Bradford White water heater emits a rotten egg or sulfur smell from hot water taps.
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Odor is unpleasant but usually not dangerous. However, ensure there is no gas leak (which smells different) before proceeding.
Steps:
- Flush tank: Drain and flush the tank to remove stagnant water.
- Disinfect system: Follow Bradford White or plumbing guidelines to chlorinate the water heater and plumbing to kill sulfur bacteria.
- Replace anode rod: Consider replacing the magnesium anode rod with an aluminum/zinc anode rod designed to reduce odor in Bradford White tanks.
If odor persists, consult a water treatment specialist for filtration or additional treatment options.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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