Causes and Solutions of Rotten Egg Odor in Hot Water System
by Guest Post on Oct 15, 2011
The hot water system emerges as a savior in chilling winters. But what if the hot water starts sticking? This is not a rare case. Often users start getting a supply of smelly water, which is most of the time similar to a rotten egg. Moreover, things become more critical when none of the solutions work that can control this. Surely it is vexing.
The most common reason for such smell in water is anaerobic bacteria. These bacteria are found in some water that readily reacts with the aluminum and magnesium sacrificial anodes which are used in most water heaters to bring forth hydrogen sulfide gas. This leads to the smell of classic rotten eggs in hot water. This issue is very common in well systems water supply, both in private and municipal.
What you should avoid
Often plumbers and handymen advise removing the sacrificial anodes from the hot water system to resolve the problem of smelly water. Initially, this might solve the problem, but may raise another trouble in long run, i.e. rusting. You may find your heating device rusting out in record time, voiding the set warranty.
Furthermore, people also commit the mistake of replacing a magnesium anode with an aluminum one. This doesn't solve the problem but rather produces rotten eggs that smell just like magnesium.
Controlling stinking hot water
Until you completely get rid of it you can try out this simple and short-term solution. Clean up your hot water system with hydrogen peroxide. For this, shut down the cold water valve that supplies water into the heater and drain out some water from the tank. Now, open the tank from one side and dump in a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Replace everything as early, let the cold water get in again, and allow water running from all the taps. This will wash out the existing bacteria and will probably provide odor-free water until you allow the water to stay in the heater for longer.
Fixing the stinking hot water system
If you want a complete solution, replacing the standard magnesium or aluminum anode rod with an aluminum/zinc alloy anode is the right idea to implement. Here, zinc is the key ingredient that resolves the problem, because as said above aluminum is ineffective. Additionally, aluminum/zinc anodes are the cheapest alternative for this issue. This will not only solve your problem but also ensure that you don't get troubled in near future.
Here are some issues highlighted about Hot Water Systems and ways to control it in this article. It's posted by me John K. Taylor for Stiebel Eltron. Stiebel Eltron is one of the globally recognized manufacturers of water heating systems in Australia whose head office is in Holzminden, Germany. They provide Water Filters and many energy-saving heating products worldwide.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
91571 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
72602 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71010 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
51167 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
29958 Views
Latest Articles
Before You Sign: How Home Inspections Identify Hidden Hazards in Your Future Home
Buying a home is exciting, but hidden dangers can turn that dream into a nightmare if not addressed early on. Beyond what is visible during a...
on Oct 18, 2024
The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...
on May 17, 2024
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower
Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...
on Jan 22, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Container Gardening
Container gardening can be as simple as putting a potted plant on your porch. But even the simplest garden can become a big mess or a legal...
Replacing Small Heating Appliance Plugs
Steps on replacing older heating small appliances. Depending on how old the appliance is, you may be better off replacing the unit, rather than...
Is it Cheaper to Build Your Own Shed?
If your home is becoming crowded with clutter and your garage is overflowing to the point that you do not even remember what you do and do not own...
What Shower Curtains are Often Made with Vinyl
A curtain can’t just be taken lightly. You have to see what it’s made out of so you can find something that is not only beautiful but also easy to...
Foods That Attract Certain Species of Birds
Find out how to attract birds, especially cardinals, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, woodpeckers, grosbeaks, and towhees to a new feeder, mix...