Question about replaced hot water heater.

[MetalJunkie]

So our hot water heater ruptured and was replaced yesterday. I turned on the hot water and the normal gurgling/spitting from the faucet ensued, but it looked and smelled extremely soapy. I called the landlord and she wasn't sure, so she's calling the maintenance guys that replaced it.

Is it typical to clean the heaters before installation with soap? Do I need to worry about drinking some chemical?

[Chino]

Could just be a coating to prevent corrosion that needs to burn off or something. It's probably like when you fire up an electric heater for the first time. You get that really weird smell for a while.

[Big Hath]

if the water is already hot, why do you need to heat it?  amiright??

[bosk1]

I don't know the answer, but my first thought is what Chino said.  Hopefully, someone with some contracting/building experience (or someone who has had one replaced) will chime in.  But I would think you could just Google it and find some info.

EDIT:  Apparently, Googling "new water heater smell" reveals that this is a common problem.  LOTS of links.  Here is one:  https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Eliminate-BAD-Smelling-Hot-Water/

[DragonAttack]

I will bet:  they turn the pilot off, close off the inlet, hook up a hose and drain it.  Followed by one or two 'flushes' by opening the inlet.  Once it is full and ready, run a 'mixture' of hot and cold water to all faucets to help flush those lines out.  I did this on my own last year after sediment deposits and brown water created air pockets in the (hot) water heater.  It did the trick, and of course removed the bad smell.

I will also bet that it was hooked up, briefly tested, and the maintenance crew was on their way immediately.