How Do I Get Rid of the Smell in My Water Heater?

Does the water smell like rotten eggs, you smell something burning or anything unusual? It could be because of the accumulated sediments and debris. And once the water and tank get hot, the sediments and debris will get hot too (this could be the burning smell). The burning smell might also be caused by faulty electrical components or leaks. If it smells like rotten eggs, it’s probably sulphur or hydrogen sulphide (usually caused by bacteria that can process sulphates naturally present in water).

How do I get rid of the smell in my water heater

About the burning smell, usually the first step is to check the electrical or gas lines for any problem. For removal of other odours (e.g. sulphur), flush the tank and the lines to remove and carry away any particles, debris and some of the bacteria. To kill the bacteria and remove the sulphur smell, a qualified technician can also do chlorine disinfection.

For those tasks it’s highly recommended to let a professional do them. It’s especially the case if you suspect an electrical or gas problem. There could be a leak in the lines or the wiring is already defective. Aside from the smell, a more worrying concern is the fire hazard. It’s good to have your hot water system inspected immediately in this case.

It could also be the case if you notice anything else unusual about your hot water. Perhaps the water doesn’t get hot enough or water doesn’t flow as much as it used to. It could be because of a leak, faulty thermostat, corrosion and other causes.

Getting rid of the smell from your water requires dealing with the root causes. But for that to happen, a proper inspection and diagnosis should be done first. A licensed technician can do that and determine the root cause. After all, it’s about your safety and your peace of mind, which is why it’s crucial to get technical assistance as soon as you can.

You can phone us today at (02) 9722 4500 or 0404 136 681 (after hours) if you have any concerns about your hot water system. Whether you smell something unusual, the water doesn’t get hot enough or if it’s time for servicing, you can always count on our team to get the job done.