Kenmore
Hydrogen Sulfide Odor Due to Anode Reaction
Kenmore water heater emits a rotten egg or sulfur smell from hot water taps
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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
Magnesium anode rod reacting with sulfur bacteria in water, stagnant water in tank, high sulfate content in supply
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Odor is unpleasant but usually not dangerous. Work carefully with hot water and chemicals.
- Flush tank: Drain and flush the tank thoroughly to remove stagnant water.
- Disinfect: Follow Kenmore or plumbing guidelines to shock-chlorinate the tank (using appropriate bleach concentration), then flush completely.
- Replace anode rod: Remove the existing magnesium anode and install an aluminum/zinc anode rod designed to reduce odor. Use proper torque and thread sealant.
- Water treatment: If odor persists, consider a whole-house treatment system or consult a water treatment specialist.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
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