Sulfur Smell In Well Water Hot Water

Generally seen living in a low oxygen environment such as water heaters deep wells as well as in the plumbing network this sulfate reducing bacteria take their energy from sulfur.

Sulfur smell in well water hot water.

If you have a well the water could be passing through a sulfur source or it could be contaminated by other chemicals that produce hydrogen sulfide as a byproduct for example nitrogen from. Many well owners are immediately frightened by the thought of contaminants of any kind entering their water supply. If there is only an odor in the hot water this indicates a problem with the water heater. A less common problem that causes a sulfur odor is when you have a water softener and a magnesium anode rod inside the water heater.

Rarely the sulfur smell can result from sewage entering the well. The water sits stagnant in the well until it is used. This smell can occur in cold water for a variety of reasons but when it s specific to hot water your hot water heater is the most likely culprit. Ordinary household water softeners do not remove sulfur odors from water.

This creates hydrogen sulfide gas which is the rotten egg smell in water. In fact softeners easily become fouled or clogged reducing their softening capacity. The smell of sulfur is produced when sulfur bacteria break down organic matter and release hydrogen sulfide gas often leaving an aroma of rotten eggs. Sulfur bacteria are naturally present in groundwater therefore the smell is most likely due to reactions occurring in your hot water and are not a threat to your health.

Since they usually proliferate in hot water it is standard for the rotten egg smell to amplify when faced with these environments. It is perhaps more common in areas with shale or sandstone geology. Sulfates in water as well as iron and sulfur bacteria can interact with the anode rod in water heaters. Why does my hot water have a sulfur smell.

Although sulfur reducing bacteria can impart taste and odor in the water they do not cause health concerns for humans. Hydrogen sulfide problems are most common in wells drilled into acidic bedrock such as shale and sandstone. Drilling a new well to find water with lower sulfur content may be a solution or be a waste of effort and money. The sulfur smell in hot water heaters typically originates because of two reasons.

Softened water can sometimes accumulate hydrogen sulfide gas which gives off the offending rotten egg smell as it s released. Hydrogen sulfide typically enters the well water through naturally occurring bacteria. The smell can originate from hydrogen sulfide gas in softened water and can be from a number of sources. However due to the smell being from the hot water it is likely in your hot water heater.