5 Common Causes of a Strange Well Water Smell
- Rotten Egg Smell. Sulfur is the typical culprit behind the infamous rotten egg smell. There are a number of ways...
- Musty Odors. An earthy or musty smell in the water typically only happens when using the hot tap. This smell is...
- Fishy Aroma. A fishy odor in the water is usually from organic materials that have...
Why does my well water smell bad?
- Identify cause of smell
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Why does well water smell like eggs?
Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?
- Quick Facts
- Potential Problems with Hydrogen Sulfide. If you have hydrogen sulfide in your water supply, the main reason your hot water can smell like rotten eggs, it can damage pipes as ...
- Improving Your Drinking Water. One of the better alternatives to drinking straight from the tap is using a water filter that eradicates harmful contaminants.
Why does my water smell like sewage?
Why does my bathroom smell like sewage
- The smell from a shower drain. Daily showering leads to the formation of sediment coming from dead skin cells, shower gels, and hair.
- Dry P-trap. One of the most common causes of odors in the bathroom is dry P-trap. ...
- Wax ring problem. ...
- Sink odors. ...
- Water heater problem. ...
- Water smell. ...
Why does my hot water smell like rotten eggs?
- Shut off the power as described above.
- Close the main shut-off valve.
- Open both a nearby hot water tap and the temperature and pressure relief ( TPR) valve.
- Drain the tank until the water level is below the TPR valve, then shut both off.
- Add some 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (approximately 1-2 quarts per 40 gallons, adjusted to your tank’s capacity).
How do you get rid of smelly well water?
Increase the water heater temperature to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for several hours. This will destroy the sulfur bacteria. Flushing to remove the dead bacteria after treatment should control the odor problem.
How do you remove hydrogen sulfide from well water?
Aeration. Since hydrogen sulfide occurs as a gas in water, it can be physically removed by injecting air into the water and allowing the gas to escape. Aeration units may work by cascading, bubbling, or stripping the gas from the water. Aeration may be advantageous because it does not add chemicals to the water.
Is well water that smells like rotten eggs safe?
If the sulfur level in your drinking water is not too high, it shouldn't lead to any health issues. However, too much sulfate could lead to the following problems: Diarrhea and dehydration: Drinking water with a high sulfate content can have a laxative effect and lead to diarrhea, which can then cause dehydration.
Why does my well water smell like sewer?
If your cold well water smells like sewage, it can be the result of several causes: Hydrogen sulfide from iron, sulfur or other types of bacteria naturally occurring in your well water. Contaminated pipes with layers of bio-film caused by various types of iron, sulfur, or other types of bacteria.
How do you fix sulfur smell in water?
Chlorine bleach can effectively remove medium to high levels (over 6 mg/l) of hydrogen sulfide. The chlorine in the bleach chemically reacts with (oxi- dizes) the hydrogen sulfide eliminating the "rotten egg" odor. Chlorine bleach also reacts with iron or manganese, and disinfects water supplies.
Why does my well water suddenly smell like rotten eggs?
If your water smells like rotten eggs, that likely indicates the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas. This could be due to a problem with your water heater or naturally occurring sulfur bacteria, especially in well water. These issues can produce hydrogen sulfide, which leaves an unpleasant scent wherever it goes.
How often should you shock your well?
every 3 to 5 yearsHomeowners with private wells should have their well water tested every 3 to 5 years for some contaminants, including bacteria.
What type of filter removes sulfur smell from water?
There are two main filtration methods available for removing hydrogen sulfide from water which includes using different variations of activated carbon and manganese dioxide media to treat the water. Activated carbon is an effective option when the amount of hydrogen sulfide in the water is low, around 1ppm.
How do I shock my well?
Use ordinary liquid laundry bleach to shock chlorinate the water system. Determine how much bleach to use, then pour the bleach down the well and circulate it through the whole water distribution system. Wait 6-12 hours for the chlorine to work, then flush the chlorinated water from your well and pipes.
How much bleach is needed to shock a well?
Add 1 litre (1 quart) of household bleach for every 1.5 metres (5 feet) of depth of water. If you don't know how high the water stands, use the well casing depth to estimate how much household bleach to use.
Why does my water stink in my house?
Generally, a rotten egg (or sulfurous), decayed or sewage-like odor in household water is a result of bacterial activity, which can be due to: Bacteria growing in the drain: This is the most common cause of these types of odors.
How do you get rid of sulfur smell?
Treatmentkeep the affected area of skin clean and dry.use antiperspirant.wash regularly with antibacterial soap.use a deodorant to mask the odor.
What are the most common signs of sulfur in well water?
Aside from sulfur odors in your home, you may also notice black stains on your laundry, corrosion of your pipes, odors on clothing washed in water...
Will a water softener remove sulfur from well water?
Water softeners are primarily designed to reduce water hardness, and they can't be used for removing sulfate particles from water. In high-sulfate...
What is the best method of sulfur removal?
It depends on what you're looking for. Ask yourself what you want from a sulfate removal treatment. Do you want to exclusively remove sulfates? Per...
