Start simple: flush your water heater. Drain a few gallons from the bottom to remove sediment. That alone can cure the smell in 24 hours. It’s like giving your tank a little detox spa day.
No luck? Replace the anode rod (or install a powered one). It’s a cheap fix—about $30 and an hour of your time. Watch a YouTube tutorial and feel like a plumbing superhero.
Hot Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs | Transit & Flow
Still stinky? Call a plumber. They can test the water and pinpoint the cause. Sometimes it’s a corroded pipe or a gas leak, and you want a pro’s eyes on that.
When to Actually Worry (The Serious Stuff)
If the smell comes from both hot and cold water, it’s not your heater—it’s your main water supply. That could mean a gas leak or sewage problem. That is a real emergency.
Also, if your water tastes metallic or looks murky, skip the DIY and get a test kit. Better safe than sorry, especially if you have kids or pets who drink the tap water.
