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[Shop-talk] metallic smelling water

Subject: [Shop-talk] metallic smelling water
From: strovato at optonline.net (Steven Trovato)
Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:25:36 -0400
References: <27f2d418.9628.13268fa3e8e.Webtop.45@charter.net>
I can tell you that I have replaced my water heater a couple of times 
when it leaked.  It corroded enough to perforate, and I never smelled 
anything metallic.  I have heard that water softeners may accelerate 
the dissolving of the anode.  I have also heard that acidic water 
increases the corrosion of plumbing and can cause a metallic 
smell/taste.  Would be interesting to know the pH of the water.  The 
only reference I've seen to anode rods and smells is when it's a 
rotten egg smell.  Then they talk about replacing a magnesium anode 
with a different metal.   Let us know what you find.

-Steve

At 01:27 PM 9/14/2011, Tim wrote:
>As far as I can smell, it is just the hot water. I notice it when
>turning it on to get hot water for a shower. I will check the cold when
>I get home.
>
>I wasnbt wondering if the anode rod might cause this smell, I was
>wondering IF the anode rod has dissolved, might the tank be starting to
>rust and thus causing the smell?
>
>I wanted to check with this collective of smarts before calling the
>idiots at public worx.
>
>I didnbt think to ask my neighbors. I will do that as well.
>
>Thanks
>
>
>
>On Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 12:16 PM, Steven Trovato wrote:
>
>>Tim,
>>
>>Are you saying that the metallic smell is only from the hot water?  I
>>can't see how anything in the water heater could effect the cold
>>water.  Actually, I don't think it's very likely that the anode rod
>>would cause this symptom even in the hot water.  The rod should have
>>been gradually eroding over the last seven years.  I can't see why it
>>would be different now.  Have you asked your neighbors if they have
>>noticed anything?  It would seem more likely to me that it is
>>something outside your home causing it.  You could also make an
>>inquiry with the water department.
>>
>>-Steve Trovato
>>strovato at optonline.net
>>
>>At 09:30 AM 9/14/2011, Tim wrote:
>>>I have "city" water in the village I live it. It has always been
>>>great
>>>water for over ten years in the last two places we have lived. (It
>>>had
>>>better be for the $80 a month average I pay for water, fire and
>>>(mostly)
>>>sewer service.)
>>>
>>>In this house we bought five years ago, the PO plumbed the whole
>>>house
>>>through the softener; not a big deal since there is also a plumbed
>>>water
>>>filtration system for drinking.
>>>
>>>Last month, when I wasn't home,  my daughter let someone in from
>>>public
>>>works to replace the water meter (pissed me off no end since I wanted
>>>to
>>>get a bypass meter for outside water usage). Ever since, the water
>>>coming out of the taps has smelled metallic to me.
>>>
>>>I have, for now, a Richmond electric water heater that was there when
>>>we
>>>bought the place. It has a mfg date listed as 2004 so not crazy old.
>>>I
>>>have a new anode rod to install but did not see an easy way to
>>>install
>>>it as I cannot see a nut to put a wrench on. I need to look online to
>>>figure out how to replace the rod.
>>>
>>>Any thoughts as to why I am now getting this smell? Is it as simple
>>>as
>>>finally needing to replace the rod?
>>>
>>>Thanks!
>>>
>>>Tim
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