How often should I be testing for sulfates in wells?
Don't rely on the distinct sulfur odor to know it's present in your well. Low concentrations of sulfur may not give off odors at all, which is why...
What happens if my heater is the cause of the rotten egg smell?
Simple: replace the anode rod inside the heater with one made from a material that isn't magnesium, which won't react with your water and break dow...
Where can I find more advice?
For more information about your private well, speak to your region’s Department of Health or check out the department’s website online. If you have...
Why does my well water smell?
From sulfur to musty and sewage odors, here are five common strange well water smells and their causes. 1. Rotten Egg Smell. Sulfur is the typical culprit behind the infamous rotten egg smell. There are a number of ways sulfur bacteria can enter the well, but the most common is the absence of oxygen, which creates sulfide gas.
Why does my water smell so bad?
An earthy or musty smell in the water typically only happens when using the hot tap. This smell is caused by an excess amount of iron in the water. Fortunately, a musty smell does not mean the water is harmful, though it can lead to a foul taste. You also might notice a buildup of slime in the toilet and plumbing around the house, which is another indicator of iron buildup. You can clean out the excess iron by using a chlorine chemical feed and installing an iron filter to prevent future problems.
What is the smell of water?
3. Fishy Aroma. A fishy odor in the water is usually from organic materials that have leaked into the well. These materials often elevate certain levels of elements in the water, including barium, cadmium, and chloramines. Barium and cadmium are metals that naturally occur in deposits and can infiltrate plumbing and pipes.
How to get rid of sulfur in a well?
The best way to treat sulfur is to purchase an aeration system for the well. These systems dissolve the bacteria using catalytic carbons mixed with dissolved oxygen. You can also shock the system with a chlorine injection to get rid of the rotten egg odor. 2.
Why does my water heater smell like sewage?
Sewage Stink. A sewage odor can be the result of leftover bacteria in the drain or when a hot water heater hasn’t been in use for long periods of time. The gas sticks in the drain until the water is turned on and is forced out. You can find the origin of the smell by first filling a glass with tap water.
Does chlorine smell like well water?
Chlorine Smell. A swimming pool smell isn ’t typically associated with well water, though homes near water distribution plants might suffer from high levels of chlorine. While chlorine is great for treating city water, it doesn’t do any good if it leaches into the home.
Why Should I Get My Water Tested?
Water testing gives you specific information about the current state of your well system. If there are any dangerous contaminants in your well water, a water test will help you find which one is present. Then, you can make a plan to filter and clean your water.
When Should I Hire a Professional?
If your water smells bad, it is time to contact an expert. They can not only accurately diagnose the issue but come up with an effective plan to fix it. By catching the problem early and treating it correctly the first time, you will save time and money in the future. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind that your water is safe to drink.
Get Your Water Tested Today!
At Mosman Well Works, we have over 20 years of experience in the well industry. We’re available for emergency service 365 days a year and our customer service line is open 24 hours a day for answers to your questions. We can test your water and help you ensure your well water is clean and safe to drink. If your water smells, contact us today!
What does a well smell like?
Hydrogen sulfide can also build up inside your hot water heater, which can cause it to smell like rotten eggs.
Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?
There are two common reasons why your water may take on a rotten egg odor: Sulfur has leached into your well water. Or you’re having issues with your water heater. Hydrogen sulfate, a form of sulfur , gets into your well through rainwater or groundwater that seeps into the earth and rocks. When water passes through this organic matter, ...
How to get rid of odor in water?
The hydrogen peroxide reacts with the hydrogen sulfide and deoxidize s it, getting rid of the bad odor.
How to test for hydrogen sulfide in water?
If you’re testing your well water yourself, follow the test’s instructions and di p a testing strip into each water supply sample. Then leave the strips until they’ve changed color.
What is the cause of rotten eggs in water?
Coliform bacteria that live in soil often feed on sulfur for food or energy. The result is sulfur bacteria – and this sulfur bacteria releases hydrogen sulfur gas as a waste product. When your drinking water has a rotten egg smell, it’s likely that sulfur bacteria is to blame.
Why does my egg smell like sulfur?
There’s another common cause of a sulfur rotten egg smell: natural chemical reactions and decay in the ground . The hydrogen sulfide gas released can be carried in groundwater to a well, and this water is then sent into your home via your water supply.
How often should you test for sulfur in well water?
Low concentrations of sulfur may not give off odors at all, which is why it’s important to carry out testing on private wells once a year, according to the EPA. Aside from sulfur, you should also test for other contaminants that commonly occur in well water, including bacteria, iron and arsenic.
What Can You Do If Your Well Water Is Smelly?
Having the well checked is the greatest way to ensure proper water levels, especially when it comes to bacteria and pollution.
Ways to Make Your Drinking Water Better
You can use a water filter to remove any contaminants from your drinking water if it smells bad. Look for companies that provide these services and provide the necessary guidance.
What does it mean when your water smells like dirt?
When the aroma of dirt, grime and waste strikes your water supply, the smell can be appalling and insufferable like a busy city street after heavy rainfall. But your water supply doesn’t need to be clogged like the city’s sewage system.
