Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
There are a couple of explanations for the so-called “rotten egg” odor and sulfur smelling water.
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The presence of “sulfur bacteria” or hydrogen sulfide in your plumbing system. Hydrogen sulfide gas causes the smell. This is mostly found in well water or ground water.
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Chemical reaction specific to your hot water tank, especially if you notice the smell while using the hot water tap. This is caused by the magnesium rod and aluminum in your water heater that produce hydrogen sulfide gas.
The Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide Water
- Hydrogen sulfide has a very unappealing odor and can be very unpleasant.
- Metal items like silverware can discolor or turn a blackish color when washed often.
- Hydrogen Sulfide literally lessens the effect of detergent, and anyone with sulfur in their water can attest to the difficulty of getting clothes truly clean.
- Corrodes any exposed metal parts in a washing machine.
- Harmful contaminants are continually found in tap water in the U.S.
Solutions for Smelly Water
There are several ways to combat sulfur in your water, including chlorine bleach removal, iron removal, and aeration removal. Many softeners are not able to work against sulfur long term, so it’s important to work with an expert who can recommend the right treatment for the level of hydrogen sulfate in your water supply.
A water test can help determine where the source of the problem lies and what the solution should be. Excess sulfur in the plumbing system and water supply can be treated so that your water can return to normal.
Does your water smell like rotten eggs? If you are experiencing this issue, we can come up with a solution to remove this problem from your water. Sign up for our free in-home water test today.
