What should you do when your new water heater smells like rotten eggs? The foul smell can happen to anyone, not only to old heater owners but also to new ones. It’s not about whether you have good hygiene, but it can be embarrassing and lead to the talk of everyone you know, especially if you have guests who often come and visit.
Many homeowners notice a distinct hot water smell resembling rotten eggs, particularly when using hot water for the first time.
Knowing the real reasons for the smell can prevent the issue from happening again. And don’t worry. This issue has solutions, so there are always ways to deal with it.
The Main Cause
As someone who has worked hands-on with numerous water heaters, I’ve often encountered the rotten egg smell. The most common culprit is hydrogen sulfide gas, which can form when sulfate-reducing bacteria interact with the magnesium or aluminum anode rod inside the water heater.
This gas is notorious for causing unpleasant odors and stains on fixtures. While this smell is alarming, it is often a sign that your water heater requires attention.
Hydrogen sulphide is likely the main culprit why your water heater smells weird. It may come from various sources, like the heater tank, the water plant, or even your building’s infrastructure.
Remember that the gas is usually not dangerous because the amount within the pipes is very small and limited. But it doesn’t mean that you should underestimate it. It can lead to issues like digestive problems, dizziness, or eye irritation.
It’s good that your nose should be able to detect the gas, even at its lowest level. The smell would be so pungent and unbearable if it were too much. The thought of bathing or drinking the water would be so disgusting.
Other Possible Causes
There are also other possible causes why the new water heater smells like rotten eggs:
- You have (leftover) warm water in the tank. The stale and hot water would be a perfect breeding spot for bacteria. If this is the case, you can apply chlorine but can’t use the water for at least 24 hours. You can also flush the heater, but the pro should do it.
- Your water source has been contaminated. This is possible when you live in an area with a warm environment and low oxygen levels. You can try using cleansing solutions or tablets.
- The unpleasant odor originates from hydrogen sulfide gas, produced when water bacteria react with the heater’s anode rod.
In my experience, another critical aspect to consider is the material of the anode rod. Replacing a magnesium anode rod with an aluminum/zinc alloy rod successfully eliminated the rotten egg smell in one particular case. This type of rod significantly reduces the production of hydrogen sulfide gas, thereby preventing the odor from recurring.
New Hot Water Heater Smells Like Rotten Eggs
Having personally installed and serviced new water heaters, I can assure you that they should not emit any odor, let alone a rotten egg smell. If you detect such a smell, it’s a sign that something is amiss, likely related to the anode rod or water quality. Consulting a professional is crucial to diagnosing and addressing the problem before it escalates.
| Cause | Symptoms | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen sulfide gas | Rotten egg smell, yellowish/black stains | Replace magnesium anode with aluminum/zinc rod |
| Contaminated water supply | Persistent foul odor | Use a water softener or shock chlorination |
| Bacteria reacting with anode rod | Rotten egg smell | Install a powered anode rod or perform regular tank maintenance |
Can I Shower if My Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs?
The water doesn’t smell like rotten eggs. It has more of a sulfur smell, which is pungent and distinct. The unpleasant smell makes you wonder whether using the water to shower is safe. In reality, sulfur is a natural element often found within the water.
Read also: 7 Symptoms of Gas Leak from Water Heaters
It’s safe for humans, too. Sulfur bacteria are responsible for causing the bad smell because they release hydrogen sulfide gas.
Using the water to shower is generally safe. It’s even safe if you want to drink the water. The smell won’t damage or affect your hair or skin. But then again, the smell can be a put-off. Usually, people would avoid taking a shower with water.
But if you don’t have any problem with the new water heater that smells like rotten eggs, you should be fine, and you won’t have to worry about it affecting your health.
