Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:21:36 -0400
From: Dr John R Dykers
Subject: sulfur smell to hot water
Just noticed similar odor starting about 3 weeks ago. Also have a new hot water heater from about 6 months ago. No longer use water softener.
Heard somewhere that a modification of hot water heater was appropriate and you report possibly replacing the water heater “anode”. Would greatly appreciate knowing what “anode” is on a hot water heater. Liles installed the hot water heater and I just called and they confirmed that the “anode” entry pipe is sometimes the problem and will order an aluminum one to replace the present “anode” that contains magnesium that is apparently reacting with our well water.
This pipe apparently carries the entering cold water to the bottom of the tank nearer the heating coils and allows the hot water to exit from the top.
If anyone understands the details more accurately, please post!
John Dykers