The unit puts off a strong smell, like it's overheating, whenever we use hot water. After a while it goes away, but as soon as hot water is turned on again for more than a few seconds, it comes back. What could it be?
2007-03-22 02:28:09 · 6 answers · asked by misguidedrose18 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Does the water smell or does the water-heater smell? Is it new? There is a factory finish on parts in the flame chamber that may be causing the smell if that is the cause it will go away with time when the finish is burned off. Make sure it is properly vented and the temp adjusted correctly..
DON'T remove the anode from your tank. It serves a very important function. It is a Sacrificial anode. Instead of the inside of the tank corroding the anode rod does. Your water heater will last about 3-5 years without it and 15 years with it.
2007-03-22 08:32:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
From my expierence it comes from the ANODE that is in your tank. it is a long rod that is approx 3 foot long and goes down into your tank from the top. You will see a hexagon nut on the top that is attached to...DO NOT attempt to take it out by yourself unless you relieve the pressure from your tank. Even though it is against the CODE many people will take it out to prevent the smell from occurring. I dont recall exactly the purpose of this ANODE but it collects impurities from the water, i think.. Call a local plumbing store and check with them on this problem......REPEAT...dont do anything unless you get some guidance from a qualified plumber or agency.
Adding this comment....Just read the comment about removing the sediment.. Good choice also... Just attach a hose to the faucet on the bottom of your tank.. Run it outside, if possible, and then turn it on while the water is still on to the tank.. Water is replaced in the tank near the bottom so this action will stir up what sediment you have and shove it out the hose. This is something that should be done yearly.....
2007-03-22 09:41:35 · answer #2 · answered by RETIRED 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like the vent pipe is not venting the by products from the burnt gas away...need to make sure that this is clean and that it draws...there is usually a gap where it connects to top of gas heater...you can use a smoke pencil to see if it draws just light pencil and hold it to gap to see if it draws smoke up ...if it does no problem if it don't you need to take immediate action because of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning...if it draws good what type gas are you using gas or propane...this determines the size of the orfice..size of hole gas comes out to be burnt...if you have wrong orfice furnace would have the wrong size burner flame and would produce a lot more odors....if exhaust pipe draws i would recommend you turn gas off and call serviceman immediately and not use it till you do... there is no anode in a gas water heater these are only in electric water heaters
2007-03-25 19:43:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have well water? This could cause the smell.
On the bottom of the tank there is a hose hook-up and a open/close knob or valve.
You can drain the tank and it's a good idea to flush out the bottom of the tank where all the sediments settle. Once there is a build up you will get that smell.
This is a fairly easy fix.
2007-03-22 09:33:33 · answer #4 · answered by Bear 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
are you venting the hot water heater? Does the actual water smell, or is it like a gas in the house? Maybe the water is way to hot and you have plastic pipes and its melting them or idk
2007-03-22 09:31:20 · answer #5 · answered by delldude405 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is not something you mess with..time to call a repair man and maybe gas company. I would call gas company first like right now.
2007-03-22 09:32:13 · answer #6 · answered by nthernlites40 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