An Unusual Smell Near Your Tankless Water Heater Mineral buildup and corrosion can cause a metallic smell as well. It could turn the water brown or rust-colored. If you notice a stale, musty, or rotting smell near your water heater, it might have a leak.

How do I get rid of the smell in my tankless water heater?

If the cold water does not contain odors, but the hot water smells bad, then a thorough sanitizing of the water heater tank with 1 to 2 pints of store-bought hydrogen peroxide will eliminate the odor and smell from the water heater.

Can a tankless water heater smell like sulfur?





In a tankless water heater, hot water is not stored in a tank; rather it is produced on demand. Since there is no anode rod, heating elements, or steel tank to corrode, there is no hydrogen sulfide produced to cause the sulfur smell in your hot water.

Is it normal to smell gas from a tankless water heater?

If you smell gas from a tankless water heater, it means there is a leak somewhere, which you need to get fixed out immediately. A tankless water heater will give out gas-only when there is a gas leak or incomplete combustion. Of course, a gas leak is hazardous, so it isn’t something you should overlook.

Why does just my hot water smell?

This smell is typically caused by sulfate bacteria that can develop within the tank. This issue usually happens when warm water is left too long in the tank and bacteria builds up in the water. This problem can also happen if you have well water and are not treating the water with chlorine in the well.

How do I fix my hot water smell like rotten eggs?

How to Get Rid of Rotten Egg Smell in Water

  1. Flushing Your Tank Out. …
  2. Using Chlorine. …
  3. Replacing Your Anode Rod. …
  4. Installing a Water Softening System. …
  5. Replacing Your Water Heater.




Why does only my hot water smell like sulfur?

Only hot water smells like sulfur: If the sulfur smell is present only when you use hot water, the problem could be caused by chemical reactions coming from your hot water heater. Most hot water heaters contain a metal rod called an anode. These rods help eliminate corrosion in your water heater tank.

How do you know when a tankless water heater is bad?

Signs Your Tankless Water Heater System Needs Repairs

  1. A drop in hot water pressure. …
  2. Lukewarm water. …
  3. The water heater keeps shutting off. …
  4. Unusual behavior from other appliances. …
  5. Leaks.

Is rotten egg smelling water harmful?



If the sulfur level in your drinking water is not too high, it shouldn’t lead to any health issues. However, too much sulfate could lead to the following problems: Diarrhea and dehydration: Drinking water with a high sulfate content can have a laxative effect and lead to diarrhea, which can then cause dehydration.

Why does my hot water smell like sewer?

Bacteria growing in the water heater: Bacteria growing in the water heater can also produce a rotten egg or sewage smell. Frequently, this occurs if the hot water is unused, if the water heater is turned off for a significant period of time or if the thermostat on the heater is set too low.

How do you get rid of sulfur smell in water?

Increase the water heater temperature to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for several hours. This will destroy the sulfur bacteria. Flushing to remove the dead bacteria after treatment should control the odor problem.

Why does my hot water smell like poop?



Clogs and drain obstacles are two common causes of this problem. A block in the drain is frequently responsible for preventing water from freely flowing through the pipes. Water is frequently surrounded by other solid materials. It smells like poop when these materials decompose or rot.

How do I disinfect my hot water heater?

Pour a ½ to 1 gallon of bleach into the water heater through the hot water outlet opening. Install the A420 anode rod. Re-connect the hot water supply line to the hot water outlet on the water heater. Turn on water supply and draw water at each hot water faucet in the residence until a Chlorine odor is noticed.

What happens if you don’t clean your tankless water heater?

What happens if I don’t flush out my tankless water heater? Mineral deposits may build up. This could cause a clog within the unit and may prevent normal heating activity. Your hot water could also fluctuate and overheat the system, impacting its efficiency.

How much vinegar do I need to clean a tankless water heater?

Use 4 gallons (15.1 liters) of undiluted white vinegar to clean your tankless water heater. Never use chemical solutions of any kind.