What Should I Do If My Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs?

If you’ve turned on the tap and were hit with a strong rotten egg smell, you’re absolutely right to be concerned. That distinct, sulfur-like odor is enough to make anyone pause before drinking, cooking, or washing up. The good news? You don’t have to live with it. 

The pros at Quality Service Today are here to help you understand why it’s happening and what to do about it. Let’s walk through the most common causes of that smell, how to figure out where it’s coming from, and what your next steps should be to restore your water to its clean, fresh state!

What Causes the Rotten Egg Smell in Water?

The culprit behind that foul smell is usually hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S). While it’s not harmful in small amounts, it definitely smells unpleasant — like sulfur or, more commonly, rotten eggs.

This gas is produced when bacteria feed on sulfur compounds in your water. These bacteria can grow in different parts of your water system, including:

  • Your water heater
  • Your pipes
  • A private well (if applicable)
  • The local water supply

The source of the smell determines the right solution. Sometimes it’s a simple DIY fix, and other times you’ll want a licensed plumber to step in.

Pinpointing the Source of the Odor

Before jumping into fixes, you’ll want to do a quick check to narrow down where the smell is coming from. These simple tests can help:

  • Hot vs. Cold Water: Try running cold water from a faucet and give it a sniff. Then do the same with hot water. If only the hot water smells, your water heater is probably the issue.
  • Single Faucet or Entire House: Does the smell appear at every faucet or just one? If it’s isolated, the problem may lie in the piping or fixture for that specific area.
  • Well Water Systems: If you rely on a private well and both hot and cold water smell bad, the issue could be in the well itself.

Finding the source is half the battle, and it’s key to choosing the right solution.

Easy Fixes for Smelly Water

Once you’ve figured out what’s causing the odor, it’s time to take action. Here are the most common fixes that can get your water back to normal.

1. Flush the Water Heater

If only your hot water smells, sediment and bacteria in the bottom of your water heater may be to blame. Flushing the tank can clear out the gunk and reduce or eliminate the smell. Regular maintenance like this can also improve efficiency and extend the life of the unit.

However, if your water heater hasn’t received regular maintenance and is over 6 years old, you might run into problems attempting to flush it. We recommend calling a plumber.

2. Replace the Anode Rod

Inside your water heater is a metal rod called an anode rod. Its job is to prevent corrosion in the tank, but it can also interact with bacteria to create that rotten egg smell. Having a professional switch your existing rod to a zinc or aluminum-zinc alloy model instead of the standard magnesium one can often fix the problem.

3. Disinfect Your Well

If the odor affects all water throughout your home and you have a private well, a process called “shock chlorination” may be needed. This involves disinfecting the well with chlorine to kill sulfur-reducing bacteria. It’s best done by a professional to ensure it’s safe and effective.

4. Install a Filtration System

If your water supply naturally contains sulfur or other minerals, a whole-house filtration system or oxidizing filter can remove the smell before the water even reaches your taps. These systems offer long-term relief, especially in areas with high mineral content.

When to Call a Plumbing Professional

We recommend bringing in a licensed plumber at the first whiff of that funky smell. After all, you don’t want to be bathing and cleaning with contaminated water, much less drinking it! A professional can:

  • Flush your water heater or provide water heater repair
  • Replace your anode rod
  • Test your water for bacteria and mineral content
  • Recommend a filtration or treatment system
  • Repair your septic system
  • And more!

Say Goodbye to That Rotten Egg Smell

You don’t have to live with foul-smelling water. Whether it’s your water heater or your plumbing system causing the problem, Quality Service Today has the tools and know-how to fix it right the first time.

We’ll get to the bottom of the issue and restore the safe, clean, and fresh water your household deserves. Don’t let a bad smell ruin your daily routine — call Quality Service Today to schedule a plumbing inspection and get your water back on track!