Official Rheem gas water heater parts

How to fix a smelly water condition caused by your Rheem gas water heater

Certain water conditions cause a reaction between the anode rod and supply water, which results in hydrogen sulfide gas being dissolved in the tank water.

The anode rod protects the tank from corrosion. A chemical reaction between the supply water and the anode rod can produce hydrogen sulfide gas and cause the hot water to smell like rotten eggs in some conditions. Replace the anode rod with a less-reactive zinc-aluminum anode rod to combat the rotten-egg smell.

Common replacement parts for Rheem gas water heaters

• Thermocouple. The thermocouple detects whether your pilot light is on by generating a very small electrical current powered by the heat of the pilot flame. If the gas valve assembly doesn't sense the small electrical current provided by the thermocouple, or the thermocouple cools, it assumes that the pilot light is off and shuts down the gas.
• Gas valve assembly. The gas valve assembly monitors tank water temperature and cycles the burner on and off to maintain set water temperature.
• Anode rod. The anode rod protects the tank from corrosion. Replace the anode rod if it wears out or replace the anode rod with a less-reactive zinc-aluminum anode rod to combat a rotten-egg smell coming from hot tap water.
• Pilot and igniter assembly. The pilot and igniter assembly supplies the flame for the burner to ignite the gas and includes the thermocouple. You may need to replace the pilot and igniter assembly if the pilot won't stay lit.