I have well water and my hot water smells just nasty, do I need to replace the zinc coated anode rod? Should I just replace my hot water heater? What about the new kind of hot water heater that heat on demand? Thanks Mary~

The sacrifial anode is sometimes called a "stink rod" for this very reason. It could be a bad anode but you can also get bacteria growing inside your heater. How old is your heater? Do you know how to pull the anode for inspection?

My heater is 7+ years old, I have never drained any water, I didn't even know I was supposed to. I read a little bit on the topic of changing the rod, but wondered if it is worth it at this point.

My heater is 7+ years old, I have never drained any water, I didn't even know I was supposed to. I read a little bit on the topic of changing the rod, but wondered if it is worth it at this point.
Your choice! But before you shell out big $ for a new heater would like to try fixing what you have. If you answer yes I'll give you instructions on replacing the anode rod and flushing your heater on a regular maintenance schedule. Let me hear back from you. Tom

Never ever drained it, maybe we should start there. Attach a hose to the drain valve, run hose outside or to a floor drain and turn drain knob counterclockwise. Do not close down the main, allw to drain for 10 minutes. Close down the valve and let the heater recover, water smelling better?

Your choice! But before you shell out big $ for a new heater would like to try fixing what you have. If you answer yes I'll give you instructions on replacing the anode rod and flushing your heater on a regular maintenance schedule. Let me hear back from you. Tom

Please tell me more!

Never ever drained it, maybe we should start there. Attach a hose to the drain valve, run hose outside or to a floor drain and turn drain knob counterclockwise. Do not close down the main, allw to drain for 10 minutes. Close down the valve and let the heater recover, water smelling better??

I will try this! Thanks!