WHY DOES MY HOT WATER OCCASIONALLY SMELL LIKE ROTTEN EGGS?
The rotten egg smell is caused by hydrogen sulfide (H 2S) gas. Although the smell is unpleasant it is not harmful. Water heater tanks can provide an ideal environment for the production of hydrogen sulfide gas because it is a result of the corrosion of metals, such as the steel in a water heater. Although most water heaters are glass lined to prevent corrosion, it is impossible to prevent cracks from occurring. To protect the steel exposed by cracks in the glass, a magnesium anode rod is used in water heaters to prevent the production of hydrogen sulfide. When this rod becomes too corroded it loses its efficiency and the rotten egg smell is produced. This rod can be replaced by a water heater dealer.
