Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

Does the water coming out of your faucet smell like rotten eggs? Have you tried everything, but have yet to find a solution to your problem? 

The primary cause of a rotten egg smell is a high level of sulfur bacteria in your home’s plumbing system and water supply. Depending on the cause, it’s possible that the smell will only occur when using the hot water.

Is it a Major Problem?

In addition to the smell, which is enough to make you want to move, the presence of too much hydrogen sulfide can damage plumbing fixtures and cause pipe corrosion. 

Despite the smell, it’s still safer to drink the water, bathe in it, and use it to wash your clothes. 

How to Eliminate the Odor

It’s one thing to know why your water smells like rotten eggs, but another thing entirely to find a solution. There are many ways to remedy this problem, and it all starts with pinpointing exactly when the smell occurs:

  • All Water: when your water smells all the time, hot or cold, the problem may be tied to your well system. Testing your water will give you a clear idea of the level of hydrogen sulfide, sulfur, and sulfide. 
  • Treated Water: you may find that your untreated water has an odor, but treated water doesn’t. If you come to find that your treated water has the odor as well, it may be related to your water softener.
  • Hot Water Only: this typically signifies an issue with your water heater. A water treatment specialist can inspect your water heater for problems and suggest a repair or replacement.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to put an end to this odor once and for all, contact a water treatment specialist and then learn more about the many types of water treatment systems you can install. By taking these steps, it won’t be long before your water is cured of its rotten egg smell.

Share this post:

Related Posts:

As a homeowner, you turn on the tap dozens of times each day without a second thought. But what’s really

When your home’s water tastes off or your faucet drips constantly, it’s time to choose a water treatment and plumbing

If you’ve noticed crusty buildup on your faucets, soap that won’t rinse clean or appliances that need replacing sooner than

With a proper diagnosis, you can come up with a solution.  Here is a list of some of the common

If you’re a homeowner in Ann Arbor, Michigan, you’ve likely heard concerns about PFAS or PFOS in the local water

If you live in Clarkston, Michigan, or surrounding areas like Waterford, Independence Township, or Lake Orion, chances are you’re battling

What Our Customers Say

I have 1 well servicing 2 households and CGC keeps salt in my softener every month. And keeps me up and running if there are any issues. Highly recommend for plumbing and water quality services.

Highly recommend CGC. Joseph contacted me when he would arrive, explained everything about the Kinetico install and maintenance and cleaned up the area perfectly. He also took care of another problem that was not part of the scheduled service call. Will definitely use them again.

Quick install, very professional. I would highly recommend this company. They have done a lot of work for us, great service...

Shane was prompt and Courteous. A Pleasure to work with. CGC is where we turn for all our water needs.

Retired from retail it's all about customer service..He did an awesome job..thank you!

Dan the service tech was very professional and friendly. All the employees we have had to our home we have had confidence in.

Jordan always takes time to explain each step and make sure I understand options. He answers questions truthfully and helps me prepare for issues that may arise in the future so I can be financially prepared. He is also very skilled at solving issues that arise.

Friendly,& gets the job done quickly,we recommend CGC Always good to know there's help not far away,thank you!!

Thourough and knowledgeable, these people have always done well since the install.

This is the 2nd home CGC has installed a water softener system, neutralizer, and Kinetico RO drinking water. The previous week we met with, Caleb at our home, at 8:15am, a trainee that was not done training, and boss man Jonathan called at 8:20am and had him to leave so Jonathan could answer our call. Jonathan arrived at 9am and we started the CGC visit over for the 2nd time. At this time we committed to purchasing the system. Jonathan scheduled our install for one week later, with an 8-noon install. We were under the impression he would be our installer. Jonathan also serviced our other home a month earlier. August 10th I received a text to confirm our scheduled appointment for Tuesday August 11th, 8-noon. I responded to the text and confirmed the appointment. I arrived on site at 8am, ready for a 8-noon install, no one showed up or call me. At 12:30pm I called to confirm our tech was still coming, and that he was ok. The office couldn’t reach the tech by phone, so at this point no guarantee. After the 2nd call to the CGC office, I was told he was going to be late, arriving at 2;45pm. At this point I felt angry that no one from CGC contacted me to let me know the new tech Caleb was sick and no coming for our installation. Horrible communication from CGC, and not a pleasant experience trying to determine what was going on. Austin arrived at 2:45pm, was a pleasure to work with and did a great job on the installation. At 8:30 pm, he completed the installation, a 12.5 hour day to have CGC to complete their commitment. How would CGC feel if they were treated how I was? Why couldn’t they call me to let me know they were going to be late? What is their protocol when an employee is sick. CGC angered me, leaving me feeling taken advantage of, after taking off from work to oversee the installation that was scheduled a week in advance, and approved the day before. Again, how would you feel if you were treated this way.

Charles did a great job troubleshooting our water softener issue. He was very through. Helped provide options to update the system.

As always Jason professional and helpful. As asset to your company.

Shane is a great asset to the team. He is very knowledgeable and thorough. Great customer service and will most definitely recommend him next time I need service from CGC Home Services. Thanks again Shane!

Charles at CGC water treatment was professional and very kind. Thank you for your promptness, honesty & kindness.

We purchased our own reverse osmosis system, and called this company to install it because it seemed like they were knowledgeable. Unfortunately, the person who installed it did not do it correctly and also failed to put the filter inside one of the reverse osmosis membranes. The tank wasn’t filling, we noticed there was an issue when we did the TDS test on it, and our tap water was showing better than the reverse osmosis faucet, which was interesting. My husband ended up going through the steps of installing and realized there were several things that weren’t done correctly. Luckily, my husband fixed it himself however it’s very unfortunate that we had to pay $611 to get this system installed incorrectly. Unfortunately when I called to relay this message to CGC, they just apologized and giggled a little. Not sure why that’s funny, but it’s alright we just know to not refer this business to any friends or family!

Jacksonville’s city punch has a god-sent healer. I had my dude Chris get me set up with the most vital water softener for this old house and let me tell you… my pipes and faucets are spewing out magical softness without the buildup. 12/10 would recommend for your home, new or old… Jacksonville residents need this to increase overall health and reduce maintenance on your home.

Michael was excellent. He explained everything perfectly. He went thru all the products and options.

Elvin was amazing! He quickly diagnosed the issue, fixed it, and then explain to me why things were doing what they were doing. More than anything I like that he explained everything and how it makes sense. Highly recommend!

Great service and knowledgeable technician.

Well, trained technician Anthony Collins Changed out resin … Rebuilt the valve system… Adjusted the water level in the tank and changed our R.O water filters… Very professional and courteous… We now have great soft water!

Call Your Plumbing Experts at CGC
Home Services


Need a plumber? Our team is ready to help!

Get $50 OFF Your First Plumbing Service! Book Today.

Serving Florida, Michigan, North & South Carolina

Call Us: (866) 716-4238

Contact us

Please complete the form below and our team will be in contact with you shortly.