The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Water Heater hot water smells bad are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
Gas Water Heater Not Heating? Gas Water Heater Troubleshooting
Gas Water Heater Leaking? Gas Water Heater Troubleshooting
Electric Water Heater Too Hot? Electric Water Heater Troubleshooting
Electric Water Heater Not Heating? Electric Water Heater Troubleshooting
Electric Water Heater Leaking? Electric Water Heater Troubleshooting
Gas Water Heater Pilot Not Lighting? Gas Water Heater TroubleshootingThe rotten egg smell is caused by hydrogen sulfide in the water supply. Since this is from the water supply you will need to contact your local water treatment expert for water testing and treatment options.
The water heater uses an anode rod to help protect the tank from corrosion. It is often refered to as a sacrificial rod because its purpose is to attract minerals that would normally corrode the tank. In some cases certain chemicals and minerals in the water supply can cause the rod to produce a hydrogen sulfide gas that can make the hot water smell like rotten eggs. Try flushing the tank and changing the anode rod. If you have a magnesium rod you can try using a zinc or aluminum rod instead to get rid of the smell.
The water heater uses an anode rod to help protect the tank from corrosion. It is often refered to as a sacrificial rod because its purpose is to attract minerals that would normally corrode the tank. In some cases certain chemicals and minerals in the water supply can cause the rod to produce a hydrogen sulfide gas that can make the hot water smell like rotten eggs. Try flushing the tank and changing the anode rod. If you have a magnesium rod you can try using a zinc or aluminum rod instead to get rid of the smell.