Why does my water smell musty?
If your water smells musty, it could be from erosion in your water pipes. The metal decaying from the pipes could affect the smell. Generally, the smell is the worst thing that can happen if your water is musty. But if it lingers and becomes stronger, a bigger problem may be on your hands.
Why does my water heater smell?
The smell could be originating from the bacteria that harvested itself in the lower temperatures while the hot water heater was turned down . The bacteria isn’t harmful to you, but the smell can become quite pungent. Another cause could be the result of hydrogen sulfide entering the water supply.
How to get rid of a smelly faucet?
What you should do. First, grab a glass of water from the faucet while plugging your nose. Walk away with the water in hand, then take a whiff once you’re in another room. If the water smells normal, the odor is coming from bacteria build-up in your drain.
How to get rid of a smelly water heater?
If your water still smells after you’ve removed yourself from the sink area, try turning up the temperature in your water heater for 24 hours.
What to do if water softener smells musty?
What you should do if your water softener smells musty. If your water softener smells musty you need to perform some basic maintenance steps. The first thing you should do is pour a 16 oz bottle of cleanser down the brine well.
What does low pH mean in water?
Low pH means your water is acidic, which can lead to a smell resembling metal. To balance the pH level, you may need a new water softener. The right water softener will balance your water back to a consistent pH level, leaving your water scentless. 5. My Water Smells Fishy.
Why does my well water smell like fuel?
Fuel-like odors may be due to: A leaking underground fuel storage tank near your well. Contamination due to discharge from factories landfills. Runoff from agriculture l eaching into your water supply. If any of these are the case, stop drinking the water, as it may have adverse health effects, including: Anemia.
Why does my water smell like gasoline?
If you are on a public water supply, contact both your water supplier and county health department immediately. Fuel-like odors may be due to: A leaking underground fuel storage tank near your well.
What does chlorine smell like?
Water Smells like Bleach, Chlorine, or Medicine. Chlorine is used by most public water suppliers to prevent bacterial growth. When added to a well (via shock chlorination) or plumbing system, chlorine produces a strong bleach odor. The best way to eliminate the chlorine smell is turn on your faucets ...
How to get rid of chlorine smell in water?
The best way to eliminate the chlorine smell is turn on your faucets (preferably outdoors) and let the water run until the smell is gone. In some cases, chlorine interacts with organic materials that have accumulated in your plumbing system, which increase the musty-bleach smell.
How to remove bacteria from drain?
Then, fill a glass with water from the faucet that does smell and step away from the sink so you can't smell any residual odor from the tap.
Why does tap water smell like rotten eggs?
Generally, a sewage-like or rotten egg odor in your tap water results when sulfur-reducing bacteria grow in your drain, water heater, or well. These bacteria, which use sulfur as an energy source, chemically change natural sulfates in water into hydrogen sulfide-which emits a distinct rotten egg odor.
Why does my water heater smell like sewage?
When hot water goes unused, bacteria in your water heater can produce a rotten egg or sewage-like smell. This occurs if your water heater is turned off for a significant amount of time or if the thermostat on the heater is set too low. These bacteria are generally not a health threat.
Why does my well water smell?
2. Decaying organic matter in the well storage/pressure tank. The well storage/pressure tank may also be the source of the odor. Certain types of algae, fungi, and bacteria can grow in the tank, especially during warm weather, and may affect water odor. Here’s a simple step to avoid this from happening:
Why does my water heater smell like sewage?
Bacteria growing in the water heater can also produce a rotten eggs or sewage-like smell. Frequently, this occurs if the hot water is unused, if the water heater is turned off for a long period of time, or if the thermostat on the heater is set too low.
Why does water smell like a pool?
Nobody wants the water they drink to smell and taste like a swimming pool! This smell is likely caused by high levels of chlorine , which is usually not harmful but can be unpleasant. Some of the most common reasons for chlorine odor are: 1. Public water suppliers (PWS) chlorinate water to prevent bacterial growth.
How to get rid of odor in water heater?
Flush and disinfect the drain by pouring half a cup of baking soda down the drain, then pour half a cup of vinegar. Wait 15 minutes, and then pour in hot tap water. 2. Bacteria growing in the water heater.
Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?
Generally, a rotten egg or sewage-like odor in your water is a result of sulfur bacteria that has found its way into your water supply. This can happen in three ways: 1. Bacteria growing in the drain. Bacteria growing in the drain is the most common reason for this smell.
How to get rid of chlorine smell in water?
Follow these steps to remove the odor: Test your tap water to measure the free chlorine in your drinking water. If it measures over 2.0 ppm, contact your water supply authority or county health department. If it measures less than 2.0 ppm, your water is safe to drink but may be unpleasant to smell.
How long does it take for a water odor to dissipate?
The odor will dissipate over a couple hours in the cool temperature. 2. Shock chlorination of a well or plumbing system. Sometimes, typically after large storms, public water suppliers will shock the municipal water supply by adding more chlorine than usual to prevent bacteria growth in the system.
