Yes, our water heaters deal with rusty, smelly water at some time in their life span. So, what causes it?
It’s caused by the build-up of dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas in our water, coming from the sulfur and iron in the soil. When this gas accumulates in our water heaters, we get that horrible rotten-egg smell and dirty-looking rusty water. This is especially true if you are gone for a while, and the water heater has stood unused during that time. Then, sulfate-reducing bacteria can move in and cause dark, slimy, bad smelling and rusty water. And this ugly slime can damage your water heater, and clog up and corrode your plumbing; another situation you want to avoid.
This rusty, smelly water will also cause blackening corrosion on your dishes and eating utensils made of metals like silver, steel, brass, and copper. It will also stain your sinks, showers, and bathtubs – anywhere hot water flows – and stain your clothes in your washer. Adding chlorine bleach to your water heater and appliances won’t solve the problem. It may even add to it when the bleach mixes with the iron and manganese found in the hydrogen sulfide.
So, don’t ignore that rotten-egg smell. Take it as a warning sign to call Paul the Plumber, before you have a very expensive problem on your hands. There are water filters that can remove the hydrogen sulfide gas from the water and prevent the smell and stains. Contact him as soon as you notice that smell.