There is nothing worse than turning on your shower and being hit with the overwhelming stench of rotten eggs. It makes you feel unclean, it’s embarrassing when guests visit, and it makes drinking your tap water impossible.
If your water smells like sulfur, you are not alone. In Maryland and Northern Virginia, this is one of the most common complaints we hear from homeowners.
The good news? It is 100% fixable. The cause is usually Hydrogen Sulfide Gas or a simple reaction inside your water heater. Here is how to find out where the smell is coming from.
The "Hot vs. Cold" Smell Test
Before you look for a treatment system, you must determine where the smell is coming from. Perform this simple test:
Walk over to your kitchen sink.
Run the Cold Water for 30 seconds and smell it.
Turn it off, wait a minute, and run the Hot Water for 30 seconds and smell it.
Scenario A: “It Only Smells in the Hot Water”
If the cold water smells fine but the hot water smells like eggs, the problem is inside your house, not your well.
The Cause: Your Water Heater Anode Rod. Every standard water heater contains a “sacrificial anode rod” (usually made of magnesium) designed to prevent the tank from rusting. Sometimes, natural bacteria in the water react with this magnesium rod, creating sulfur gas inside the tank.
The Fix: This is a standard plumbing repair. A plumber can replace your magnesium anode rod with an Aluminum/Zinc Alloy Rod or a Powered Anode Rod, which stops the reaction and the smell immediately.
Scenario B: “It Smells in Both (or Just Cold)”
If the smell is present the moment you turn on the cold tap, the problem is in your water source.
- The Cause: Hydrogen Sulfide Gas. Your well is drawing in naturally occurring sulfur gas from the ground. As the water travels through the earth, it picks up this gas and brings it into your home.
- The Fix: You need a Whole-House Water Filtration System. Standard water softeners usually cannot remove this smell. You need a dedicated system designed to treat gases and odors. These systems treat the water as it enters your home, removing the gas before it ever reaches your faucets. Check out our Iron Breaker Sulphur Breaker systems for water treatment of Iron & Sulphur.
Is Sulfur Water Safe to Drink?
Technically, yes. While the smell is repulsive, hydrogen sulfide gas is rarely harmful at the levels found in residential homes. However, it can cause other expensive problems:
Corrosion: High levels of sulfur gas can tarnish silverware and turn copper pipes black.
Stains: Sulfur often comes with Iron, which leaves red or orange stains on your toilets and laundry.
FAQ: Common Questions About Smelly Water
Can I just pour bleach in my well?
We do not recommend “shock chlorinating” your well yourself as a permanent solution. While bleach might kill the smell for a few days, the gas will return as soon as fresh water enters the well. It also risks damaging your pump or septic system if done incorrectly.
Will a standard Brita filter remove the smell?
No. Pitcher filters are not designed to remove gases like Hydrogen Sulfide. You need a system that uses aeration or specialized carbon media.
Does sulfur smell mean I have bacteria?
Not necessarily harmful bacteria (like E. coli), but it often indicates the presence of “Sulfur-Reducing Bacteria.” These are harmless to health but produce the gas that causes the odor.
How much maintenance does a salt-based system really need?
Very little. Modern high-efficiency systems track your water usage and only regenerate when necessary. For the average family, you simply need to check the brine tank every 2–3 months and add a bag of salt if it’s getting low. It takes about 2 minutes of effort.
Why did the smell appear suddenly?
Changes in the water table, heavy rain, or a failing water heater rod can cause the smell to appear overnight.
How We Can Help
You don’t have to live with the smell. Whether the issue is your water heater or your well water, National Water Service can help you identify the root cause.
Step 1: Call us for a consultation.
Step 2: We will help you determine if you need a plumbing repair or a water treatment solution.
Step 3: We will recommend the right fix for your specific home.