My hot water has a rotten egg odor. What is causing this?
Sulfate reducing bacteria in the hot water heater are the cause of this smell in hot water. These are non harmful bacteria that can grow in extreme temperatures. They are found in some hot springs. These bacteria take sulfate and change it into hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell). Remedy this by turning the water heater all the way up for 24 hours and then flush it and return it to its normal temperature. Caution: Be extremely careful of scalding water during the 24 hour period this water will burn very quickly. Extra caution should be used around children.
