If the annode rod doesn't solve the problem, then you have to remove the sulfur from the water. That can only be done with filtration. You may need an activated carbon filter. Have your water tested by a filtration company or a local university and see if they can determine what chemicals you are picking up from your well. Once you determine the content of the water, you can find the right mixture of filters to eliminate the smell.

Good Luck

Raymond VinZant Plumbing Prof.

The Tankless heaters dont have odor issues, neither did the old gas one I just removed a while back, just this electric one. Just for kicks I think I will remove the anode from the old heater and see what is left of it and what it is made of. I thing the aluminum is the culprit.

The cause of a hot water only odor, in any type water heater, is caused by reducing type bacteria; usually sulfate reducing bacteria. Reducing type bacteria is non-harmful to humans and pets. They use the anode rods to create H2S gas and you smell it when the water is depressurized and aerated.

You can remove the rod, which voids warranties, or kill the bacteria or change to a different material but that doesn't always stop the odor, or you can 'sanitize' the heater with bleach which usually must be repeated periodically. Filters will not solve the problem unless you have the odor in the cold water and if so, then there is H2S in the well water, which can be due to IRB/SRB/MRb (iron/sulfate/manganese) or naturally occurring H2S coming into the well with the recovery water.

You should not use carbon on water of unknown microbiological content and in this situation, carbon more than likely will make the odor worse because bacteria love to live in carbon and multiply quickly because carbon provides them plenty of organics (food).

Gary

Quality Water Associates