Turning on the faucet and smelling rotten eggs is an unforgettable experience. That horrible smell often comes from sulfur in the water. Not only is the scent unbearable, but it can also mean you have a problem in your plumbing system. The good news is that while the odor may be sickening, it’s usually fixable with the right approach. South West Plumbing in Renton, WA can help you resolve this stinky problem and restore your water to its original odor-free status.
What Causes Rotten Egg Smells in Water?
The main problem behind a rotten egg or sulphur smell is hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas occurs naturally in groundwater or can develop when certain bacteria break down organic matter in your plumbing or water heater.
When hydrogen sulfide is present, even at low levels, it produces that awful odor of rotten eggs. While the gas itself isn’t dangerous at household levels, it can corrode metal parts, stain fixtures, and make your water taste and smell terrible.
Common Sources of Rotten Egg Smells
Several things can cause that rotten odor. It’s important to contact our professionals at South West Plumbing if the problem continues, so we can find the source and take care of it right away.
Water Heater Bacteria
Warm, stagnant water creates the perfect breeding ground for sulfur bacteria to grow. This issue is common in water heaters that never receive maintenance, such as flushing.
Anode Rod Deterioration
The magnesium or aluminum rod inside your water heater can react with bacteria and sulfate in the water. This generates hydrogen sulfide gas, leading to that eggy odor.
Contaminated Well Water
In homes with private wells, naturally occurring sulfur compounds or decaying organic matter can lead to a sulfur smell. It’s a good idea to have your well water checked regularly.
Drain Buildup
Sometimes the smell isn’t in the water at all. Buildup can cause bacterial growth in the drain or trap.
How to Identify the Source of the Smell
Before you can solve the problem, you need to figure out where the bad odor is coming from. Here are a few simple ways to find out.
Test the Hot and Cold Water
Run the hot water first and then the cold. If only the hot water smells, your water heater is likely to blame. If both have the same smell, the problem may come from the well or your water supply.
Try Different Faucets
If you only find the odor in one faucet or bathroom, the issue could be bacterial buildup in the drain. Our professionals can perform a drain inspection to determine the root cause.
Check Outdoor Spigots or Untreated Water Taps
If these are the only areas with odors, that means there’s a problem with the main water supply. Likely, it’s not the indoor plumbing, but it doesn’t hurt to schedule a plumbing inspection to be sure.
Inspect Your Water Heater
If you haven’t flushed your water heater in over a year, it could be growing bacteria inside. Flushing your water heater once or twice a year clears the debris and eliminates the conditions that can cause bacterial growth.
Practical Solutions to Eliminate Sulfur Odors
Once you’ve found the source, you can take steps to eliminate the problem causing the odors. These steps are pretty straightforward, but we are always here to help with our plumbing services.
Flush the Water Heater
Sediment and bacteria can often build up inside the tank over time. Draining and flushing your water heater clears this debris and eliminates the conditions that lead to bacterial growth. It also helps your water heater heat more effectively.
Replace the Anode Rod
The anode rod protects the tank from corrosion. However, it can also react with sulfate in the water, producing hydrogen sulfide gas. Replacing the magnesium rod with an aluminum-zinc alloy version often resolves the smell without sacrificing the tank’s protection.
Disinfect the Water Heater
If bacteria are the issue, disinfecting the tank is another effective solution. Our plumbers can perform a tank treatment that kills the bacteria and flushes the system.
Clean and Sanitize the Drains
If testing shows the smells are coming from only one sink, clean it with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Allow the mixture to foam up for a few minutes, and then flush the drain with hot water. This removes the bacterial films and organic buildup that cause odors.
Preventive Tips for Sulfur Odors
Once you’ve removed the odor, prevention is important. Regular maintenance and simple habits can help keep rotten egg odors away from your water supply.
- Water heater flushes
- Professional plumbing maintenance
- Monthly drain cleaning
- Water softener or filter installation
- Water testing
Trust Your Plumbing to the Pros!
South West Plumbing has the knowledge and tools to find the source of odors in your plumbing system. We can perform treatments, replace worn parts, and recommend long-term solutions. Most importantly, we’ll make sure your water is safe, clean, and pleasant to use again. We offer installation, maintenance, and repairs for all plumbing system components.
If you’re dealing with ongoing sulfur odors, contact South West Plumbing today to schedule plumbing services in Renton.
