How Sulfur Smell in Hot Water Occur?

How Sulfur Smell in Hot Water Occur?

The sulfur smell(also named rotten egg odor) is caused by hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. How does this sulfur smell occur? The hot water heater tanks is an ideal environment for the production of hydrogen sulfide gas.

When the water heater tank is filled with water, the excess electrons provide the energy needed by the sulfate-reducing bacteria to produce H2S gas.The sulfatereducing bacteria thrive in the temperature range of most water heaters. In addition, the water heater tank provides for an extended contact time. Where there are many free electrons due to the corrosion of the anode, the hot water heater can be a major contributor to rotten egg odor problems. If the odor is not detected at the cold watetap, the water heater is probably to blame for odor problems.