Anaerobic Bacteria In Water Heater

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.

Anaerobic bacteria in water heater.

Flushing to remove the dead bacteria after treatment should control the odor problem. The bacteria known as divibrio sulfurcans inside the heater s tank converts the sulfate into the hydrogen sulfide and makes the water smelly. 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. 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.

The smell of rotten eggs when you turn on the hot water usually means you have a problem with anaerobic bacteria. Overall there are quite a few advantages to using powered anode rods. 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. 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.

This will destroy the sulfur bacteria. Turn off the cold water valve. Bacteria which do not survive well or long under low oxygen conditions thus not common in water exposed to the air for long. It smells terrible but is generally harmless.

If all bacteria are not destroyed by chlorination the problem may return within a few weeks. Probably the best powered anode rod today is made by corro protec. Normally a hot water heater that smells like rotten eggs is due to anaerobic bacteria that are found in some water types in some parts of the country that react with the sulfur aluminum and magnesium anodes that are part of your hot water heater. Disinfect and flush the water heater with a chlorine bleach solution.

Chlorination can kill sulfur bacteria. When your water heater smells like sulfur here s what is probably happening. Before calling in a plumbing contractor you may want to add a quick flushing procedure as part of your home improvement routine. When this type of bacteria comes in contact with your anode rod it stinks.

Increase the water heater temperature to 160 degrees fahrenheit 71 degrees celsius for several hours.