To stop your water from smelling, you can disinfect and flush your water heater using a chlorine bleach solution, which is effective against sulfur bacteria. Here’s how to tackle the issue:
Understanding the Cause of Smelly Water
Often, a rotten egg smell in your water indicates the presence of sulfur bacteria. These bacteria can thrive in your water heater, producing hydrogen sulfide gas, which is responsible for the odor.
Steps to Eliminate Water Odor
Here’s how to address the smell effectively:
1. Chlorination
- Disinfect: Use a chlorine bleach solution to disinfect the water heater, killing the bacteria.
- Flush: Thoroughly flush the water heater after chlorination to remove the bleach solution and dead bacteria.
- Reoccurrence: Keep in mind that if chlorination does not destroy all the bacteria, the problem can return in a few weeks.
2. Temperature Increase
- Heat: Increase the water heater temperature to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for several hours to further eliminate bacteria.
3. Table Summarizing Actions
| Action | Description | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorination | Use bleach solution to disinfect & flush water heater. | Kills sulfur bacteria causing the smell. |
| Temperature Increase | Heat water heater to 160°F (71°C) for several hours. | Further eliminates surviving bacteria through heat treatment. |
Additional Tips
- Regular Flushing: Regularly flush your water heater to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Professional Help: If the issue persists, consider consulting a plumbing professional for further investigation.
- Check Source: If the problem is with your home water supply, check your well water for contamination.
By using these methods, you can eliminate the odor and enjoy fresh-smelling water.
