Do you notice a rotten egg smell whenever you use the bathroom’s water? Perhaps you’re wondering who might have possibly left an egg in your bathroom, but actually, wait! In reality, the water is what is emitting the odor, not a rotten egg!
Your water has a rotten egg-like smell because it might contain hydrogen sulfide gas, which causes it to smell like rotten eggs. The water contains sulfate bacteria that generate hydrogen sulfide gas. The gas is either present in the water heater or occurs naturally in well water.
Let’s delve into the details so that you may be well-informed on what is causing this odor in your water and how to get rid of it.
Keep reading!
How Can Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Occur in Your Water?
Hydrogen sulfide gas can either occur naturally in well water through sulfate bacteria or if you notice the unpleasant smell when using hot water, there is a possibility that the hydrogen sulfide gas is being produced in the water heater.
The sulfate bacteria is already present in the water, and the sulfate is a naturally occurring element found in the environment. The sulfate bacteria feeds off of sulfate and produces hydrogen sulfide gas.
Magnesium anode rods found in water heaters are another potential source of it. The rod is made of magnesium sulfate. When the rod corrodes, it releases free electrons into the water, and the electrons, in turn, drive the reaction between sulfate and sulfate bacteria, causing the water heater’s water to smell when it comes out.
Sulfate bacteria can multiply in the warm water of the water heater, which causes contamination. You will notice an exceedingly terrible odor as the quantity of bacteria increases.
Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs Only One Faucet?
There are a few reasons why your water might smell like rotten eggs. If you only notice the smell coming from one faucet, it might be because there is a sulfur build-up in the pipes leading to that faucet.
This can happen if your water is naturally high in sulfur or the pipes are corroding. Another possibility is a problem with the water heater, which can cause sulfur to build up in the water.
If you notice the smell coming from all of your faucets, there might be a problem with the municipal water supply.
How Can You Get Rid of Rotten Egg Smell in Your Water?
If you notice a rotten egg smell in your water, it could be due to a problem with your water heater. If the anode rod in your water heater is corroded, it can release sulfur into the water, causing a foul smell.
Here are a few of the ways which you can use to get rid of hydrogen sulfide gas in your water;
Water Purification System
This is a suitable way because the purification system will clean all of the water in your home, including the sinks and bathroom. There will be no smell once the water has been thoroughly cleaned.
Chlorination Treatment
Chlorine is one of the effective ways to kill bacteria. Getting chlorination treatment in your water line will kill all the sulfate bacteria that may be present, and no hydrogen sulfide gas can be produced.
This is the most common and usually the most effective way to control hydrogen sulfide in drinking water.
Disinfect Tank
Another method to get rid of bacteria in your tank is disinfecting it. Your tank will first be drained of the contaminated water, then disinfected before being filled again with clean water.
This process is usually done with bleach, sun, or ultraviolet light. You will also need to disinfect any other equipment in your tank that has been contaminated, such as filters and heaters.
You can get a professional to handle this for you.
Clean Water Heater
The water heater is rather simple to clean. To remove all of the sulfate water, you must empty the heater. The heater must then be refilled with fresh water, set at 160 degrees, and left running at this temperature for a few hours. This will eliminate all the bacteria in the heater and keep your water clean for an extended period of time.
Clean Pipes
You must drain all the water from the pipes until there is no more contaminated water before you can clean them. This can be done by turning on the taps for 5 to 10 minutes, at which point the entire contents will drain out, including the bad smell.
Replace Rod
It is a good idea to swap out the magnesium rod in the water heater for a zinc one because zinc doesn’t react with germs as magnesium does. Installing a zinc rod will lessen the likelihood of hydrogen sulfide gas developing in the first place.
Can I Shower If My Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs?
Yes! There is no health risk from taking a shower with a rotten egg smell. However, a shower could be ineffective if you end up smelling like rotten eggs afterward. You’re good to go as long as you can handle that horrible smell.
The advantages of sulfur water may have escaped your notice. Since it helps reduce dandruff, it is beneficial for hair. The sulfur water maintains the hair moist and prevents it from drying out. It also promotes hair growth and makes it healthier.
The sulfur water benefits the skin as well. It has a medicinal component that aids in the management of skin fibrosis. Even skin with rashes and infections like eczema might benefit from its therapeutic properties.
Moreover, sulfur water is known for treating various conditions, including digestive problems, menopausal symptoms, and arthritis pain.
What Problems Does Sulfur Water Bring Up?
Sulfur water can cause various problems, including staining clothes and skin, making hair brittle and difficult to manage, and causing an unpleasant odor. In addition, sulfur water can be corrosive to metal pipes and fixtures and contribute to scale formation in hot water heaters.
Stains
Your toilet, sink, and faucets can all become stained by the sulfur water in your pipes. It will leave a black or yellow stain everywhere it flows. As a result, you will need to seek assistance in repairing the stained areas of the bathroom.
Unclean Clothes
If you have sulfur water in your pipes, it will be used in your washing machine when you wash your clothing. The washing detergent’s effectiveness is reduced by sulfur water, which is strong enough to leave the garments unclean. In addition, they start to smell like rotten eggs, which makes them worse.
Clogged Plumbing
In addition to sulfur hydrogen gas, the sulfate bacteria also produce a dark slime. The slime may cause the plumbing to clog or even rust.
Conclusion
Sulfate bacteria are very detrimental to the quality of water. Therefore, it is important that you test your water regularly for their presence.
Don’t allow your water to turn into sulfur water any longer; you know how to take measures before or even after the bacteria has performed its work in your water. Seek professional assistance right away to avoid further complications.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.