Why Does My Sink Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs

Why Does My Sink Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

If you've ever turned on your faucet and been greeted by an unpleasant odor that smells like rotten eggs, you're not alone. This is a common problem that can be caused by several different factors. In most cases, the smell is harmless and can be easily fixed, but there are some instances where it could indicate a more serious issue.

### Causes of Rotten Egg Smell in Sink Water

1. Bacteria

The most common cause of rotten egg smell in sink water is the presence of bacteria. These bacteria, known as sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), thrive in environments with low oxygen levels, such as inside water pipes. SRB produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which has a strong, unpleasant odor that smells like rotten eggs.

2. Anode Rod Corrosion

In some cases, the rotten egg smell can be caused by corrosion of the anode rod in your water heater. The anode rod is a metal rod that is designed to attract corrosion and protect the water heater tank from rust. However, if the anode rod becomes corroded, it can release hydrogen sulfide gas into the water, causing the rotten egg smell.

3. Sewer Gas

If the P-trap under your sink is dry, sewer gas can escape into your home and cause a rotten egg smell. The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that holds water, which creates a barrier that prevents sewer gas from entering your home. If the P-trap dries out, sewer gas can escape and cause the rotten egg smell.

4. Well Water

If you have a well, the rotten egg smell could be due to the presence of sulfur in the water. Sulfur is a naturally occurring element that can be found in groundwater. When sulfur bacteria come into contact with sulfur in the water, they produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which causes the rotten egg smell.

### How to Fix Rotten Egg Smell in Sink Water

1. Flush the Faucet

If the rotten egg smell is only coming from one faucet, try flushing the faucet by running the water for several minutes. This can help to remove any bacteria or debris that may be causing the smell.

2. Clean the Aerator

The aerator is a small screen that is located at the end of the faucet. It helps to add air to the water, which can help to reduce the smell. If the aerator becomes clogged with debris, it can cause the water to smell bad. To clean the aerator, simply unscrew it from the faucet and rinse it under running water.

3. Check the Anode Rod

If you have a water heater, check the anode rod to see if it needs to be replaced. If the anode rod is corroded, it can release hydrogen sulfide gas into the water, causing the rotten egg smell. To replace the anode rod, simply turn off the water supply to the water heater and unscrew the old anode rod. Then, screw in the new anode rod and turn the water supply back on.

4. Fill the P-Trap

If the rotten egg smell is coming from multiple faucets, it could be due to a dry P-trap. To fill the P-trap, simply pour a cup of water down the drain. This will help to create a water barrier that will prevent sewer gas from escaping into your home.

5. Treat Well Water

If you have a well, you may need to treat the water to remove sulfur. There are a variety of different water treatment systems that can be used to remove sulfur, such as reverse osmosis systems, water softeners, and chemical filtration systems.

### When to Call a Professional

In most cases, the rotten egg smell in sink water is harmless and can be easily fixed. However, if the smell is strong or persistent, it could indicate a more serious problem, such as a leak in your sewer line or a problem with your water heater. In these cases, it is best to call a professional plumber to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.