Does Your Plumbing Smell Rotten? Here's Why

Got a rancid odor coming from one of your sinks? Does it smell like rotten eggs? This smell is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide gas, which is a product of bacteria that exists in contaminated water and sewage.

It's strong enough to make simple tasks, such as cooking and cleaning, unbearable. If there's a silver lining, however, it's that getting rid of the smell can be an easy job.

Do you want to learn how to eliminate the scent? It could be as simple as sanitizing the problem area or a drain cleaning. Here's everything you need to know about smelling plumbing and how to deal with it.

There Could Be Bacteria in the Pipes

“contaminated sink” First and foremost, you'll have to find out whether the problem is a contaminated water supply or just one drain. Testing for this is simple.

Start by filling a cup with cold water from the foul-smelling sink, bringing it outside, and taking a whiff. Next, fill another glass with hot water from the same sink, and have another smell.

Do this all over again from another tap in the house. If each cup of water emitted an awful odor, your water supply is probably contaminated.

If it was only the hot water that was stinky, the problem might be related to the water heater. If you couldn't smell anything, it's possible the problem is with one drain. Now, if you figure the source is limited to a single drain, all you need to do is perform a simple drain cleaning.

Pouring a half cup of bleach down the drain should get rid of the smell. If you're not comfortable using bleach, you can substitute it with a cup of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda. Let this combination fizz for a bit, then cleanse with warm water.

It Could Be Sulfur-Contaminated Water

“sulfur” If, on the other hand, you think your water supply may be contaminated with sulfur, there are a few things you can try.

If your water heater is the source of the problem, it may be caused by sulfur in the anode rod reacting to the bacteria.

By replacing the rod with an aluminum one and disinfecting the water using hydrogen peroxide, the water should be cleaned.

If the water everywhere in your home smells funky, and you use well water, it's possible the pressure tank could be contaminated. Disinfect the water by adding bleach, at a ratio of one gallon for every 1,000 gallons of water, and it may get rid of the stench.

Cleaning and disinfecting the well itself is another suggested practice. Also, note water softeners are a regular source of contamination, so check your filters because they probably need replacing.

What Should You Do If It Still Smells?

“what to do” If you're finding that the problem persists despite the solutions above, you should contact an Orlando, FL, professional plumbing business.

These specialists are trained to find plumbing issues, and they have the equipment and materials to conduct repairs or services, no matter the underlying problem.

Don't live with the smell - call a plumber to help you today!

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