Does Your Hot Water Smell Like Sulfur or Rotten Eggs?Here’s 
Why
Running the water to your shower should leave you feeling refreshed. But, discovering the stench of rotten eggs can quickly ruin your good mood. Hot water typically should not have any smells. Once you detect a hint of sulfur, it’s time to begin exploring how to fix the problem and when our friendly technicians can help.
Quick Takeways
- Sulfuric smells typically come from hydrogen sulfide gas.
- The smell could be caused by an overgrowth of harmless bacteria.
- Foul smells that come from hot water usually indicate a problem with the heating system.
- Replacing anode rods can sometimes fix the problem.
- Most hot water heaters need replacement every 10 to 15 years.
Common Reasons Why Hot Water Might Smell Like Rotten Eggs
Taking a look at these common causes of foul-smelling hot water can help you begin looking for the culprit.
- Water heater anode rod reactions
- Bacterial overgrowth
- Sediment buildup
- High sulfur levels in the water supply system
- Low hot water usage
Water Heater Vs. Drains: How to Find the Source of the Odor
In some cases, a foul odor that you notice when you are running the water might actually be coming from the drains. Usually, this happens after a period of non-use.
For example, you might notice a foul odor once you run the water in your shower after a long vacation. Guest bathrooms are also prone to this problem when the drain dries out. If running the water for a few minutes resolves the problem and the odor doesn’t return, then it was likely the drain.
Find Out Fast If the Sulfur Smell Is From Your Water Heater
Once you’ve ruled out a dry drain, you can move on to doing a couple more simple tests:
- Ask your neighbors to rule out public water supply issues
- Check to see if the odor is only present in hot water, which indicates a heater problem.
- Flush the tank to remove excess sediment, but only if you are comfortable with the procedure
Follow These Safety Tips Before You Begin
Keep in mind that natural gas can also smell like rotten eggs. If you notice any signs of a gas leak and lines running through your home, then you will need to treat this as an emergency. Immediately leave your home and contact your utility provider to address potential gas leak issues.
If you decide to do a flush of the heater yourself, remember that they can get extremely hot. Always make sure the water inside is cool before you begin any DIY work. Shutting off the power to the water heater is also an important step to take.
Finally, avoid using DIY methods that involve pouring bleach or other chemicals into the heater. Doing so could cause damage to the water heater and potentially cause bodily harm.
Steps You Can Take to Fix Bad Odors
Giving these ideas a try can help you begin finding a solution to the foul odor problem.
- Contact the local municipal water supplier when there is both hot and cold water odors.
- Temporarily increase the temperature in the system, but warn others first of the scald risk
- Drain the tank and flush the system.
- Schedule a professional water heater inspection
Signs It’s Time to Call a Professional Water Heater Technician
The average homeowner in Pensacola will need to use caution when trying to fix water heater issues. As a general rule, you’ll want to call one of our professional plumbers for help anytime you feel in over your head. This is especially true when these situations apply.
- The water heater is over 10 years old.
- You aren’t sure of how to drain or flush a tank.
- You suspect the anode rod needs replacement.
- The smell persists despite doing basic maintenance.
- Other water quality changes are present, such as cloudiness
How Professional Plumbers Address Sulfur Smells From Hot Water
Our expert plumbers are fully equipped to perform maintenance, repairs and full water heater replacements. Once we diagnose the problem, we can provide some of these possible solutions.
- Replace magnesium anode rods with ones made from aluminum or zinc
- Perform a full flush to the system
- Recommend water treatments or home filtration systems
- Replace failing water heaters
When to Replace a Foul-Smelling Water Heater
Most water heaters can last around one decade before they begin showing signs of serious wear. We may recommend replacement if the water heater is nearing this age. There also comes a point when the system may have too much sediment buildup for a flush to fix. Our technicians always look for the simplest solutions first. If we recommend a replacement, it’s only because it is the best solution for long-term relief from sulfur-smelling hot water.
FAQs
What is the most common reason for hot water smelling bad?
The most common cause of sulfur smells in hot water is a magnesium anode rod reaction with sulfates in the water. Replacing the rod with a new material resolves the problem.
Can tankless water heater systems develop a foul odor?
Yes, especially if the system isn’t used regularly, such as when you are on vacation.
Will regular maintenance prevent hot water from smelling like rotten eggs?
Planning for routine water heater maintenance can help reduce the chances of buildup or failing anode rods, causing foul odors.
How long does it take to repair or replace a water heater?
Professional plumbers can usually repair or replace a water heater in as little as a few hours and often during same-day appointments.
Schedule a Water Heater Inspection to Stop Foul Odors
Stepping into a hot shower should be relaxing, and you don’t have to put up with a rotten egg stench any longer. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Pensacola, we love telling our customers that we’ll be on time, or you won’t pay a dime!
We know time is of the essence for restoring your comfort and the safety of the water you use for cooking and bathing. Reach out to us today to find the ideal solution for ending bad hot water odors in your home.
