Classic Rotten Egg Smell- Help

[Shuroko65]

Hey everyone,

I'm new here and I am also a new home owner...I recently bought a house that's got a 30 year old water heater I believe. It's electric.

When moving in we noticed a terrible smell from the hot water only, did not come from the cold water. This is water from a well. About 2 months ago I researched a lot and changed the anode rod in the tank. Wasn't too bad, it actually went pretty smooth. The smell actually cleared up for awhile, about a month and now I've noticed that it's come back stronger than ever. I did turn up the water to about 140 degrees but it seems to have done next to nothing. I only adjusted the lower thermostat. Does anyone have any suggestions? I can try turning it up again on both the upper and lower. Or is it just time for a new water heater? I'll try and attach some pictures. Thanks for your time.

 

[Reach4]

There is a good chance that a new water heater won't help. A magnesium anode helps produce H2S best and protect the WH best. An aluminum anode produces less H2S and protects medium. A powered anode does not produce H2S and protects as well as magnesium. I like the Ceranode anode, even tho it costs more, because it has the longer anode electrode.

Some just replace the anode with a 3/4 inch brass plug. It does not protect the WH, but you were willing to buy a new WH anyway.

I would sanitize my well, plumbing and WH if weather permits. Takes me maybe 32 hours. https://terrylove.com/forums/index....izing-extra-attention-to-4-inch-casing.65845/ is my sanitizing write-up

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Shuroko65]

There is a good chance that a new water heater won't help. A magnesium anode helps produce H2S best and protect the WH best. An aluminum anode produces less H2S and protects medium. A powered anode does not produce H2S and protects as well as magnesium. I like the Ceranode anode, even tho it costs more, because it has the longer anode electrode.

Some just replace the anode with a 3/4 inch brass plug. It does not protect the WH, but you were willing to buy a new WH anyway.

I would sanitize my well, plumbing and WH if whether permits. Takes me may 32 hours. https://terrylove.com/forums/index....izing-extra-attention-to-4-inch-casing.65845/ is my sanitizing write-up

Thanks for the quick response, yeah the anode I used was the cheapest one possible, a zinc coated aluminum. Probably should have spent some more money on it. I would rather not replace the unit, and I will definitely give the sanitation a shot. The water heater is still working fine.

 

[Jeff H Young]

30 years aint bad wish mine lasted 10 or the one before that house 21 years old 3rd water heater