A rotten egg smell that appears only in the hot water is the signature of bacteria in the water heater. The fix is cleaning the tank, not the sewer.
The pattern
The smell showing only on the hot side points to the tank. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Bowie, the cold water staying fresh is the key clue.
The cause
Sulfate-reducing bacteria in the tank make hydrogen sulfide gas. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Bowie, the gas is the rotten egg smell.
The rod
The magnesium anode rod can fuel the bacteria, and an aluminum rod may help. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Bowie, the rod swap is a common fix.
The heat
A low temperature setting lets the bacteria thrive, and raising it helps. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Bowie, the setting change is part of the fix.
The flush
Flushing the tank removes the sediment where the bacteria live. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Bowie, the flush is the first step.
The sanitize
A pro can chlorinate the tank to kill the bacteria completely. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Bowie, the treatment restores the water.
The call
End the smell at the tank. Call 888-217-3585 and Bowie Home Plumbing Co will match you with a Bowie pro for the fix.
Plumbing in Bowie: what to know
In Bowie, freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Anne Arundel County — from Glenarden, New Carrollton and Greenbelt to ZIP codes like 20715, 20716, 20721 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Bowie?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Bowie Home Plumbing Co will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Bowie.