Why Does My Water Smell Like Eggs?

Does the water coming out of your tap smell like a plate of hard boiled eggs that was left out too long? The reason your water smells like eggs is because of an increase in sulfur bacteria in your home’s water supply. This is a problem that can be (and should be) fixed easily, but here are the facts on this stinky issue.

The Cause of the Rotten Egg Smell 

This unpleasant odor is caused by high levels of sulfur bacteria (Hydrogen Sulfide) within your home’s water supply and plumbing system. However, sometimes you will only experience this rotten smell while using the hot water tap. If this is the case, it is a result of a chemical reaction within your water heater (which needs to be addressed by your local plumber).

Problems with Hydrogen Sulfide

The presence of Hydrogen Sulfide within your home’s water supply can lead to pipe corrosion and damaged plumbing fixtures. While knowing this is extremely important, most people want to know the obvious question — is this water safe to drink? Yes, consuming and bathing in this water is completely safe. But do not confuse an increase in sulfur bacteria with other contaminates that can mimic this smell and also be hazardous to your health.

How to Remove This Foul Odor

• Hot Water Only – When this rotten egg smell is only present when the tap is dispensing hot water, the problem lies within your water heater. Contact your local plumber to service and repair your water heater to prevent future damage to your home’s plumbing system.
• Treated Water – If the smell is present in all temperatures of water, check to see if the water is treated or not. When untreated water doesn’t smell but treated water does, the problem lies within your water softener. Look to have this plumbing fixture serviced and repaired.
• All Water – When both your hot and cold, treated and untreated water smell like rotten eggs, the problem could lie within your well system or in the groundwater. Testing your water should be the first thing done so you can see the levels of Hydrogen Sulfide, sulfate, sulfur, and iron bacteria. When selecting a plumber to test and service your well system and groundwater, choose one that specializes in this service.

Having your home’s water smell like a breakfast gone bad is something you should address — and soon! When you need your home’s well water system, water softener, or water heater serviced, contact Len The Plumber. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (800) 950-4619.