The information on this web site is supplemental to the printed instructions that came with your water heater. To reduce the risk of property damage, serious injury or death, read and follow all labels on the water heater and the safety instructions in the printed owner's manual.
Thermostatic mixing valves
Harmless bacteria can be present in tap water. The bacteria can live and grow inside the water heater and give off a "rotten egg" smell.
Smelly water is associated with wells and water sources that don't add enough chlorine to kill bacteria.
Chlorination is the best way to eliminate smelly water.
Increasing the temperature in the tank to 140°F also kills the bacteria that causes smelly water and some harmful bacteria that may be present in water supplies that are untreated.
WARNING! Higher temperatures increase the risk of scalding, but even at 120°F, hot water can scald. Install point-of-use Thermostatic Mixing Valves to reduce the risk of scalding.
Install Thermostat Mixing Valves at each point of use and them to 120°F or lower.