There are over 316 chemicals that can be found in drinking water in the United States. If you don’t have filtered water, is it any wonder you have strange odors coming from your water?
Why Does My Water Smell Like Sulfur, Rotten Eggs or Sewage?
If your water smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, it means you most likely have an issue with hydrogen sulfide gas. Hydrogen sulfide gas can be smelled at levels as low as .5 parts per million. 1 PPM causes it to smell musty and 1-2 PPM will cause the water to smell like rotten eggs. Most times it is safe to drink but can be an indication of water contamination that can be dangerous. Hydrogen sulfide gas will produce a strong and nasty odor and taste. The odor may only be there when the water is first turned on or when the hot water is running as the heat of the water will push the gas up into the air. The only time it may be harmful is when the levels get high, but you’ve probably stopped drinking it by that point as the smell and taste will be quite offensive. The odor will remain as long as the hydrogen sulfide is present. If the smell only happens when you’re using hot water, its possibly a chemical reaction that is originating in your hot water heater. This means the problem is not with your water itself and you may have to contact a professional. If there is a sewage smell coming from the cold and hot water treated by a water softener and not in untreated water, it’s most likely sulfur bacteria in the water softener. You may need to have the water softener looked as the bacteria will need to be cleaned out. It’s almost impossible to drink water that smells like sewage. Gases in the drain are caused by bacteria from food and waste or an issue with the water heater.
How to Locate, Prevent & Correct Water Contamination & Pollution Problems
The water may be fine to drink but there are problems with your pipes, appliances that use water or the source of where your water is coming from. If the smell is coming from the pipes, there’s a little test you can do to figure it out. Fill a glass of water and without smelling it, walk away from the faucet. Go back and smell the water. If it does not smell, then it’s most likely the pipes and the drain. If you suspect the problem is with your hot water heater you can increase the temperature for a period of 24 hours. Run the hot water to flush out the pipes and be mindful of everyone in the home when doing so like children or the elderly as it may lead to burns. If your water comes from a well then the hydrogen sulfide might be starting there. You may have to have your water tested to determine what contaminants you might have in your water.
Water Filtration Systems in Naples, Cape Coral, Fort Myers & Lehigh Acres, Florida
There are ways to remove odors that are present in your water and systems to make it taste better. Contact AAA Water Team for an in home consultation to determine where the smell is coming from and a custom water purification system to make your water taste great!