If you’ve ever noticed your hot water smells like rotten eggs, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. But don’t worry, there are ways to fix it! In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common causes of why your hot water might smell bad and what Houston water heater repair can help get rid of the odor. Keep reading to learn more!
If you need water heater repair or other plumbing services, reach out to our experts now to schedule service.
Why Does My Hot Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs? Do I Need Water Heater Repair Services?
Hot water can sometimes have an unpleasant smell of sulfur, which is often likened to rotten eggs. This odor is likely caused by hydrogen sulfide gas and is a common water heater repair issue. Although this smell generally isn’t harmful, it may indicate a water heater malfunction or water contamination. Fortunately, resolving this issue may be as easy as flushing out your water heater tank or replacing the anode rod. A professional plumber can help you identify the cause of the smell and fix the issue so you don’t need to plug your nose every time you run the hot water tap.
Rotten Egg Smell from Your Water Heater Usually Means Bacteria in the Tank
The smell of rotten eggs is usually some form of sulfur gas. What many people don’t realize is that many bacteria give off small amounts of sulfur gas as a waste product. If your hot water smells like rotten eggs, it’s almost always because there’s bacteria buildup in the water heater tank. These bacteria are usually harmless, so many municipal water systems don’t take a lot of action to fight them, instead focusing on things that can actually make you sick. Of course, that’s not really helpful for the smell, plus many people prefer not to drink any bacteria, harmful or not. The good news is that plumbing repairs for smelly hot water are usually pretty simple and straightforward for your expert plumbers.
Houston Water Heater Repair for Rotten Egg Smells
If your hot water has started to smell like rotting eggs, then it’s time to do some water heater repair. As we mentioned, bacteria is usually the cause of these unpleasant odors. There are several types of water heater repair that can help with the issue. Your plumbing company in Houston can help determine the right course of action for your home. Just give us a call and we’ll find the right fix for your water heater. In some cases, it may be as simple as flushing out the water heater. In other cases, you may need more involved services.
Flushing the Water Heater
Flushing out your water heater is one potential way to clear up any issues you’re experiencing. It involves removing the water inside the tank and refilling with new water. In many cases, this is enough to clear out bacteria buildup that’s causing the sulfur smell. Some people DIY this as a regular maintenance measure, but if you’re struggling with smelly water, it’s probably best to leave it to a water heater repair professional. We can flush the water heater correctly and also provide further service if needed.
Replace the Anode Rod
The anode rod in your water heater is designed to attract minerals that can corrode the inside of your water heater tank. As such, it’s a vital component that has a huge impact on how long your water heater lasts. Usually, you need to replace this every five to seven years.
The issue is that many anode rods are made of magnesium or aluminum. These work well for attracting corrosive minerals, but they can also attract sulfates in the water and cause reactions that cause those stinky smells from your hot water. One option is to simply replace the anode rod with a zinc or zinc aluminum alloy rod instead. These don’t react the same way with the bacteria and sulfates in the water, so they’re less likely to cause odors in your water.
Add a Water Purification System
If you have persistent issues with smelly hot water, then you may need to explore options for stopping bacteria from getting into your water heater tank in the first place. Rather than providing water heater repairs and service, this means looking at water purification systems. These can be placed in the water main that leads to your whole house to remove bacteria before they can make it to your water heater, preventing contamination and those unpleasant smells. It’s a more expensive option that does require some planning but might be a good option if you’re struggling with frequently smelly water. Just keep in mind that installing one of these systems doesn’t replace routine maintenance for your water heater, so you’ll still need to flush the tank and provide other maintenance services regularly.
Houston Water Heater Repair & Plumbing Services from Santhoff Plumbing Company
If you’ve noticed that your hot water smells like rotten eggs, there are a few potential causes and solutions. Our team at Santhoff Plumbing Company is here to help with all your water heater and plumbing service needs. Whether you need emergency water heater repairs in Houston or just need general maintenance for your home’s plumbing system, our experts offer exactly what you need. With 49 years in the business, we are your go-to plumbing company in Houston. Trust us for all your plumbing needs. Contact us now to schedule plumbing or water heater service.