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    shaunrs's Avatar
    shaunrs Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    May 28, 2006, 07:06 PM
    Mildew smell when I turn on the water
    I am experiencing a mildew smell when I first turn on the water in the tub. Is it possible for mildew to grow inside the pipes? And how do I get rid of it?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #2

    May 29, 2006, 05:40 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by shaunrs
    i am experiencing a mildew smell when i first turn on the water in the tub. is it possible for mildew to grow inside the pipes? and how do i get rid of it?
    This might not be in your house. In my area the utilities company sent out a letter that due to a low water table and a lower leval in the reservoir our water wiil taste musty. They said this is harnless and will go away in time.
    Contactyour local utilities company and check. If they say the water's OK then I need more details. Is the tub the only fixture affected? What is the brand name of the tubs faucet? What type? One handle or two knobs? Is the odor in both hot and cold water? Waiting for your reply. Tom
    shaunrs's Avatar
    shaunrs Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    May 29, 2006, 10:07 AM
    The house was built in 1973 and we've been here 2 years. I can't see a brand name anywhere on the faucet. It is a knob that you pull out to turn on the water and twist left for hot and right for cold. (would a picture be more helpful?) I experimented a little and I think I can only smell it when the knob is turned to hot. I hope this answers your questions. I really appreciate your help!!
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #4

    May 30, 2006, 04:47 AM
    It sounds like some minerals have leeched into your well and have interacted with the magnesium anode rod in your water heater creating hydrogen sulfate gas. The rod is located under the large looking nut on top of your heater. First try flushing out your heater. Attach a hose on the boiler drain located at the bottom of the heater. With the pressure left on open the hose bib and let the water run until it's clear. If the problem persists, change the anode rod to aluminum. Now check the screens on your aerators. . More questions? I'm as close as a click. This should give you some places to start checking. Let me know, Tom
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