Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

The most frequent cause of smelly water is insufficient water usage. Water needs to be run to keep the lines full of fresh water. If the house has been empty or has had the water turned off for more than a few days, it will need to be thoroughly flushed for a few minutes to clear the smell. An odor in one faucet in the house can usually be remedied by flushing the offending faucet. 

Other possible causes are:

  • Water softener (if applicable) malfunctioning or in need of service.
  • Bacterial growth in a drain, or a dried out drain. Treat with baking soda and vinegar or go online for other drain freshening ideas
  • Buildup of scale in hot water tank. Go online and search for how to ‘Flush your Water Heater’.


Show All Answers

1. Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?
2. How hard is my water?
3. I have a water break or leak who should I call?
4. Is fluoride added to my water?
5. Do I need to buy bottled water or can I drink from tap?
6. Where does my water come from?
7. Can the risk of exposure to copper or lead be reduced?