Anaerobic Bacteria In Water Heater

Chances are good that the sulfurous smell is caused by anaerobic bacteria setting up quarters in the magnesium and aluminum elements of the heater creating gas.

Anaerobic bacteria in water heater.

Increase the water heater temperature to 160 degrees fahrenheit 71 degrees celsius for several hours. This will destroy the sulfur bacteria. Disinfect and flush the water heater with a chlorine bleach solution. Probably the best powered anode rod today is made by corro protec.

If all bacteria are not destroyed by chlorination the problem may return within a few weeks. Flushing to remove the dead bacteria after treatment should control the odor problem. Before calling in a plumbing contractor you may want to add a quick flushing procedure as part of your home improvement routine. They don t degrade prevent smelly water by killing anaerobic bacteria that leads to that rotten egg smell and protect your hot water heater from corrosive elements in the water.

There are hundreds of thousands of different types of anaerobic bacteria many routinely living in our colon off when we do not absorb or shed outnumbering aerobic bacteria. When this type of bacteria comes in contact with your anode rod it stinks. Hydrogen sulfide gas h2s and anaerobic bacteria combined with the standing hot water inside the tank are the main reasons for the rotten egg odor in hot water and water heaters. The smell of rotten eggs when you turn on the hot water usually means you have a problem with anaerobic bacteria.

Bacteria which do not survive well or long under low oxygen conditions thus not common in water exposed to the air for long. Anaerobic bacteria that s found in water mixes with sulfur aluminum and magnesium sacrificial anodes which is a fancy name for a rod that s screwed into the top of the tank. Chlorination can kill sulfur bacteria. Overall there are quite a few advantages to using powered anode rods.

As a result hydrogen sulfide gas is produced which causes the rotten egg smell. It smells terrible but is generally harmless. Turn off the cold water valve. The most hazardous bacteria found in water heaters is legionella pneumophila known to be the source of legionnaires disease a potentially fatal lung infection often misdiagnosed as common.

Try this easy diy fix for the stench.