It Could Be Your Water or Your Equipment — Either Way We Can Help

Does your water smell like rotten eggs, and can this affect your health? Here’s what causes smelly water and how to get rid of it.

Sulfur Bacteria

Water that has a rotten-egg odor is usually a sign of hydrogen sulfide gas. It could stem from sulfur bacteria, which occurs naturally in well water. It only takes a small amount of hydrogen sulfide to cause water to smell like rotten eggs. Tap water containing sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide gas is commonly known as sulfur water.

A Faulty Water Heater

The cause could also be from an electric water heater that accidentally produces hydrogen sulfide. Usually, electric water heaters have a magnesium anode rod that can kindle a reaction between sulfate and sulfate-reducing bacteria, especially when water is left in an electric water heater for a prolonged time. In more severe cases, you may need a water treatment system to get rid of the bacteria, which is the root cause.

Is Smelly Water Safe to Drink?

Even though the smell of sulfur in your water can be unpleasant, hydrogen sulfide is not a health risk. However, it can be extremely troublesome — besides smelling bad, sulfur can cause stains in your sinks, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures, stain garments washed in it, and even tarnish silver and copper.

How to Correct the Problem

• Identify the source of the problem — recognize the conditions that are creating the bad sulfur smell.
• Chlorinate your water — use chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide to shock your well. This can temporarily relieve the sulfur smell for about one to two months.
• Clear out and clean your water heater — if the odor is coming from your water heater, switch it off, flush it, refill it, and let it run for several hours at a high temperature.
• Clean and clear out your pipes — turn on all your faucets and let them run for about five to ten minutes, then test the water again.
• Install a water filtration system — you should be able to trust your water.

You don’t have to hold your nose every time you turn on your water. Contact Water Doctor of Washington and set up an appointment for a water test.