Smelly Water
Jan 3, 2022 01:38:19 #
RodeoMan
Loc: St Joseph, Missouri
JBRIII wrote:
I thought a student proved that by the law of thermodynamics Hades is frozen over, git an A as I remember.
I can't argue with that. lol
Jan 3, 2022 06:58:15 #
Doc Mck
Loc: Terrell,Texas
Smells worse if the hot water has a long turn around time. In other words, is not used as often. Probably, no showering or bathing, just some hand washing and some glasses.
Jan 3, 2022 09:47:55 #
aphelps
Loc: Central Ohio
TriX wrote:
I don’t think he’s talking about the dip tube, I think he means replacing the anode rod, which, in addition to draining the sediment, is the correct solution to smelly hot water.
https://www.duncanplumbingsolutions.com/anode-the-life-of-water-heater
https://www.duncanplumbingsolutions.com/anode-the-life-of-water-heater
In many water heaters, the dip tube and the anode rod are combined in one unit.
Jan 3, 2022 11:21:03 #
How water dissolves less gas than cold water, so although the water may initially contain the same amount of sulfur dioxide, it will tend to escape into the air when the water is heated. Additionally, the heat may increase chemical reactions that produce sulfur dioxide from sulfur mineral salts in the water. An activated charcoal filter might be helpful.
Jan 3, 2022 12:04:53 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Maybe some of you can explain this. The American Legion Hall is a local meeting place for various groups. It has a kitchen with hot and cold running water. The hot water smells like sulfur (or something), but the cold water does not. Why one and not the other?
If you really want to resolve your stinky water issue, CONSULT A PLUMBER! The local city or county water works or plumbing inspector may be able to offer a solution, as might a knowledgeable sales person at a GOOD hardware, big box building supply store, or a plumbing supply store. These folks should be able to tell you if this is a DIY project & recommend the appropriate way for you to spend your money. Or, just go ahead, hire a plumber to to the job right the first time & be done with it. You should have some sort of warranty this way, too - unlike a DIY 'warranty.'
There have been nearly 4 full pages of comments posted, most are just WAGs, some are probably right, some are quite 'out there,' some are totally irrelevant - which is normal, or at least to be expected, from this site.
Good luck!
Jan 3, 2022 13:22:07 #
we had sulfer water in West Camp,NY. not uncommon .. the smell goes away with standing... "livewithable"
Jan 3, 2022 13:22:12 #
I agree...hot water tank probably needs to go.
Jerry, American Legion?..thanks for your service!
Jerry, American Legion?..thanks for your service!
Jan 3, 2022 13:34:57 #
fetzler wrote:
The sulfur may come from bacteria. If so changing the temperature to about 160 F -170F may help. If the temperature has been set lower. It can be returned to a lower value after a day or so.
160° is way to hot and not practical or safe. 140° can scald you. Increasing the temperature in a WH also shortens it's life.
Jan 3, 2022 13:39:19 #
aphelps wrote:
In many water heaters, the dip tube and the anode rod are combined in one unit.
That's true. I've replaced a few.
Jan 3, 2022 17:46:47 #
As others have said, the the anode rod in the hot water heater is reacting to sulphate in the water.
http://www.annarbor.com/home-garden/sulfur-smell-in-my-water/
http://www.annarbor.com/home-garden/sulfur-smell-in-my-water/
Jan 3, 2022 22:53:25 #
Jerry;
I live in an area with a low level of iron in the water. If the temperature setting on the hot water tank is slightly to low a iron bacteria can grow in the tank and the hot water can give off an order. Occasionally I will increase the set point on the tank and the smell will disappear after a few days. Of course you need to be careful and not raise it too far and make sure you warn anyone to be aware that the hot water is set to a higher temp set-point. After a couple of days and a little flushing of the hot water taps the smell is gone and I’ll tweak the tem setting back down. Worth a try.
I live in an area with a low level of iron in the water. If the temperature setting on the hot water tank is slightly to low a iron bacteria can grow in the tank and the hot water can give off an order. Occasionally I will increase the set point on the tank and the smell will disappear after a few days. Of course you need to be careful and not raise it too far and make sure you warn anyone to be aware that the hot water is set to a higher temp set-point. After a couple of days and a little flushing of the hot water taps the smell is gone and I’ll tweak the tem setting back down. Worth a try.
Jan 4, 2022 19:46:49 #
Probably your water heaters sacrificial anode rod dissolving through electrolysis or reacting with the minerals in the water.
Jan 7, 2022 08:33:42 #
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