Hot water smell

[lundy]

I have a sulphur-like smell when using hot water; mostly in vanity and shower. After a few seconds, it tends to disappear. I have flushed the entire water system, drained and flushed the hot water tank, replaced the filters. Also replaced the annoid (sp?)rod in hot water tank. Any other suggestions?

[lundy]

I have a sulphur-like smell when using hot water; mostly in vanity and shower. After a few seconds, it tends to disappear. I have flushed the entire water system, drained and flushed the hot water tank, replaced the filters. Also replaced the annoid (sp?)rod in hot water tank. Any other suggestions?

[VAGABONDMAN]

Lundy,

you may have picked up some sulphate reducing bacteria (not harmful to us but obnoxious)which is most noticeable in the hot water because the heat drives off the gas you smell. You can chlorinate your system to get rid of it. You can also use hydrogen peroxide the same way; it's less obnoxious. You can install the chemicals by draining the tank a little and inserting them thru the pop off valve hole (remove the valve). Fill up the tank and pump some water thru the hw system and related plumbing; let it sit ~30 min and then flush. You can buy 37% peroxide at the pharmacy in pint bottles; I suggest you put ~5 ounces in the tank. It will take 5 to 7 times the volume of the hw system to completely flush, so you might want to drain first.

[Ted III]

Lundy, Frank's suggestions are excellent, just make certain that you have any/and all water pressure shut-off and all pressure out of the tank. Watch the hot water or allow it to cool down. Bottom line: Be careful.

Ted

[lundy]

Thanks all. I am migrating north at this time but will use your suggestions in the next few days.

This will blow some of your socks off. While traveling today, I received a call on my cell from WRV in response to my question. I wish I caught the name but he got the heads-up from (I think) Burk who read my question on the forum. He picked up the phone to have me look for another cause of the smell. About ran off the road!!! This is truly a positive step wouldn't you say?

[Lorna]

You might want to filter all incoming water (even to your holding tank). We use a sediment filter plus a Whole house filter that will filter out cysts and pesicides.