What Causes Water To Smell Like Rotten Eggs? The most common cause of smelly water in a water heater is bacteria. The bacteria reacts with the anode rod in your water heater to produce the smell. Aluminum and magnesium anode rods are the types that bring the smell. Smelly water is most common in buildings connected to a well system. Water softeners can also increase the problem of smelly water significantly. The Wrong Way Some plumbers may recommend you remove your anode rod in your water![]()
