Weil-McLain
Hydrogen Sulfide Odor in Hot Water
Weil-McLain water heater or indirect tank emits a sulfur or rotten egg odor 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 water chemistry, Bacterial growth in tank, Stagnant water in low-use systems
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Odor is usually not immediately dangerous but can indicate water quality issues. Do not ingest water if contamination is suspected.
- Flush the tank: Drain several gallons from the tank drain valve to remove stagnant water and sediment. Refill and repeat if necessary.
- Increase water temperature temporarily: Raising tank temperature to 140°F for a short period (with caution) can help reduce bacterial growth. Use a mixing valve to prevent scalding at fixtures.
- Consider anode rod change: In glass-lined tanks with anodes, replacing a magnesium anode with an aluminum/zinc anode can reduce odor. This should be done by a professional familiar with Weil-McLain tanks.
- Water treatment: Consult a water treatment specialist about chlorination or filtration if odor persists.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
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