Aquasana
Hydrogen Sulfide Reaction in Water Heater
Aquasana softener emits a rotten egg (sulfur) odor in hot water only
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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
Sulfate-reducing bacteria in water heater, Magnesium anode rod reacting with softened water, Infrequent water heater use, High sulfate content in source water
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn off power or gas to the water heater and allow it to cool before servicing. This issue is related to the heater, not a direct failure of the Aquasana softener.
Steps to reduce sulfur odor:
- 1. Flush water heater: Drain and flush the water heater to remove sediment and bacteria.
- 2. Disinfect heater: Follow manufacturer instructions to chlorinate the heater tank if needed.
- 3. Replace anode rod: Consider replacing the magnesium anode rod with an aluminum/zinc rod, which is less likely to produce odor with softened water.
- 4. Maintain temperature: Keep water heater at a temperature that discourages bacterial growth (consult local codes and safety guidelines).
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
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