Strange odor coming from faucet?
#1
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Strange odor coming from faucet?
Hi Folks-
First post here (In the plumbing forum anyway) . . .
I seem to be getting a strange odor (almost like sulfur) coming from a bathroom faucet, particularly when using hot water. I do occasionally sense the odor when the shower is running, but it doesn't seem as strong.
I had the hot water tank replaced approximately 5 years ago.
I have town water & sewers.
Any thoughts? Does it sound like a hot water tank issue? Hopefully not a backflow issue (i.e, sewage? - is this even possible)?
Sounds like it could potentially be the build up of bacteria in the hot water tank? I assume this would require proper flushing and disinfecting?
Thanks in advance!
First post here (In the plumbing forum anyway) . . .

I seem to be getting a strange odor (almost like sulfur) coming from a bathroom faucet, particularly when using hot water. I do occasionally sense the odor when the shower is running, but it doesn't seem as strong.
I had the hot water tank replaced approximately 5 years ago.
I have town water & sewers.
Any thoughts? Does it sound like a hot water tank issue? Hopefully not a backflow issue (i.e, sewage? - is this even possible)?
Sounds like it could potentially be the build up of bacteria in the hot water tank? I assume this would require proper flushing and disinfecting?
Thanks in advance!
Last edited by neskier; 06-29-11 at 09:32 AM.
#2
It is possible the sacrificial zinc anode is doing it's job. You have hard water most likely. That is not to say you don't have a bacterial problem in the tank. I have the same problem if my rental cabin is not rented for several weeks. I remove the whole house water filter, put about a cup of bleach in it and turn the water back on to the filter. Then I run hot water until I smell chlorine. It usually does the trick for me. As long as the water is used daily, I have no problems with it. I am not really sure of a permanent cure.
#4
Inside your water heater is a sacrificial anode rod. It's job is to sacrifice itself in a hard water situation. The byproduct of this is an odor causing chemical reaction to water. When this anode rod wears itself to nothing it can be replaced without having to replace the water heater.
#5
You need to read this.
Disinfect the water heater and try the material anode suggested in the link below. They sell complete kits. I have used them before for homes in my area. Alot of homes in my development suffer from smelly hot water.
You want a aluminum/zinc alloy anode
Its the aluminum and magnesium rods that are the issue.
Solutions to Stinky Water In Water Heaters
Sacrificial Anodes: What keeps water heaters from rusting out
Mike NJ
Disinfect the water heater and try the material anode suggested in the link below. They sell complete kits. I have used them before for homes in my area. Alot of homes in my development suffer from smelly hot water.
You want a aluminum/zinc alloy anode
Its the aluminum and magnesium rods that are the issue.
Solutions to Stinky Water In Water Heaters
Sacrificial Anodes: What keeps water heaters from rusting out
Mike NJ