Some tap waters have faint odors but are bearable while others are just way too much to even tolerate. If your water smells like sulfur, you know how incredibly horrible it can be. Everyone compares the smell of sulfur to rotten eggs and cannot really be overlooked. The good news, you don't have to tolerate this smell. You are probably thinking what's going on with my water?

What Is Sulfur Smell?

If you've never experienced the smell of sulfur coming out of your faucet, you are lucky. You really need to find a way to get rid of it. It can be a big problem if this smell is coming from your kitchen and bathroom sinks and your shower drain.

What Is Causing The Smell Of Sulfur In Your Water?

In most cases, your water contains hydrogen sulfide. Even if it's only a small amount, the emanation coming from your water is unbearable. The good news, hydrogen sulfide will not harm your health even if the mere thought of turning on your tap is something you prefer not to do.
Just understanding the smell is not enough, you should understand the source. Here are several points to consider:
If the smell of sulfur only happens when using hot water, it's probably caused by your hot water heater.
If the smell is present, no matter what the water temperature is, it's probably coming from your plumbing system or well water.
On the other hand, if the smell is only present in one room, it could be a problem with your pipes or drains in that area.

What Can I Do About The Smell of Sulfur Coming From My Well Water?

It's really important you have fresh, clean water from your well. You need to have the well tested to make sure the water level is correct and whether there is a presence of bacteria and/or chemicals.
If you discover the presence of hydrogen sulfide or sulfur bacteria, it's important to have good ventilation in order to allow the gas to escape.
If the smell is caused by your water heater, contact a professional to take care of the magnesium anode. Another choice would be to flush the water heater with a chlorine bleach solution. You can use a water filtering system to remove impurities such as sulfur bacteria, especially if your water source is a well.

How To Improve Your Water

If you are suffering from smelly water, you can get a water filtration system to rid of impurities from your drinking water. Also, look for an excellent RO system or for companies that provide filtration services and provide guidelines. You will be amazed how many bacteria a water treatment can eliminate. Water filtration water coolers will remove up to 90% of bacteria and that rotten sulfur smell. No matter where the sulfur smell is coming from, you should follow these steps to get rid of it:
  • ONE – Check for the smell and the source from your well or hot water. It's recommended to run the tap and check if there is a smell. If you notice sulfur smells, it might be hydrogen sulfide gas. If it smells like oil, it could be manganese. You should probably hire an expert to help out.
    When you notice the smell, run the water from the taps. Like iron, sulfates in water can interact with the anode rod in your water heater. Change out the anode rod with an aluminum rod to remove the problem. This will stop creating hydrogen sulfide gas and the smell of sulfur. If this is caused by your well, you will have to bring in a specialist to treat the water. Ask friends or family members if they know of a treatment service near you and is available within your budget.
    If you cannot find someone to help out, find a water-heater odor killer to get rid of the smell. Also, you can use hydrogen peroxide to kill the smell. You will get clean drinking water.
  • TWO – If the smell is coming from a water heater, you can find various ways to eliminate the smell. The best way is by testing the water when there is an odor problem and finding out where the source is coming from.
    If the water source is the public system and the odors are coming from cold water, contact the water utility for their recommendations. If the source is from your well, you will need a water analysis to find the best treatment for the problem.
    In order to complete the test, it should include an analysis of minerals such as manganese and iron. Other tests should help you know about other issues including tannin, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfate.
    For a well, a sample test must be performed close to the well. This will help you understand what water treatment should be used depending on the water chemistry. Well water needs testing to remove E. coli (Escherichia coli) and coliform which are health requirements. Because other people will be drinking the water, you need to have a bacteriological, metals, and mineral test performed.

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