Water Heater Repair : Water is Discolored or Smells Bad

If your water has a strange odor, first determine whether the problem is with the source water or the water heater. If you smell gas near the water heater, shut off the pilot light, close the gas shutoff valve, and call your gas utility company for assistance.

In most cases, an odor is caused by a reaction between the hot water heater’s anode rod and water that has a high concentration of sulfate. Let the hot water run for two or three minutes. If it smells a bit like rotten eggs, the anode rod may need replacement. Call in a plumber. 

If the cold water smells, the problem is more likely with your source water.

Iron, copper, and other minerals can cause discoloration in water. If the problem is with both the hot and the cold water, consider installing a whole house water filter and/or water softener. If the problem is only with the hot water, flush the water heater tank as discussed below.


How to Flush & Drain a Water Heater

Before draining and flushing your water heater, turn off the gas or electric power (depending on whether it is a gas or electric water heater) and let the water cool a little. Close the incoming water valve and attach a hose to the drain valve to run the water into a large bucket or to a drain or the outdoors. Open the drain valve and open one hot water faucet somewhere in the house to let in air. When all water has drained from the water heater, turn the cold water valve on and off until the water from the drain runs clear. Then close the drain valve and the hot water faucet, open the cold water valve, and turn the water back on.