I had iron and sulfur smell in my newly drilled well back in 2006. My plumbing fixtures were stained orange from the iron and water smelled like rotten eggs. My well driller kept telling me to Shock the well (Chlorinate), but then the odor came back. I called my local Ecowater dealer and after skepticism on my part, agreed to have it installed. The filter removes the iron and the air induction system handles the smell. No more problems and I don't have a softener. The Iron filter only backwashes and needs no additives. I also have a point of use RO system at the kitchen faucet.

Dan Martyn

Here is a link that might be useful: Ecowater Iron Filter with Air induction

Dan, Where did you install the filter? We have pretty good well water. Straight from the well it does smell but the aerator takes care of that. Up until chlorinating install everything was fine. Now hot line only has that rotten egg smell.

The link states:
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Sulfur Odor

Symptoms: Hydrogen sulfide gas produces an offensive "rotten egg" or "sulfur water" odor and taste in the water. In some cases, the odor may be noticeable only when the water is initially turned on or when hot water is run. Heat forces the gas into the air that may cause the odor to be especially offensive in a shower.

A nuisance associated with hydrogen sulfide includes its corrosiveness to metals such as iron, steel, copper and brass. It can tarnish silverware and discolor copper and brass utensils. Hydrogen sulfide also can cause yellow or black stains on kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Coffee, tea and other beverages made with water containing hydrogen sulfide may be discolored and the appearance and taste of cooked foods can be affected. Sulfates are a combination of sulfur and oxygen and are a part of naturally occurring minerals in some soil and rock formations that contain groundwater. The mineral dissolves over time and is released into groundwater.

Low levels can be treated with an air-induction filter or an iron filter, followed by a water softener. High levels require a chemical feed system followed by a turbidity filter.
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So the odor would be more noticeable in the hot water. I had the filter installed after the expansion tank/pressure switch and hose bibb branches so as I am not treating lawn irrigation. You will have to be careful how you water, if you use spray type watering the iron in the water can stain siding, masonary, concrete,... if sprayed. soaker hoses keep water where it belongs.

FYI: if you remove the anode rod, this rod is a sacrifical metal rod that aggressive water attacks first, after the rod is depleted or removed, the water will attack the steel tank causing corrosion which will create a hole and lead to tank failure. You should flush the water heater tank once a month til it runs clear.

Take Care

Dan Martyn

There are anode rods made of material that can reduce the hydrogen sulfide smell.

Check your owners manual on your water heater. In most cases removing the anode rod will instantly void your warranty.

The most common anode rod supplied in new water heaters is an aluminum/magnesium allow and in situations where there is sulfur present in the water the sulfur reacts with the magnesium to produce hydrogen sulphide gas, which causes the rotten egg smell.

In most cases they recommend replacing the stock aluminum/magnesium allow anode with an aluminum/zinc alloy rod, however I am not sure what the reaction of your chlorinator might have with this type of rod.

I would suggest you contact your water heater manufacturer directly and explain your problem to them. They should then be able to suggest a proper anode rod to alleviate your problem.