What Causes the Rotten Egg Smell in Water?
If your tap water smells like rotten eggs, you’re not alone. This unpleasant odor is a common water problem that many homeowners experience at some point. While the smell can be alarming, it usually has a clear cause—and, more importantly, a reliable solution.
At WaterFixers, we help homeowners identify the source of sulfur odors in their water and provide effective, long-term fixes to restore clean, fresh-smelling water.
The rotten egg smell in water is typically caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas forms naturally and can enter your water supply in several ways.
1. Sulfur Bacteria in the Water Supply
Sulfur bacteria thrive in low-oxygen environments such as wells, plumbing systems, and water heaters. These bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which creates the strong rotten egg odor.
This is especially common in:
- Well water systems
- Water that sits unused in pipes
- Warm water lines
2. Issues with the Water Heater
If the smell is stronger when using hot water, the problem may be inside your water heater. Chemical reactions between bacteria and the heater’s anode rod can produce hydrogen sulfide gas.
A professional inspection from WaterFixers can determine whether your water heater is contributing to the odor.
3. Contaminated Groundwater
In some areas, groundwater naturally contains sulfur compounds. When this water enters your home untreated, it can cause persistent odors throughout your plumbing system.
Water testing is the first step to identifying whether groundwater contamination is the source of the smell.
Is Rotten Egg Smelling Water Dangerous?
In most cases, sulfur odors are not harmful, but they can:
- Make water unpleasant to drink or cook with
- Stain plumbing fixtures
- Corrode pipes over time
- Mask other serious water quality issues
That’s why it’s important not to ignore the smell. WaterFixers provides professional water testing to ensure your water is safe and properly treated.
How to Get Rid of Rotten Egg Smell in Water
The correct solution depends on the source of the problem. Common treatments include:
- Water filtration systems
- Oxidation and disinfection treatments
- Water heater adjustments or repairs
- Whole-house water treatment solutions
DIY fixes may offer temporary relief, but long-term results require professional evaluation.
How WaterFixers Can Help
At WaterFixers, we specialize in diagnosing and eliminating sulfur odors in residential water systems. Our process includes:
- Comprehensive water testing
- Identification of the exact cause
- Customized treatment solutions
- Professional installation and maintenance
We don’t just mask the smell—we fix the root cause.
Schedule a Water Inspection Today
If your water smells like rotten eggs, don’t ignore it. Contact WaterFixers today to schedule a professional water evaluation. Our experts will help restore clean, odor-free water to your home.
Visit www.waterfixers.com to learn more or request service.
