Why Does My Well Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

Last Updated on 2 years by

The stench of sulfur is a telltale sign that your well water has high levels of sulfates. Sulfates can be present in various concentrations, but if you have a noticeable odor or taste associated with the sulfates it means the concentration is high enough to affect your health and should be investigated.

Sulfate-rich water typically comes from groundwater wells, which often contain bacteria that oxidize naturally occurring sulfates in the water. This oxidation results in hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S), also known as rotten egg smell because it smells like an egg left out for too long. The gas escapes into the air when you remove water from your well by using an electric pump or turning faucets.

Why does my well water smell like rotten eggs?

If your water smells like rotten eggs, there’s a good chance hydrogen sulfide gas is present. This might be caused by your water heater malfunction or naturally occurring sulfur bacteria in well water. Hydrogen sulfide, which is distasteful and has a rotten-egg smell when released, can result from these problems.

H2S, also known as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), has a rotten egg or rotten egg odor and taste. This gas can be found in wells worldwide and is natural due to soil and rock decay and chemical interactions with the environment. It is produced by certain “sulfur bacteria” living in groundwater, wells, or plumbing systems.

How do you get the sulfur smell out of well water?

Shock your well with chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide to eliminate sulfur smells for a little while. It usually keeps odors at bay for 1-2 months. 2. Chlorinator: Install a chlorine injector system on your wellhead that continuously supplies chlorine into the water supply when it is turned on (chlorinator).

Is it safe to drink well water that smells like rotten eggs?

Drinking water with a strong rotten egg odor is perfectly safe to consume in most situations. On the other hand, the stench may be caused by sewage or other pollutants in a building’s water supply, which might result in health concerns.

How do I fix my smelly well water?

Aerate water and introduce air or oxygen. To eliminate both sulfur and germs, chlorinate your well water. Use an ozone gas chamber or an atmospheric tank to treat the water. Inject hydrogen peroxide using a syringe.

Is it safe to shower in water that smells like sulfur?

If you detect a rotten egg aroma in your water, you may be concerned about the safety of yourself and your family. The presence of a rotten egg odor is an indication that the sulfur levels in your water are too high. Good, clear water is odor-free and contains no health hazards.

Can anode rod cause a rotten egg smell?

The most prevalent reason for foul water is anaerobic microbes that live in some water and react with the magnesium and aluminum sacrificial anodes that come with most water heaters to generate hydrogen sulfide gas, giving the typical rotten egg stench.

Do water filters remove sulfur?

Even if the source of the odors is outside your home, installing whole house water filters that remove hydrogen sulfide and eliminate sulfur bacteria is a wise option to consider. If you want to remove unpleasant scents while also protecting your family from additional chemical and microbiological risks. Take Back Your Water! Just Breathe!

Can I pour bleach down my well?

Combine 2 quarts of bleach with 10 gallons of water and pour into the well. Washing down the inside of the well using a garden hose connected to a nearby faucet is an excellent idea. Allow each faucet to open and run until you detect a strong chlorine odor, then switch it off and move on to the next one. Pour it into the well without using a pump.

How do I get the rotten egg smell out of my water heater?

You’ll need to call a plumber to clean and disinfect your tank to eliminate the foul odor. To eliminate hydrogen sulfide, turn the water off at the source. The chemicals and particles that produce it should be removed. If your anode rod is corroded during a water heater flush, a plumber can replace it to prevent the smell in the future.

How do you remove hydrogen sulfide from well water?

Injecting air into the water and allowing the gas to escape is one method for removing hydrogen sulfide as a gas. Aeration systems may be used in various ways, including cascading, bubbling, or stripping the gas from the water. Because aeration does not introduce chemicals to the water, it might be advantageous.

Why does my well water smell Swampy?

Sulfur-oxidizing and sulfur-reducing bacteria produce foul odors. In the soil and water, sulfur bacteria can form deposits that clog a well screen and pump piping. Sulfur bacteria samples are tough to obtain and analyze. If your water is tested for iron bacteria, you may save money on analysis.

Is sulfur in well water harmful?

Drinking sulfur water is not harmful in most US homes because sulfates and hydrogen sulfide are low. That said, sulfur in water can cause plumbing issues, stain your fixtures, and give your water an unpleasant odor or flavor.

Why does my well water suddenly smell bad?

The primary source of the odor is hydrogen sulfide or sulfur bacteria. Sulfur bacteria are common in environments where oxygen is absent, such as deep wells. You’ll also run into problems like these regarding sewage systems and organic waste.

Does boiling remove sulfur from water?

Can You Cook with Sulfur Water? A: Some people find it difficult to cook with the pungent stench of decaying eggs. However, the smell goes away when water is heated, so you won’t taste your food after cooking in sulfur water.

