How do I get rid of the sulfer smell in my hot water?

The smell is actually not sulfur but Hydrogen Sulfide or H2SO4. It comes from a harmless bacteria that when collect in large quantities produce that sulfur smell. It is common to smell more of it in the hot water than cold due to the fact that the bacteria are more prone to grow on metallic surfaces than others and your hot water tank contains a sacrificial anode or rod that grows these bacteria really well. You have several choices to help with the problem. You can put any number of systems on your well equipment such as an aerator, a chlorine injection system, a charcoal filter and so on, you can also reduce the problem by having a plumber remove the sacrificial rod from your water heater, but do so knowing why it is in there in the first place. This problem has been around in southern states for a long time and varies by season in severity and there are many ways that people deal with it. You simply have to choose the method that you prefer based on cost, tolerance and effectiveness. I can tell you that I have a chlorine injection system and a charcoal tank to remove chlorine residue and have dealt with this for over 30 years. Good Luck to you and thanks for asking on Fixya!

http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

harmless bacterial reacts with anode rod
anode protects tank from rusting
change anode, or remove anode, or treat tank regularly with hydrogen peroxide

Gene

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

1) Replace anode rod: Or remove anode rod. Or install power anode rod. Then flush tank with 2 pints hydrogen peroxide. Do not use bleach.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

2) add comment and include brand, type of water heater for possible additional information.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

1) Odors are caused by harmless bacterial reacting with anode rod.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

2) If odor is in both hot and cold water, problem can be other causes.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Generally tank odors are bacteria reacting with anode rod.
Make sure odor is isolated to water heater, and on hot water line only so you know water heater is best suspect.
Change anode rod.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

Your plumber will know all about anode rods and will have tools or impact wrench for removing old anode rod.

I would have to go along with your brother on this one. The aluminum anode rod is by far the cheapest way to go. Other options include extensive filtration,ozone treatment and acid treatment.
The aluminum anode rod is much cheaper and I would recommend you change it yearly at least. Good luck and thank you.

The smell is from bacteria.
1) The tank needs a new anode rod, but it also needs a periodic dose of hydrogen peroxide.
Recommend you reconfigure incoming water pipes where you can easily add 2 bottles of hydrogen peroxide and then flush water heater each 6 months. The peroxide kills the bacteria. Peroxide is not harmful to you since it is also used orally. You don't drink a bottle of peroxide, but it will not cause harm in trace amounts left in water heater.
2) There is something else to consider. If yours is a 12-year tank or lifetime tank, then you probably have 2 anode rods. Replacing one anode rod will not solve problem.
3) Another solution is a power anode rod. If your tank has two anode rods, then replace one with powered anode, and then remove the second anode rod.
According to the seller, he's had only one person where the water heater smell came back.


Here are links to information and to the powered anode rod:
http://www.waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html
http://www.waterheaterrescue.com/pages/WHRpages/English/OrderPages/XCart/Power-Anode.html

Manufacturers are starting to add powered anode rods to their top models to assure longer tank life and better customer satisfaction.

Add a comment if you need more help.

It looks like a plug screwed into the top of the water heater (it IS plugging the hole so turn off water and release pressure b4 removing)