Sink Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs

If your sink water smells like rotten eggs, it's likely due to a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas is produced by bacteria that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as the inside of your water heater or drains. While hydrogen sulfide gas is not typically harmful to your health, it can be unpleasant to smell and can indicate a potential problem with your plumbing system.

There are a few things you can do to address the issue of rotten egg smell in your sink water. First, try running the water for a few minutes to see if the smell goes away. If it does, it's likely that the smell was simply caused by a build-up of bacteria in your drains. You can prevent this from happening by regularly cleaning your drains with a drain cleaner or by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar.

If running the water doesn't help, you may need to check your water heater. If the water heater is not properly ventilated, hydrogen sulfide gas can build up inside the tank and cause the water to smell like rotten eggs. To fix this, you'll need to have your water heater inspected and cleaned by a qualified plumber.

In some cases, the rotten egg smell in your sink water may be caused by a problem with your septic system. If your septic system is not functioning properly, sewage can back up into your drains and cause the water to smell like rotten eggs. To fix this, you'll need to have your septic system inspected and repaired by a qualified plumber.

If you've tried all of the above and you're still getting a rotten egg smell from your sink water, it's possible that the problem is with your city's water supply. In this case, you'll need to contact your local water utility company to report the problem.

Here are some additional tips for dealing with rotten egg smell in your sink water:

Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean your drains, as these can damage your pipes.
Keep your drains clean by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar once a month.
If you have a water softener, make sure it is working properly.
Have your water heater inspected and cleaned by a qualified plumber every year.
If you have a septic system, have it inspected and repaired by a qualified plumber every 3-5 years.