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So I just read the other thread where the person is getting a foul odor from a seldom used bathroom. We are sort of having the same problem, but here is the deal...
Every night when my husband comes home from walking the dog he goes up to our master bath (which we use DAILY, several times a day) and washed his hands, takes his contacts out, etc. While I am in the family room I am rushed with the foul, rotten egg smell. This also happens when someone takes a shower. I have had two plumbers out (from different companies) and each time the odor didn't happen. It mostly happens at night...It's almost like it builds up all day and then bam-stink. (B/c we use it in the AM and in the PM and during the day it doesn't really get used) The plumbers have never done anything, they just try and smell and when they don't smell anything, they leave...
This smell is AWFUL. Gross. ANyone have any ideas? We went and bought a drain cleaner that the one plumber recommended, but that didn't help. They both said maybe the hot water heater was bad b/c that can produce that type of odor, but then they both said they doubt it as ours is fairly new. Do you think the stink pipe in the roof could be clogged? I am at my wits end!
Don't take the anode out it's sacrificial and unless you just like replacing water heaters it's there for your benefit.
You can cut the water off to the water heater and power and drain it outflushing it several times...I would go ahead and replace the anode if you haven't....every two years or so they should at least be checked and replaced as needed...I would just go ahead and replace it e very two years.
You on a city sewer, methane coming into your system, try dumping about half gallon of bleach down drain, let it sit for hour or so then follow up with some boiling or hot as you can get water, cheap fix but the gas usually works it's way back eventually, check with the city and see when the last time they cleaned their lines.
We just fixed this but we are on a well. We added a chlorine injection system for about $300 and no more smell. Bought it online and hooked it up ourselves. We're adding another filter to get most of the chlorine out (although you can't smell it AT all) and that will hopefully be the end of it. Not sure if the same applies to municipal water.
Don't take the anode out it's sacrificial and unless you just like replacing water heaters it's there for your benefit.
You can cut the water off to the water heater and power and drain it outflushing it several times...I would go ahead and replace the anode if you haven't....every two years or so they should at least be checked and replaced as needed...I would just go ahead and replace it e very two years.
Removal is what water heater dealers suggest. Most builders just remove them in my area. How does an anode protect you????
We just fixed this but we are on a well. We added a chlorine injection system for about $300 and no more smell. Bought it online and hooked it up ourselves. We're adding another filter to get most of the chlorine out (although you can't smell it AT all) and that will hopefully be the end of it. Not sure if the same applies to municipal water.
I am glad it worked however, I try more conservative things first.
Make sure you have adequate water pressure from the wellhead.
If I was a dealer I would be telling you to take them out also. It's kinda strange the water heaters I have go out that never have the anode rod changed....managed to make it about 5.5 to 6 years.....with a 5 year warranty that's not really all that good.
I know what it is for. If it makes the water unusable, what is the point?? My has bee out for 12 years, with no problems. Builders takes them out in our area before there is a problem. Really, these site sale anodes.
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