[stefanm411]

I have a sewer gas smell question that I think is a little different. I get the "lovely" smell in all sinks except the kitchen, but the smell is actually coming out of the faucet, not the drain. I live in a new home and had the Town inspectors come over, who promptly claimed it has nothing to do with the sewer plant... I do know that others in the neighborhood have this same problem, but most of the houses had the plumbing done by the same company.. I heard someone mention that it is possible this is caused by some sort of anode in the water heater that needs to be replaced. Anyone know if this is factual and what to do about it?

[speedball1]

Is the smell in the hot or cold water Or both? If just on the hot water side It sounds like some minerals have leeched into your water 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. If they are silted up clean them. Remember how you took them apart. I'm betting the smell is worse from the hot water. If that's so the heater is at fault. Good luck and thank you for rating my answer. Tom

[stefanm411]

Hey Tom,

Thanks for the answer, I will give it a try.. I honestly can't say if it is worse with hot water vs. cold, but will try to isolate that. One other thing, with it being a gas hot water heater, do I need to worry about shutting that off prior to messing around with it? What the heck are aerator screens? Sounds like something I use out in the yard!

You'll need to put the heater on pilot only if you plan on draining it. You can leave the power on if you flush it.
The aerator is the little gizmo that screws on the spout, (see image) I'll put up a image to help you if you have to take them apart.
Good luck, Tom