How do you get rid of sulfur smell in cold water?

Disinfect and flush the water heater with a chlorine bleach solution. Chlorination can kill sulfur bacteria. If all bacteria are not destroyed by chlorination, the problem may return within a few weeks. Increase the water heater temperature to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for several hours.

Can anode rod causing rotten egg smell?

Many anode rods are made of magnesium or aluminum. When these rods corrode, the metals react with the sulfates in the water, turning the sulfate into stinky hydrogen sulfide.

Can a hot water heater make your water smell like rotten eggs?





The most common odor problem from water heaters is a rotten egg smell that comes out of your faucets and fixtures when running water. This smell is typically caused by sulfate bacteria that can develop within the tank.

What type of anode rod gets rid of sulfur smell?

Aluminum Zinc Alloy sacrificial anode

GET RID OF ROTTEN EGG SMELL – Aluminum Zinc Alloy sacrificial anode rod made of high-quality Aluminum Zinc Alloy that is key element for permanently eliminate rotten egg smell from water tank.

Why does my cold water smell like sulfur?

Only cold water smells like sulfur: The major culprit behind cold water smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur is sulfate-reducing bacteria. Poor aeration and corrosion are often factors that increase the growth of this type of bacteria.

Why does my water smell like rotten eggs only one faucet?





Sulfur tries to find the path of least resistance to come out of, which is sometimes through the pipes leading to one particular faucet. It’s possible a pipe to the faucet is kinked, trapping the sulfur inside its nooks and crannies. The odor could also be an issue with something rotting inside the drain.

Will an aluminum anode rod get rid of smell?

The Complete Fix, in Most Cases

Very often, replacing the standard magnesium or aluminum anode rod with an aluminum/zinc alloy anode will solve the problem. The zinc is a key ingredient, since pure aluminum anodes will also reek to high heaven.

How do I get rid of the rotten egg smell in my hot water heater?

Using Chlorine



But concentrated chlorination treatment, which involves adding a limited supply of chlorine bleach to your water supply, can actually help get rid of that rotten egg smell. Once the chlorine has been added to your water supply, you simply let your water run until that rotten egg odor dissipates.

How do you fix water that smells like rotten eggs?

Clear and Clean Your Water Heater: If the smell is coming from your water heater, turn it off and flush it entirely. Once empty, refill it, turn it up to 160 degrees, and let it run for several hours. This is usually enough to kill any bacteria.

Can you clean an anode rod?

You cannot clean your anode rod in your water heater . However, it is important to inspect the sacrificial anode rod every 1 to 3 years and replace it after more than 50% of its wear and tear to avoid corrosion of your tank.

Will a water softener remove sulfur smell?



It is better just to use a softener to soften the water and then have a separate system to remove the rotten egg odor, such as an Air Charger Sulfur Filter, or an Aeration Tank.

How long will water heater last without anode rod?

Diminished Water Heater Lifespan: Without a sacrificial anode rod replacement, the average tank water heater will last a maximum of 8-12 years. However, your water heater may start failing as early as 5 years old without this essential care.

How do I know if my water heater anode is bad?

Eventually, they do wear out, but how do you tell if anode rod is bad? The water becomes discolored and rusty and the rod is corroded when you open the tank. There are also other signs such as a rusty smell, sulfuric acid smell (rotten egg smell), and the water heater is making a noise.

What are signs that your hot water heater is going out?

7 Tell-tale signs of a Water Heater not working

  • You don’t have enough hot water. …
  • You have varying water temperature issues. …
  • You have a leaking water heater. …
  • You notice reduced water flow. …
  • You’re hearing some concerning sounds. …
  • You have smelly or discolored water. …
  • Your water heater is on the older end of the spectrum.


How do you know when to replace an anode rod?

Most water heater manufacturers will recommend inspecting the condition of the sacrificial anode every one (1) to three (3) years and replacing it when it has been consumed more than 50%. This is especially true if you have hard water or use a water softener.

How often should I replace water heater anode rod?

every 3-5 years

By replacing your anode rod every 3-5 years, your water heater can last well over 20 years without any risk of leaks and resulting water damage. Unfortunately, if you ignore this important water heater maintenance task, you may need to replace the entire water heater after only 10 years of use.

How much does it cost to replace a water heater anode rod?



An anode rod costs about $50. Some homeowners may feel comfortable replacing it themselves. If not, call a professional plumber, who can assist. The cost of having it replaced professionally may be around $250 or $300.

Is it too late to replace anode rod?

The downside is that if you wait too long to replace the anode rod, it may be too late. If more than five years has passed, it may be too late to save the water heater. Before changing the part, a plumbing professional can drain the water heater to gauge the extent of corrosion inside the tank.

Do I need to drain water heater to replace anode?

If you have a side mounted anode rod, you’ll need to drain more. Since many old rods are difficult to remove, having the extra weight in the tank will prevent the entire water heater from rotating as you attempt to loosen the rod. It’s recommended to let the tank water cool off a bit before removing the anode rod.

How do you check an anode rod?

Open the spigot and drain a little water to relieve some pressure and heat inside the tank before opening the top for the anode rod. Next, go to the top of your water heater and look for a hex head bolt. If you don’t see the hex head, it’s likely built into your water heater system.