Why Your Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs

Have you ever turned on the faucet, only to be greeted by an unpleasant, sulfur-like odor, reminiscent of rotten eggs? This off-putting smell is more common than you might think and is typically caused by hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in your water. While the smell is unpleasant, it’s usually harmless. Let’s dive into the three most common reasons your water might smell like rotten eggs and how you can fix it.

1. The Smell is Coming From Your Well

If you notice the rotten egg smell coming from every faucet in your home—whether you’re using hot or cold water—it’s likely that the source of the odor is your well. Hydrogen sulfide is produced by sulfur bacteria, which thrive in oxygen-deficient environments like deep wells. If this is the case, there are two main solutions:

• Install a Sulfur Kit: One effective method to eliminate the smell is by installing a sulfur kit directly on your well head. This kit treats the water at the source, preventing the smell from reaching your home.
• Bacterial Treatment: Another approach, though less common, involves installing a device on your main water line before it enters your home. This device kills the bacteria responsible for the smell, ensuring that the water you use is odor-free.

2. The Smell is Coming From Your Water Heater

If the rotten egg smell is only present when you use hot water, the culprit is likely your water heater. This can happen if you’ve been away for a while, and the water in the heater has had time to stagnate, allowing sulfur bacteria to thrive. To confirm this, try this simple test:

• Turn on Hot Water: Go to a fixture close to your water heater and turn on the hot water. If the rotten egg smell intensifies, your water heater is the likely source.
• Solution: You can temporarily fix this issue by sanitizing your water heater. This involves pouring a gallon of hydrogen peroxide into the heater and letting it sit overnight. However, this is not a permanent solution—the smell will likely return. For a long-term fix, consider installing a Corro-Protec Rod in your water heater. This device prevents the growth of bacteria, keeping your water fresh and odor-free.

3. The Smell is Due to a Dead Leg in Your Water System

A less common, but still possible, cause of the rotten egg smell is a “dead leg” in your plumbing system. A dead leg is a section of pipe that has been capped off and no longer carries water. Over time, stagnant water in these dead legs can start to grow bacteria, leading to a sulfur-like odor when you use a nearby faucet.

• Identifying a Dead Leg: If you notice the smell only at one fixture in your home, but not at others, it’s a strong indication that there’s a dead leg nearby. This is especially likely if the affected fixture is in an older part of your home where plumbing might have been altered or capped off.
• Fixing a Dead Leg: The best way to eliminate this issue is to locate the dead leg in your plumbing system, cut the pipe as short as possible, and cap it off properly. This prevents stagnant water from accumulating and producing that rotten egg smell.

Rotten Egg Smell In Your Water Is Typically Harmless

While a rotten egg smell in your water is unpleasant, it is usually harmless and can be addressed with the right solutions. Whether the smell is coming from your well, water heater, or a dead leg in your plumbing, there are effective ways to eliminate the odor and enjoy fresh, clean water once again. If you’re unsure about the source of the smell or how to fix it, consider consulting a professional plumber who can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.