Enough of fogged windows. Here is a subject that I am sure most of you have experienced, but may not know the source or correction...

True or False? The strong sulfur smell often associated with hot water is caused by a defective component within the water heater.

FALSE - The most common cause of smelly water is non-toxic sulfate reducing bacteria called Divibrio Sulfericans - NOT the water heater, itself. These bacteria convert sulfates into sulfides that when mixed with hydrogen create Hydrogen Sulfide Gas. The associated "rotten egg" odor may be quite strong. So, how can you correct the problem? There are a few suggestions. 1) Circulate the water in the water heater more often, when the water circulates it introduces oxygen and reduces the potential for this bacteria to flourish. 2) Flush the water heater. This may be a job for a plumber, but basically you add hydrogen peroxide to the water heater to clean out the bacteria. And, finally number 3, you may need to change the anodizing rod in the water heater. Most sacrificial anodizing rods are magnesium, but in an application with a high sulfide count, changing the anodizing rod (per the manufacture's instructions) to a zinc rod may help eliminate this condition.

Liz Sumrall at Abec Realty