Atlantic Bacterial Growth and Anode Reaction

Atlantic water heater emits a metallic or sulfur (rotten egg) odor from hot water taps.

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Possible Causes

Low water temperature setting, stagnant water in tank, magnesium anode reacting with sulfates, bacterial contamination

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Avoid inhaling vapors directly from hot water. Do not use chemical disinfectants not approved for potable water.

  • Increase the thermostat setting temporarily to 60–65°C and run the heater for several hours to perform a thermal disinfection cycle (check Atlantic manual for maximum allowed temperature).
  • Flush several tank volumes of hot water through the taps to clear stagnant water.
  • If odor persists, consider replacing the magnesium anode with an Atlantic aluminum or electronic anode if compatible with your model.
  • In severe cases, drain the tank completely, rinse, and disinfect the system following local regulations or with the help of a professional plumber.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Magnesium Anode Rod
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