Solution 2: Another alternative is (this will void your warranty), remove the rod and install a threaded plug into the tank. This will eliminate all chemical reaction, but also stops protection of the glass lining.
Solution 3: This involves finding the original point that the sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is entering the water system and eliminate it. SRB is most prevalent in new water supply systems, this is caused by supply pipes being contaminated by soil during construction. The soil that is carrying the SRB eventually ends up as a solid in the bottom of the hot water heater. Sometimes a thorough flushing of the water heater will remove the dirt, and then you would need to perform a second flush using a bit of chorine. The third step in this process is to re-flush the system with clean water. Hydrogen gas without the presence of SRB will go unnoticed.
Additional Information: SRB is not so easy to remove is not so easy to remove if your water company pumps it into your home with the water supply. This seems to be the case as a growing number of water districts continue to reduce the use of chlorine, as many already have. Sulfate-reducing bacteria are destroyed with the introduction of chlorine, but without it, they thrive. It is also possible to accidentally contaminate your own water by allowing SRB (not to mention other more dangerous bugs) at your property through your sprinklers and garden hoses. One way to prevent this is to install anti-siphon sprinkler valves that do not allow backwash. Backwash can also occur when a water main in your neighborhood is shut off while you have a garden hose running in a puddle of muddy water.
Hot Water Heater Maintenance & General Information
Q: The water in my home smells bad. Can I remove the rod from the water heater to stop the smell?
A: This problem occurs because of the metal rod used in glass-lined water heaters (Used to improve the life expectancy of the glass lining), combines with waterborne sulfate-reducing bacteria, this results in the production of hydrogen sulfide. This is not harmful to consume, but produces a rotten egg smell from the water. There are 3 possible solutions that can be done to your water heater to get rid of this unpleasant odor, but not all of these are recommended.
Solution 1: Replace the magnesium rod (cathodic protection anode) with an aluminum one. This type of rod may not be available for your brand of water heater though. Because the aluminum rod produces less current, about 30% less, it generates less hydrogen gas while still creating enough current to protect the glass.
