Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

If the water coming from your taps smells strange, looks discolored, or seems “off” in any way, let RDH Plumbing, Sewer, & Drain Specialist investigate and find the solution. Call us for help at the first sign of any water quality issues.

When you turn on the faucet, you expect clean, clear, and odor-free water to flow out and fill your glass. But when you take a sip and notice a rotten egg odor in the water, you can’t help but feel a little grossed out.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?” the experts at RDH Plumbing, Sewer, & Drain Specialist have the answers. As the most reliable plumbers in Rockaway, NJ, we know how to deal with water quality issues, from cloudy and dirty-looking water to drinking water odors.

Is Smelly Water a Reason for Concern?

A rotten egg odor in water can certainly seem unpleasant enough that you might not want to drink it, but in the majority of cases, it’s not dangerous to your health. The problem usually stems from an excess of hydrogen sulfide in the water supply, which won’t harm you, but it may corrode plumbing.

However, in rare cases, the odor can indicate a sign of contamination from sewage or other substances that can be a health hazard. You must call a plumber to investigate the source of the odor to ensure that it is just a bacterial issue.

Why You Might Have Excess Hydrogen Sulfide in the Water 

The rotten egg smell in water can come from several sources.

Hydrogen sulfide gas can form as a natural part of the decay process. When the water contains decaying matter or reacts with it in the soil and rocks in the water supply, large pockets of gas can form.

Sulfur bacteria is another source of rotten egg odors in drinking water. If you have this type of bacteria in the groundwater, well, or plumbing system, it can affect how the water tastes and smells. Sulfur bacteria in water heaters can also make water smell bad; if only warm or hot water stinks, this is most likely the reason why.

If the water smells bad at any temperature and from any tap, then you likely have a problem with the water supply or in the plumbing system. Stinky water from a single tap or fixture means the issue lies in that pipe or drain.

What To Do About Foul-Smelling Water 

Now that you have an answer to “Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?” what can you do about it?

The first step involves calling a plumber to determine where the problem originates. In the unlikely event that the smell is due to a sewer leak or other contamination, avoid drinking or coming in contact with the water until a professional finds and addresses the source.

Assuming that the smell stems from excess hydrogen sulfide in water, you have several water treatment solutions to consider.

Service the Water Heater 

Flushing the water heater and cleaning it to remove bacteria makes the best option to eliminate odors in hot water. This service involves removing all the water from the tank, allowing it to refill, and running it for several hours at a minimum of 160 degrees.

Cleaning the Pipes

If the problem is in the plumbing system, flushing the pipes may help. Turn on all the faucets at once and allow them to run for five to 10 minutes. This process can help flush out odor-causing bacteria.

Install a Water Filter 

A whole-house water filtration system can eliminate most of the bacteria and other contaminants from the water supply, so you have clean and fresh drinking water without any unpleasant smells.

Maintain the Water Softener 

Using a water softener to remove minerals from the water supply can cause sulfur bacteria to accumulate in the softener solution and result in a rotten egg smell. Changing the solution will eliminate that issue.

If none of these tips help eliminate the odor, there may be an issue in the well or municipal water supply that requires attention.

Call RDH Plumbing, Sewer, & Drain Specialist for Help With Water Problems 

If you find yourself asking, “Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?” every time you get a drink from the sink, you need help from the experts at RDH Plumbing, Sewer, & Drain Specialist. We can find the source of the problem and recommend water filtration systems to ensure your family has safe, clear, and odor-free drinking water.

Don’t suffer with stinky water. Call (908) 774-8751 for plumbing service in the Rockaway, New Jersey area.