How to Get Rid of a Sulfur Smell in Your Tap Water

Ever turned on your taps and wondered, “Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?” This unpleasant sulfur odor can be particularly frustrating to deal with, even beyond just the smell itself. When well water smells like sulfur, it’s also likely to have a displeasing taste and even leave behind unsightly black or orange stains on surfaces, fixtures, and clothing. Though there are usually no adverse health effects linked to this issue, it is a nuisance that can have a negative impact on your plumbing and your comfort at home. Understanding the root cause of the sulfur smell in your water is essential to finding an effective solution that keeps your water clean and pleasant to use.

What Causes Sulfur Smell In Water?

Sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) is more often than not the main reason your tap water smells like rotten eggs. This bacteria is commonly present in oxygen-depleted environments like deep groundwater wells. The bacteria consume and convert sulfate (a common ion found in water, soil, and rocks) into hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S). The smell of H₂S almost always means the presence of sulfate reducing bacteria because of these chemical reactions.

Iron reducing bacteria (IRB) also contribute to sulfur odors in water. This bacteria creates an environment favored by sulfate reducing bacteria. IRB break down iron compounds found in groundwater reserves, lowering oxygen levels. Therefore, IRB help sulfate reducing bacteria flourish and expel smelly hydrogen sulfide gas.

There is another possible cause for rotten egg smells from tap water. Water heaters usually have a component called an anode rod made from either magnesium or aluminum. This anode rod is intended to safeguard your water heater from rust. However, sulfate ions in water can react with a magnesium anode rod and produce H₂S.

Is Tap Water That Smells Like Rotten Eggs Bad for You?

Hydrogen sulfide gas can cause health concerns in very high concentrations. However, if H₂S is present in tap water, it’s usually at very low levels. H₂S is more of a problem for your plumbing fixtures and appliances since it is corrosive to iron, copper, steel, and brass. Components made with these metals that have been corroded can leave behind black, brown, or red slimy coatings and stains on clothes, utensils, and other surfaces in contact with affected water sources.

What to Do If Water From the Tap Smells Like Sulfur

If you do get a whiff of rotten eggs when you turn on a faucet, you’ll need to address the hydrogen sulfide within your well water. First, let both the hot and cold water run separately. If only the hot water smells, the magnesium anode is likely the issue and can be remedied by replacing it with an aluminum alternative. If both your hot and cold water smells, allow the water to run for a couple of minutes. Take note of how strong the odor is during this period. If the sulfur smell dissipates the longer the water is on, you likely have SRB in your well.

Kind Water Systems offers an easy-to-use Water Test kit that allows you to find answers about your water from experts in as few as three or four business days. Purchase your kit, follow all instructions to collect and ship your sample, and get an answer back from our team with a solution.

Find out what’s causing the sulfur smell at your house with a water test and survey.

How to Get Rid of Sulfur Smell In Your Water

The most effective way to combat rotten egg odors is to install a whole house filtration system designed for water with heavy iron, manganese, sulfur, and iron bacteria. Kind Water’s Chemical Oxidation System with Backwashing Catalytic Carbon Filter removes all of these contaminants through two key steps.

1. First, our system uses hydrogen peroxide to convert dissolved iron, manganese, and sulfur into solid forms through oxidation.
2. Then, the backwashing catalytic carbon filter system traps these newly solid particles, removing sulfur smells and other impurities.

However, it’s important to remember that your well water might be affected by several other common contaminants, including sediment, chemicals, tannins, or microbes that can cause adverse health or home effects. In these cases, it often requires several filtration solutions to keep your water safe. Our Well Water Package C addresses all major and minor well water hazards. Plus, you can apply the cost of your Kind Water Systems water test and survey kit toward any filtration system you purchase from us.