A sewage smell that only shows in the hot water points to the water heater, not the sewer. Bacteria in the tank is the usual cause.
The hot only
If only the hot water smells, the source is the heater or the hot lines. mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines In Hollister, the cold side staying clean is the clue.
The bacteria
Sulfate-reducing bacteria in the tank create the rotten smell. mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines In Hollister, the bacteria grow in the warm tank.
The anode
A magnesium anode rod can feed the bacteria, and swapping to aluminum helps. mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines In Hollister, the swap is a known fix.
The temperature
A low tank temperature encourages the growth, and raising it helps. mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines In Hollister, keep the setting above 120 for safety.
The flush
Flushing the tank removes the sediment and the bacteria that live in it. mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines In Hollister, the yearly flush is the maintenance.
The sanitize
A chlorination of the tank kills the bacteria, done by a pro. mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines In Hollister, the sanitize resets the system.
The call
Clean the tank and the smell. Call 888-217-3585 and Hollister Plumber Connect will match you with a Hollister pro for the fix.
Plumbing in Hollister: what to know
In Hollister, mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across San Benito County — from Gilroy, Salinas and Watsonville to ZIP codes like 95023, 95045, 95075 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Hollister?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Hollister Plumber Connect will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Hollister.