checking your water supply for contaminants. You can contact your local water supplier for a water quality report and consider installing a water filter to address specific contaminants.
When To Call a Professional Plumber
While many water heater odor issues can be resolved with DIY methods, some situations require professional intervention. Give the plumbers at Arctic Air a call if you are dealing with any of the following:
- Persistent odors: If you’ve tried the above solutions and the odor persists, it may indicate a more serious problem.
- Complex repairs: Issues like replacing the anode rod or performing a thorough disinfection can be complicated and may require a professional’s expertise.
- Water quality issues: If contaminants in your water supply are causing the odor, a plumber can help you identify and install the appropriate filtration systems.
- Routine maintenance: Regular professional maintenance can help prevent odor issues and ensure your water heater operates efficiently and safely.
Water heater odors can be unpleasant, but with a bit of knowledge and regular maintenance, they can be effectively managed. By understanding the causes and implementing these solutions, you can ensure your water heater provides clean, odor-free hot water for your home.
If the problem persists, you can reach out to Arctic Air Conditioning! Our team has served Old Bridge and the surrounding areas since 1977, so you can count on us for expert water heater services.
Call Arctic Air today to schedule water heater services in the Old Bridge area.