Interesting approach with the catalytic carbon filter—I haven't tried that combo yet. Usually, when I run into persistent sulfur odors, I lean towards powered anode rods. They've worked pretty reliably in my experience, especially in tricky water chemistry situations. Have you experimented with those at all? Curious how they'd stack up against your magnesium-carbon setup... might be worth a shot next time I'm troubleshooting something similar.
Totally agree on the powered anode rods—those things are lifesavers. Had a similar sulfur issue last year, and after trying a bunch of DIY hacks (vinegar flushes, peroxide treatments...you name it), finally bit the bullet and swapped in a powered rod. Problem solved, no more rotten egg showers.
The magnesium-carbon setup sounds intriguing though. I’ve heard magnesium rods can sometimes make odors worse depending on your water chemistry, but pairing it with catalytic carbon might balance things out nicely. Might be worth experimenting with next time my heater decides to throw a tantrum. At this point, I swear my water heater has a personality—mostly grumpy.
Interesting points about the magnesium-carbon combo. I've read mixed reviews on magnesium rods too—some swear by them, others say they just amplify the stink. Personally, I'm a bit skeptical about adding more complexity to the setup. Has anyone here actually tried catalytic carbon filters alongside magnesium rods? Curious if it's genuinely effective or just another gimmick that sounds good on paper...
I'm with you on the skepticism—adding more gadgets usually means more headaches down the line. I haven't personally tried catalytic carbon filters, but my neighbor installed one alongside a magnesium rod last summer. He swears it reduced the odor noticeably, though not completely gone... might be worth a cautious try if budget allows.
"He swears it reduced the odor noticeably, though not completely gone... might be worth a cautious try if budget allows."
Yeah, agreed—gadgets can get gimmicky fast, but catalytic carbon filters do have some merit. Worked a job last month where we installed one for a homeowner dealing with sulfur smells and mild rust buildup. It noticeably knocked down the odor about 70-80%, I'd say—not perfect, but definitely better. One thing to keep in mind: these filters need periodic maintenance to stay effective. If your water heater's already rusty and nearing the end of its lifespan, you might just be postponing the inevitable replacement by a year or two. Depending on age and condition, replacing the heater could actually save you headaches (and money) in the long run...
