Richmond
Hydrogen Sulfide Odor in Hot Water
Richmond 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
Reaction between anode rod and sulfur bacteria, High sulfate content in water, Magnesium anode rod producing H2S gas
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Odor is unpleasant but typically not dangerous at household levels. Ensure good ventilation.
- Flush tank: Drain and flush the water heater to remove stagnant water and sediment.
- Disinfect system: Shock chlorinate the water heater and plumbing (follow local codes and Richmond guidelines) to reduce sulfur bacteria.
- Change anode rod: Replace the magnesium anode rod with an aluminum/zinc alloy anode designed to reduce odor in Richmond heaters.
- Water treatment: For well systems with persistent odor, consider installing a whole-house treatment system (e.g., aeration, filtration).
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
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