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Often, the most important and frequently used resources in our homes are the ones we take most for granted. We rely on fresh, potable water for countless daily activities. We need it to drink, cook, bathe, brush our teeth, wash our hands, clean our homes, launder our clothes—the list goes on. Unclean or foul-smelling water is a major nuisance at best and health hazard at worst.
A common source of water woes is actually your home’s water heater. Various issues, from mechanical failures to bacteria build-up, can make for a stinky water heater. In this post, we’ll review some common reasons why your water heater smells.
The kind of smell you notice from your water heater is the best clue to help you diagnose the problem. Here are some common causes.
Electrical water heaters are susceptible to shorts. Occasionally, loose wires come in contact, generating heat. If your water heater is suffering from such an issue, you may notice the smell of a burning wire. If the wire’s insulation begins to melt, it might smell like burning plastic.
This kind of water heater malfunction will usually come on all of a sudden. If it appears your water heater has an electrical problem, don’t attempt to resolve the issue yourself. First unplug your water heater to avoid a fire or further damage. Then, if you have water heater home warranty coverage, submit a claim with your provider. If you don’t have coverage, call a trained technician.
As with any gas-fueled appliances, gas water heaters can develop a leak. If you smell gas in the vicinity of your water heater, shut off your appliance and immediately call the fire department. If you know how to shut off the gas to your home or appliance, do so. But don’t fuss with anything unless you know exactly what you’re doing. Once the gas is shut off and safety is ensured, contact your warranty provider or a repairperson to fix your water heater.
Older water heaters can accumulate dust, dirt, and grime. If dust or debris contacts a warm part of the machine, you may notice a burning smell. This is usually an easy fix. Shut down your water heater if it’s too hot to the touch. Then wipe clean with a damp cloth. If the smell persists, contact a professional.
Many homeowners notice the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs emanating from their water or water heater. This is due to a proliferation of sulfate bacteria in your water heater or water source. If you notice the sulfur smell even when cold water runs from the tap, the problem is at your water source (your well, for instance, may need chlorine treatment). If you notice the smell only when running hot water, your water heater is the problem.
Here’s how to prevent plumbing sulfur smells. If you’re the DIY type, flush and disinfect the inside of your water heater’s tank. Then replace your tank’s anode rod. Of course, a plumber can handle this task instead. If the smell persists, you may need to replace your tank.
The effects on water from water heater smells negatively affect your quality of life. A safe, livable home needs reliable access to fresh water.
Water heaters are complex machines, and it’s hard for the layperson to diagnose and resolve most problems. That means spending hundreds in plumbing or electrical repair. Fortunately, you can shield yourself from these surprise costs with home warranty coverage.
Liberty Home Guard can protect your water heater, no matter the make or model. You can also bundle coverage to protect your other home systems, from plumbing and electrical to HVAC and more. Call us at (833)-544-8273 to get started.
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