Alpha
Odor from Bacterial Growth / Anode Reaction
Rotten egg or sulfur smell from hot water only.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Reaction between Alpha magnesium anode rod and sulfur in water, Bacterial growth in tank, Low hot water usage
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Turn OFF power or gas. Water may be very hot.
- Flush tank: Drain and flush the Alpha tank thoroughly to remove stagnant water.
- Disinfect: Follow Alpha or plumbing guidelines to disinfect the tank (often by temporarily raising temperature and/or using approved disinfectants).
- Replace anode: Consider replacing the magnesium anode rod with an aluminum/zinc Alpha anode rod designed to reduce odor.
- Use water treatment: If on a well, treat the water for sulfur and bacteria.
Persistent odor issues may require consultation with a water treatment specialist.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
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