Stinky Hot Water Problem (Gulfport: house, water heater, store)

[gulfporter]

The house we purchased in Gulfport was vacant for 3+ months. Now that we're back from the move, we can really smell the sulphur in the HOT water. The fresh cold water is fine coming in from the City water system.

Short of emptying the HWH, any suggestions on getting rid of the smell from the water in the HWH....or, do we just wait it out. If so, for how long??

We moved into the house full-time this past Friday. It's just the two of us and it's a pretty big HWH.

[vaughanwilliams]

If it really bothers you, just empty and flush the tank. Make sure you turn off the power first so you don't burn up the elements.

Or just put up with the smell until it flushes itself out.

[kmarc]

Originally Posted by gulfporter

The house we purchased in Gulfport was vacant for 3+ months. Now that we're back from the move, we can really smell the sulphur in the HOT water. The fresh cold water is fine coming in from the City water system.

Short of emptying the HWH, any suggestions on getting rid of the smell from the water in the HWH....or, do we just wait it out. If so, for how long??

We moved into the house full-time this past Friday. It's just the two of us and it's a pretty big HWH.

Usually it takes anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks MAX to flush out. Normally 3 days to a week.

[nealrm]

There is a chance you are just smelling the sulfur because the water is hot. Take some cold water and boil it on the stove. If it also smells, it's the water and not the heater.

If the cold water is OK, flush the water heater. You want to get rid of the sediment at the bottom. Opening the plastic value that normally comes with the tank is only min effective. It is also likely to leak after it is open. So you might as well do it right. Go to the hardware store and get a 3/4 inch threaded metal pipe about 3" long and a ball value to fit. Turn off the water heater. If electric, turn off the circuit breaker; if gas set the control to off. Turn on the hot water faucets throughout the house and let them run. Once they stop running hot, turn the water off to the water heater. Open the drain value, and let the tank drain. Once it has stopped, remove the value. Turn the water back on to the heater to proved water to allow the sediment to flush out. You may need to beak up some of the larger chunks to allow them to pass. Once chunks stop coming out turn off the water.

Warning: The amount of water coming out will cause a mess. Be prepared.

While you are waiting for everything to dry, attached the ball value to the 3" pipe. Use piping dope on the threads. Install the pipe/valve combo. Refill the tank and turn the unit back on.

This also has the benefit of making future water heater flushes easier. Regular flushes will extend the life of your heater and allow the unit to run more efficiently.

[gulfporter]

Took the lazy way approach; in a week the smell dissipated on its own.

[LKJ1988]

Anytime a hot water heaters sit for a while it smells like that.

[gulfporter]

Originally Posted by CHASLS2

Anytime a hot water heaters sit for a while it smells like that.

Haven't experienced the sulfuric smell in other (vacation) homes that we've left vacant for several months in Arizona and in Mexico.

[kmarc]

Originally Posted by gulfporter

Haven't experienced the sulfuric smell in other (vacation) homes that we've left vacant for several months in Arizona and in Mexico.

There's sulfur, and then there's something that smells like sulfur. I can't speak to Pinellas County, but in Hillsborough, many folks who have wells also have a genuine sulfur problem. In addition to the odor, it can also yellow the clothing in the laundry and other things. There is special water conditioning equipment for that.

However, people who are on public water in Hillsborough County sometimes get an odor that is similar to sulfur, but is not produced by sulfur. Ignorant water treatment salespeople will tell them they have a sulfur problem when they don't. The diagnosis sure sounds reasonable to the customer, because it does smell kind of like sulfur, and then they get sold a piece of equipment that doesn't handle the problem.

Generally, what it is, is a gas produced by bacterial die-off. That sounds bad, but it isn't. It means that the water utility is doing its job. Higher levels of bacteria were detected, they pump in more chemical to kill it off and voila! The resulting gas (which is harmless) produces an odor like sulfur. And it usually dissipates quickly, which is why people wonder about a sulfur odor that comes and goes.

Bottom line, if you're on a well, it's probably sulfur, especially if the clothing turns yellow. If you're on government water, it's not sulfur and will probably go away.

[LKJ1988]

Originally Posted by gulfporter

Haven't experienced the sulfuric smell in other (vacation) homes that we've left vacant for several months in Arizona and in Mexico.

Don't know about them states.