How to Get Sulfur Smell Out of Water: Solutions for Odor

Have you ever turned on the tap only to be met with a rotten egg smell? That unpleasant odor in your tap water is often caused by hydrogen sulfide gas, a common issue in well water and even some city water systems. Whether you’re noticing it in your hot water heater, cold water, or both, the presence of sulfur-smelling water can be a nuisance—and in some cases, even a health concern.

Let’s dive into the causes of sulfur smell in your water supply and the best ways to eliminate it.

This post is all about how to get sulfur smell out of water.

Table of Contents

What Causes That Rotten Egg Smell in Water?

The main culprit behind the rotten-egg smell is hydrogen sulfide gas, which forms due to the activity of sulfur bacteria or sulfate-reducing bacteria in low-oxygen environments. These bacteria feed on sulfur compounds, producing that foul, sulfur-like odor in the process. In most cases, it’s completely harmless, and it could be caused for a number of reasons. It can be harmful if levels are very high.

There are a few common scenarios where this occurs:

In the water heater tank: A magnesium anode rod inside an electric water heater can react with sulfur bacteria, creating hydrogen sulfide odor.
In well water systems: Deep wells and private wells often have low-oxygen environments, perfect for sulfur bacteria to thrive.
In stagnant water: If water tanks or pipes haven’t been used for a while, stagnant water may develop high levels of hydrogen sulfide.
Issues with the municipal water: the odor can sometimes appear when the chlorine levels at the treatment plant are too low or there is an issue with the treatment process.

The smell of rotting eggs can be an issue for anyone that’s on well water or municipal water.

Besides the smell, you can also detect it by looking for any bacteria slime. The slime may be a white, grey, black, or a reddish color. You may see black stains on silverware or plumbing fixtures. Look for any corrosion on pipes and metal parts. That’s where it can become an issue – it corrodes metals like iron, copper, steel, and brass. It can also stain laundry, washing machines, and other things around the home.

So what can we do about it?

First Step: Identify the Source

Before doing anything, it’s important to pinpoint the cause of the issue. Here’s how:

Check if only hot water smells. If it’s just your hot water that smells, the issue likely lies in your hot water heater, not your entire plumbing system.
If the smell occurs with the cold water, the issue may be in the well or plumbing system.
Test both hot and cold water: If both have the odor, it may be your well water, water source, or even your surface water supply.
Get a water test: A water sample can help identify sulfur levels, coliform bacteria, and other water contaminants that may be causing the smell.

Treatment Options for Sulfur-Smelling Water

Once you’ve identified the source, here are the most effective ways to tackle sulfur problems in your household water. If you don’t know how to work on a hot water heater, you may want to consult a professional and call a plumber.

Replace the Magnesium Rod

If your water heater tank is the problem, the first thing to try is replacing the magnesium rod (aka magnesium anode rod) with an aluminum rod or a powered anode. The magnesium anode rod is a plug that’s located on the top of the water heater. By replacing it, it can help prevent the chemical reactions that cause hydrogen sulfide gas to form.

Shock Chlorination

A chlorine bleach solution can be used to flush the water system to kill off sulfur-reducing bacteria and coliform bacteria. However, if this isn’t done correctly, the problem can reappear in a few weeks.

Increase the Water Heater Temperature

Increase the water heater’s temperature to 160 degrees Fahrenheit and kept at that temp for a few hours. This will kill all the bacteria in the water heater. Since it’s very risky to increase the temperature on the water heater, you should consult the manufacturer, dealer, or plumber before doing this.

Continuous Chlorination and Filtration

If the issue keeps coming back, a chemical feed system with chlorine followed by carbon filtration can treat high levels of hydrogen sulfide and improve water quality. This process helps to convert the gas into a form of sulfur that can be easily filtered.

Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment

Hydrogen peroxide is another excellent option for treating sulfur water. It’s fast-acting and doesn’t leave behind chlorine byproducts. However, this type of treatment may not be available since it’s limited for use in private individual systems.

Aeration System

An aeration system introduces air into the water supply, oxidizing the hydrogen sulfide so it can be filtered out. This is a natural solution that works well in many cases.

Carbon Filters

For low sulfur levels, carbon filters or a chlorinator-activated carbon filter can be used to trap odors and improve cooking water and drinking water taste.

Preventing Future Sulfur Odors

Regular upkeep of your plumbing system is key to preventing future hydrogen sulfide problems. Here are some long-term tips:

Routine maintenance of your hot water heater and water softener
Ensure your water filtration system is properly sized and maintained
Install a filter system suited to your water conditions
Avoid letting stagnant water sit in unused pipes
Flush your system regularly if you use garden hoses or have large tanks

If you’re unsure which treatment options are right for you, consulting a local water expert is a great way to find a solution tailored to your specific needs.

Final Thoughts

Smelly water may be a common problem, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Whether it’s caused by your water heater, well water, or types of bacteria, there are many natural and chemical solutions available.

From carbon filters to shock chlorination, the best option depends on your unique water source and water quality. So take the first step, get a water test, and reclaim your fresh, clean water—without the smell of rotten eggs.

This post was all about how to get sulfur smell out of water.