Water smells like rotten eggs

Priscilla V September 27, 2011

I understand the concern that you are having with the smell coming from your Water Heater. I have taken the time to research on the Manage My life website and have located a link that is similar to your issue. While you are waiting for a detailed reply from an expert I have attached the link below.

Fred M EXPERT September 29, 2011

This odor is from hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. Concentrations of as little as 1 ppm can result in this odor. The smell is the result of four factors which must all be present for the odor to develop in a water heater:

1.There must be a high concentration of sulfate in the raw water. (Typical of well water) 2.There must be little or no dissolved oxygen in the water. (Also typical of well water) 3.There must be sulfate-reducing bacteria within the water heater. This bacteria is non-toxic to humans and originates in the water source. 4.There must be an excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This may be provided by the cathodic action of some anode rods in glass lined water heaters.

With these factors present, the hydrogen and sulfur combine to form the hydrogen sulfide gas that gives off the “rotten egg” odor to the water. Active use of the water heater will reduce the problem. However idle water heaters (such as during vacations or other periods of little or no use) will allow the accumulation of this hydrogen sulfide gas and aggravate the odor problem.

Smelly water can most easily be eliminated or reduced by chlorination of the hot water system (both the water heater and all hot water lines) to kill the sulfur reducing bacteria and replacement of the glass lined water heater’s anode rod with one of a less active material. In most cases, replacement of the glass lined water heater’s anode with one made of a less active material (part number 9001453) will reduce the production of hydrogen sulfide gas to an acceptable level. The aluminum rod is less active than a magnesium rod and thereby provides for longer tank protection. The aluminum rod takes care of most complaints of the “Rotten Egg” odor.

Chlorination Procedure: After removing the existing anode rod, household bleach must be added to the water heater tank at a ratio of one (1) cup for every (5) gallons of water heater capacity. Bleach may be poured directly into the anode opening or through any other water fitting on top of the tank. Install the new less active anode rod and refill the tank completely. Turn on each hot water tap slowly and allow the water to flow until the chlorine can be detected. Turn off the hot water taps and let the water stand in the hot water distribution piping for no less than 2 hours (Preferably 8-12 hours). Flush the complete hot water distribution system through each hot water tap after the chlorination treatment.

The less active anode rod #9001453 is available at SearsPartsDirect . If you need more assistance, you can resubmit your question with more details.

That all said and to answer your question the rods should work in your unit as well.