Have you noticed an unpleasant rotten egg smell coming from your tap when you turn the hot water on? This common household problem can make showering unpleasant and affect everything from your morning coffee to your laundry. Let’s explore why your hot water smells like sulfur and, more importantly, how to fix it.
What Causes the Rotten Egg Smell?
That distinctive sulfur smell in your water typically comes from hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas usually forms due to bacteria that chemically reduce elemental sulfur into hydrogen sulfide. While the bacteria themselves are usually harmless, the resulting smell can be overwhelming. It may also point to other water quality issues that need attention.
A sulfur smell can also occur as a result of decomposing organic material in your well water supply.
However, if the problem only occurs when you run the hot water, then the culprit is likely your water heater. There can be a chemical reaction between the anode rod in the tank and sulfates in the water. This reaction can cause a rotten egg odor. Other times, bacteria growth can occur in the tank, sometimes due to sediment buildup.
Understanding Your Water Source
- City Water: Wondering why your city water smells like sulfur? If your water suddenly takes on an unpleasant odor, contact your local water authority. Sometimes, temporary changes in municipal water treatment can cause unusual smells. However, if your neighbors aren’t experiencing the same issue, the problem likely lies within your home’s plumbing system.
- Well Water: Private wells are more prone to sulfur bacteria. These bacteria thrive in environments with low oxygen levels, like your water heater or deep within your well. Regular water testing can help identify and address these issues.
Mistakes When Trying To Get Rid of Rotten Egg Odor
Before we discuss proper solutions, let’s address some common mistakes homeowners make when trying to fix sulfur-smelling water:
- If you notice your hot water heater does smell like rotten eggs, don’t pour bleach directly into the tank. Chlorine bleach can kill sulfur bacteria that may be causing the smell. However, improper application can damage your system and create dangerous chemical reactions.
- Avoid using DIY chemical treatments without professional guidance. The wrong chemical combinations can damage your plumbing and potentially create harmful fumes.
- Don’t simply ignore the problem hoping it will go away. Sulfur bacteria tend to multiply over time, making the issue worse and possibly damaging your plumbing system. If the problem is the anode rod in your water heater, then it’s probably corroded and in need of replacement.
Professional Solutions That Work
The right solution depends on the source and severity of your odor problem. Here are effective approaches that Carroll Water’s experts recommend:
- Water Heater Repair: Aluminum/zinc rods are less likely to produce sulfur odors than traditional magnesium anode rods. Often, replacing the anode rod with one made of a different material can resolve any bad smells.
- Water Treatment or Filtration: If the problem is linked to hydrogen sulfide gas, water treatment is the best option. Various systems can ensure clean, odor-free water runs from every tap in your home. They can eliminate hydrogen sulfide gas that comes from sulfur-reducing bacteria or decomposing organic material, and the bacteria themselves.
Preventative Measures for the Future
Regular maintenance plays a crucial role in preventing sulfur odors from developing. Schedule annual water heater maintenance and regular water testing to catch issues early. If you have a well, consider installing a permanent chlorination system or other treatment solution to prevent bacterial growth.
Call Our Professionals
While some minor water supply issues can be handled on your own, sulfur odors often point to problems requiring professional help. Contact our water treatment experts at Carroll Water if:
- Your water suddenly develops a strong sulfur smell
- The odor persists despite basic maintenance
- You notice other changes in your water quality
- Your water heater is more than 10 years old
- You notice your hot water tank smells like rotten eggs
Don’t let sulfur-smelling water affect your daily life. Since 1983, Carroll Water has helped homeowners across Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania solve their water quality issues. Our experts can test your water, identify the source of the problem, and recommend the most effective solution.
Schedule your free water test today and we’ll help make sure you get to enjoy clean, fresh-smelling water in your home.