How to deal with smelly water conditions caused by your State 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 repair parts for State gas water heaters
- High temperature cut-off switch. The high temperature cut-off switch shuts off the water heater if water temperature gets too hot. Replace the high temperature cut-off switch it it's defective.
- Flammable vapor sensor. The flammable vapor sensor shuts off the gas supply to the water heater if it detects flammable vapors. A service technician needs to investigate the cause of a flammable vapor sensor trip before the water heater can be put back into service. The service technician will replace the flammable vapor sensor if it isn't working properly.
- Gas valve assembly. The gas valve assembly monitors tank water temperature and cycles the burner on and off to maintain set water temperature.
- Temperature-pressure relief valve. The temperature-pressure (T&P) relief valve is a safety device that automatically opens to discharge hot water in the event of excessive temperature and/or pressure inside the tank. Replace the T&P valve if it leaks or malfunctions.