What kind of filter removes sulfur?

One type of filter that can remove sulfur from your water is an oxidizing filter. When these filters oxidize the hydrogen sulfide producing the “rotten egg” smell, they convert it to solid sulfur, which gets removed from your water system.

How much does it cost to disinfect a well?

Chlorine is used to disinfect and eliminate germs from your well. To cleanse your well and eliminate germs, chlorinate it. You may hire a company that specializes in well cleaning to accomplish your task. The cost of chlorinating a well ranges from $80 to $200.

Can you take a bath in sulfur water?

Balneotherapy is the practice of bathing in water high in sulfur or other minerals for therapeutic purposes. These are claimed to provide “eternal beauty” and pain relief to those taking a bath in the waters.

How do you filter sulfur out of water?

Ozone, chlorine, aeration, and peroxide injections are some of the most popular methods for eradicating sulfur odors. The oxidizing properties of the water being treated are boosted utilizing several processes, including liquid chlorination. Medium to high levels of sulfur may be removed effectively with 5% – 10% chlorine (greater than 6 mg/l).

well water smells like sewage?

If your well water smells like sewage, it’s likely due to an issue with your septic system. A backup in the septic system can cause sewage to flow into your well, and the smell will be unmistakable. If you’re experiencing this issue, call a professional immediately to have them take a look at your septic system.

There are other potential causes of a sewage-like smell in well water, including rotting vegetation or an animal carcass that has ended up in the well. If you can’t identify the source of the smell, it’s best to contact a professional to help you out. They’ll be able to perform tests on your water to determine the source of the odor and take steps to correct it.

Why sulfur smell in well water after heavy rain?

The odor is caused by sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide. Sulfur bacteria are common in environments that lack oxygen, such as deep wells. Plumbing systems and organic waste also create problems in these areas.

They called public works to see what was causing it and officials say they believe it is related to recent flooding rains and cold weather freezing conditions. During heavy rainfall or snow melt, hydrogen sulfide gas can be pushed into well water. If this happens, the contaminated water will have a strong “rotten egg” odor like that of sulfur or sewage. The city says you should never use untreated suspicious-smelling well water for drinking, cooking, bathing or laundry purposes. Public works reminds residents if they notice this in their water to notify them immediately.

Shower water smells like rotten eggs?

There could be a few reasons why your shower water smells like rotten eggs. The most common reason is that there’s a gas leak in your plumbing. If you smell gas in your home, it’s important to evacuate immediately and call the gas company. Other causes of smelly shower water can include bacteria growth or sulfur deposits.

If you suspect that there’s a gas leak, don’t try to fix it yourself. Leave the area and call a professional to take care of it. If you’re not sure what’s causing the smell, you can test your water for bacteria or sulfur deposits. There are tests available at your local hardware store, or you can have your water tested by a professional.

will a water softener remove sulfur smell?

A water softener will not remove a sulfur smell. If your water smells like rotten eggs, it’s likely because of sulfur deposits. A water softener will only remove the calcium and magnesium from your water, which will not solve the problem of the sulfur smell. You may need to treat your water with a bacteria removal agent in order to get rid of the smell.

If you’re having trouble getting rid of a sulfur smell in your shower, contact a professional for help. They can test your water and recommend the best course of action to take to eliminate the smell. It’s important to address the issue as soon as possible, as smelly shower water can be a sign of a larger problem with your plumbing.

Why does my hot well water smell like rotten eggs?

We have hot water heat and recently our water started smelling like rotten eggs, we did get it tested and the ph was normal but does anyone know why this has happened all of a sudden. We haven’t done any plumbing work or anything like that.

There are a few reasons why your hot water might start smelling like rotten eggs. First, it’s possible that there is an issue with your water heater. If the water heater isn’t functioning properly, it can cause the water to smell bad. Additionally, if there is any sediment or corrosion build-up in the water heater, that can also cause the water to smell bad. Another potential reason for the bad odor is a problem with your plumbing system. If there is a leak somewhere in the system, it could allow sewer gas to escape and cause the unpleasant smell. Finally, it’s also possible that you have a gas leak in your home. If you smell gas, it’s important to call a professional immediately.

why does my cold well water smell like rotten eggs?

The most likely reason your cold water smells like rotten eggs is that there is a gas leak. If you have a gas stove, heater, or water heater in your home, it’s possible that a gas leak is the source of the smell. Other causes could be a broken sewer line or an improperly vented septic system. If you can’t determine the source of the smell, it’s best to call a professional to investigate. How do I fix it? If you think you know where the gas leak is coming from, turn off the valve to the appliance and leave the house until the smell dissipates. If you don’t know where the leak is coming from, or if turning off the valve doesn’t get.