We had a horrible smell in our water last year at our cottage. The water is pumped from the lake. We replaced the hot water tank and filled it, and the water was still awful smelling. We then found out that our pressure tank bladder was not working, so we replaced that. So, new hot water tank and new pressure tank. But, our hot water still smells, even with new water.
We drained the tank for the winter and started it up this weekend. So, fresh water in the hot water tank. Not sitting. And it still smells. The cold water is smell free. How can we get the smell out of the hot water tank? Do you need to buy a new one?

The cold water is smell free.

Do you use a water softener?

No water softener required. The lake water is very soft.
Our lake is also very clear, because it is spring fed.

Well then, that basically leaves us with the ANODE ROD of the water heater. Here, some types of bacteria in well or lake water interact strongly with the typical magnesium anode rod supplied with your water heater.

I would suggest that you change out the magnesium anode rod to a new aluminum/zinc anode rod. Before installing the new anode rod, put 2-3 pints of hydrogen peroxide into the tank (through relief vaklve tapping) and flush the lines through to the faucets in the house to eliminate any of the bacteria involved here.

Install the new anode rod and hopefully that resolves your issue.

Another thing to try would be to turn the water heater up to 140-150F as this will kill the bacteria so they can't interact with the magnesium anode rod. If you do this, however, you will also need to install a MIXING VALVE at the water heater to temper the water back down to 120F after it leaves the water heater, OK?

Questions? Let me know...

Mark

Thanks so much Mark. Will try that next weekend and let you know.

Yeah, read up more online about the hydrogen peroxide (some people also use houshold bleach) and the anode rod.

The anode rod is tough to get out... need an 1-1/8" or a 1-1/16" socket and a 1/2" drive socket wrench MINIMUM and you'll need to put a persuader (pipe) on the socket wrench while having a LARGE friend hold the tank while you try to remove that anode rod! It really isn't easy, but it can be done!

Yikes... thanks. Will use your information also. Appreciate it.