What's Causing Your Water Heater To Smell Like Rotten Eggs in University Heights, OH?

When your water heater smells like rotten eggs, every shower and load of dishes feels unpleasant. The odor lingers in your bathroom, drifts into your kitchen, and makes your water seem unsafe even when it is not. The problem isn't just the smell; it's also what the odor means for your water heater.

If you want the issue gone for good, Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. provides quick plumbing repair services in University Heights, OH, to restore clean, hot water to your home.

The Science of Rotten Egg Smells

Inside a water heater, specific conditions create hydrogen sulfide, the gas responsible for the unmistakable smell. Bacteria in the tank feed on natural sulfates in the water, producing gas as a by-product. That gas dissolves into the hot water and escapes the second you open a faucet.

The result is a water heater that smells like rotten eggs. The chemistry is straightforward; When water is warm, still, and low in oxygen, microbes multiply. Add metal surfaces inside a tank, and the reaction speeds up. The reason cold water doesn't smell the same way is usually because it doesn't offer the bacteria what they need to survive.

Why Does My Water Heater Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

One of the most common plumbing calls we get is from homeowners asking us why their water heater smells like rotten eggs. If you notice any of the following issues, contact Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. to schedule plumbing services in University Heights, OH.

• A deteriorating anode rod corrodes inside the tank, releases odor, and fuels bacterial growth.
• Iron bacteria multiply when the heater sits unused and produce foul-smelling gas when you run the hot water.
• A water temperature set too low allows bacteria to multiply and turn your tank into a breeding ground.

Contact Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. to inspect your water heater, pinpoint the source of the smell, and restore clean-smelling water to your home.

Three Ways To Get Rid of the Rotten Egg Smell in Your Home

If your water heater smells like rotten eggs in University Heights, OH, follow the next steps to remove the odor and prevent it from coming back.

1: Flush and Sanitize the Tank

Start with a tank flush. Draining the tank clears sediment that shelters bacteria. Once the water runs clear, refill with a bleach solution, let it sit for thirty minutes, and flush again. The bleach kills bacteria that produce gas and helps sanitize internal surfaces.

As an added step, raise the water heater temperature briefly to 140°F. The heat kills microbes that survive flushing. Always warn your household first so no one risks burns while the water runs hotter than usual.

2: Replace the Sacrificial Rod or Upgrade to a Powered Option

Inspect the anode rod next. If it is heavily corroded or missing sections, replacement is overdue. An aluminum zinc tin rod often works better in homes where magnesium rods cause odor.

For a long-term fix, install a powered anode rod. Instead of corroding, it uses a small electrical current to protect the tank without feeding bacteria.

3: Adjust Settings, Fix Cross-Connections, and Purge Lines

Turn the thermostat up to 140°F for a short sanitation cycle, then lower it for safe use. If odors linger, check for cross-connections in your plumbing that let cold water blend into hot lines. Faulty cartridges or valves create the conditions that keep smells lingering.

Run every hot tap for several minutes to clear trapped gas from the lines and confirm the odor is gone.

Contact Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. For Help Getting Rid of Rotten Egg Smells in University Heights, OH

If the sulfur odor won't go away no matter what you do, contact a professional plumber. DIY fixes only go so far once bacteria have started growing inside the tank or parts are breaking down. Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. inspects your water heater, replaces worn components, and makes sure the problem's gone before we leave your home.

You'll see exactly what we replaced or repaired, and you'll know the issue won't return a week later. Our plumbers deliver honest service, explain what's happening inside your plumbing system, and keep your water safe and clean.



Strange sounds often point to sediment buildup or failing parts, and fixing them early saves you from bigger problems later. So check out our other blog post on noisy water heater issues.

Contact Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. today for plumbing services in University Heights, OH, if your water heater smells like rotten eggs.