Why Does My Hot Water Smell Like Eggs? – A Charlotte Plumber Explains 

Noticing smells originating from your water heater or hot water supply?

The rotten egg scent is brought on by a hazardous gas called hydrogen sulfide. In addition to the strong odor it generates, hydrogen sulfide can also create staining in kitchen and bathroom components as well as can even alter the preference of food.

We know you possibly have more questions, like:

• How did hydrogen sulfide enter into my water?
• How can I remove the rotten egg smell?

We’ll address both of those questions listed below.

Need a plumber to eliminate the rotten egg odor originating from your water heater? Give us a Call 704-919-1722

Just how hydrogen sulfide got into your water heater

Our water system contains a naturally-occurring ion called sulfate. In small amounts, sulfate doesn’t posture any kind of major health dangers to human beings and also is virtually undetected.

However, two problems can cause sulfates to become hydrogen sulfide (the stinky gas).

• High sulfur-reducing microorganisms (SRB) count in water
• Worn away magnesium or aluminum anode rod

Issue # 1: High SRB matter in water

Sulfur-reducing bacteria (SRB) get energy by feeding off of sulfates, ultimately minimizing them to hydrogen sulfide. If your house’s supply of water has a high SRB count, that might describe why you’re getting whiffs of that rotten egg odor.

Regional water treatment centers normally eliminate most of the SRB discovered in your water using chlorine and various other chemicals. Some water supplies (such as water from wells) have greater quantities of SRB because the water is without treatment.

Problem # 2: Rusty magnesium or aluminum anode rod

Conventional water heaters have a protective element called a sacrificial anode rod. The objective of the anode rod is to attract harsh minerals to it to make sure that the pole rusts instead of the internal lining of the container.

Several anode rods are constructed from magnesium or aluminum. When these poles wear away, the steels react with the sulfates in the water, turning the sulfate right into hydrogen sulfide.

Now that you know just how hydrogen sulfide enters your tank, allow’s check out how to do away with that horrible odor

Just how to eliminate the rotten egg scent.

To remove the bad odor, you’ll want to get in touch with a plumber to purge and disinfect your tank. Doing so will remove the microorganisms as well as particles that develop hydrogen sulfide. Throughout a water heater flush, a plumber can change your anode rod if it is rusted to prevent the smell in the future.

If you use well water, there might be a high count of SRB in the water. One remedy is to have a plumber execute a shock chlorination treatment. Including chlorine to the water will eliminate the SRB as well as consequently lower the rotten egg smell in your water heater.

Intend to protect against the rotten egg smell from returning? Try the preventative procedures listed below.

Exactly how to prevent the rotten egg odor in the future.

Keep in mind: Unless you have experience dealing with hot water heater and pipes systems, you’ll intend to get in touch with a plumber for assist with each approach listed here.

Preventative approach # 1: Utilize a zinc anode rod

One means to prevent the hydrogen sulfide smell is to use a zinc or aluminum-zinc alloy anode rod.

The factor is that zinc does not react the same way with microorganisms as magnesium or aluminum (on its own). Using zinc will certainly decrease the chances of you obtaining hydrogen sulfide in your water heater.

Preventative method # 2: Add a water filtration system

If your water naturally has a high level of SRB or you are constantly getting the rotten egg scent, you may require a water filtration system.

There are numerous types of water filtration systems, and also some concentrate on removing hydrogen sulfide. You’ll need to consult with a plumber to find which sort of purifier is best for your needs.

Discover more concerning the water filtration systems we mount by seeing our water filtration page.