Have you ever turned on your faucet and quickly noticed the unmistakable smell of rotten eggs? This unpleasant odor can make your water nearly impossible to drink and may point to more serious underlying issues. Let’s look at what causes this common water problem and how you can fix it.
For more in-depth solutions and information, contact our team at Atlantic Blue Water Services!
What Causes Water To Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
When your water smells like sulfur, it typically points to one of two culprits: Sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide gas. These naturally occurring substances can enter your water supply through various sources, especially if you rely on well water.
Sulfur-reducing bacteria thrive in wells and plumbing systems by breaking down sulfur. As these bacteria work, they produce hydrogen sulfide gas— the source of that distinctive rotten egg smell. While the bacteria themselves aren’t usually harmful, they can create conditions that lead to other problems.
The other cause of rotten egg odor is simply the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas alone. This gas can be produced as a byproduct when the magnesium anode rod in your water heater corrodes. This can cause a strong sulfur smell when turning on the hot water in your home.
The rotten egg smell in your tap water might also come from natural processes happening around your water source. When plants and other organic materials break down near your well or water supply, they release hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas can seep into your groundwater.
There’s another, less common cause to consider, as well. Though rare, certain types of pollution can create hydrogen sulfide gas in your water supply. This is why professional water testing is so important— it helps you pinpoint the exact source of any unusual tastes or smells in your water.
Finding the Source
The first step to solving your smelly water problem is identifying where it’s coming from. If you notice the smell only when using hot water, your water heater is likely the culprit.
However, if the smell is still present when using hot and cold water, the issue might stem from your groundwater supply or distribution system. This situation often requires more comprehensive testing and treatment.
The Hidden Dangers of Sulfur-Smelling Water
While that rotten egg smell is certainly unpleasant, the concerns go beyond just bad odor. While small amounts aren’t dangerous, high levels of hydrogen sulfide can cause health issues, like nausea and headaches. Usually, odor is noticeable at levels of 0.50 mg/L.
Additionally, sulfur bacteria create an environment where other problematic organisms, like iron bacteria, can flourish. These organisms can damage your plumbing system by causing corrosion and slime buildup. They can also cause staining throughout your home, such as on laundry and plumbing fixtures.
The Impact On Your Home & Well System
Sulfur-smelling water affects more than just your water quality. It can:
- Corrode metal plumbing fixtures
- Stain silverware
- Create slime buildup in your pipes and well equipment
- Reduce your water pressure over time
- Affect the taste and smell of food and beverages prepared with tap water
- Cause your belongings to constantly carry the smell of rotten eggs
What’s Happening in Your Well?
For well owners in Maryland and Southern Pennsylvania, odor problems often start in the groundwater itself. Local geology and environmental conditions can contribute to higher levels of sulfur bacteria. Regular well maintenance and testing can help catch these issues before they become big problems.
When To Take Action
Do not ignore sulfur smells in your water, even if they seem mild at first. Early intervention can prevent more serious problems in the future. Professional testing can identify the exact cause, allowing you to choose the best, targeted treatment solution.
For clean, great-tasting drinking water, we offer a variety of water quality systems. From well water filtration systems with activated carbon filters to water softeners, you have endless options to choose from.
Contact Our Professionals
While some odor issues can be fixed with DIY solutions, like flushing your water heater, persistent problems require professional intervention. At Atlantic Blue Water Services, our water treatment experts can:
- Provide comprehensive water quality testing
- Identify the source of the odor
- Recommend water treatment system options
- Install necessary filtration or treatment equipment
- Provide ongoing maintenance to prevent future problems
The best defense against rotten egg odor and other water quality issues is regular testing and system maintenance. This is particularly important for well owners, as private wells don’t receive the same oversight as public water systems.
If your water smells like sulfur, contact Atlantic Blue Water Services now. We offer superior water services for residents throughout Maryland and Southern Pennsylvania. Our experienced technicians can find the source of your problem and restore your water quality.
You don’t have to live with smelly water— let us help you achieve fresh water throughout your home that’s enjoyable and safe to drink!