Ruud
Hydrogen Sulfide Odor / Anode Reaction
Ruud 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, High sulfate content in water, Stagnant water in tank, Aluminum anode corrosion
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Odor is unpleasant but typically not dangerous. However, ensure adequate ventilation when working with bleach or disinfectants.
- Step 1 – Flush tank: Drain and flush the tank thoroughly to remove stagnant water and sediment.
- Step 2 – Disinfect tank (if allowed by manual): Some Ruud manuals permit sanitizing the tank with a diluted bleach solution. Follow manufacturer guidelines for concentration and contact time, then flush completely.
- Step 3 – Replace anode rod: Consider replacing the magnesium anode rod with an aluminum/zinc anode or a powered anode designed to reduce odor, using a Ruud-compatible part.
- Step 4 – Treat water supply: If odor persists, consult a water treatment specialist about whole-house filtration or disinfection.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
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