GE
Hydrogen Sulfide Odor in Hot Water
GE water heater emits a rotten egg or sulfur smell from hot water taps.
Advertisements
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.
Advertisements
Possible Causes
Reaction between sacrificial anode rod and sulfur-reducing bacteria, high sulfate content in water, stagnant water in tank
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Odor is unpleasant but typically not dangerous. If you suspect gas leak, contact your gas utility immediately.
Steps to address odor:
- Flush the tank: Drain and refill the tank to remove stagnant water.
- Disinfect: Follow GE or plumbing guidelines to chlorinate the tank (using a measured amount of household bleach introduced through the hot outlet, then flushed thoroughly).
- Replace anode rod: Consider replacing the standard magnesium anode rod with an aluminum/zinc alloy anode compatible with GE heaters, which can reduce odor.
- Water treatment: If odor persists, consult a water treatment specialist for whole-house filtration or treatment options.
Advertisements
Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Advertisements