Why Does My Hot Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs? Causes & Solutions

You turn on the hot water and suddenly get hit with an unmistakable rotten egg smell. It’s unpleasant, but it’s also a fairly common water heater problem.

That sulfur-like odor is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. If you notice the smell primarily or exclusively when using hot water, your water heater may be the source.

Here’s what could be causing it, what you can do about it, and when it’s time to call a professional.

Why Does My Hot Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

One common cause is a reaction happening inside your water heater.

Water heaters contain an anode rod, sometimes called a sacrificial anode rod. Its job is important: it attracts corrosive elements in the water to help protect the steel tank from rusting.

Under certain water conditions, naturally occurring bacteria can interact with compounds in the water and the anode rod. This process can produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which has the distinctive smell of rotten eggs.

The problem may be more noticeable if your home uses well water, but sulfur odors can occur with other water supplies as well.

Why Does Only My Hot Water Smell?

This is an important clue.

If both your hot and cold water smell, the problem may be coming from your home's water supply rather than the water heater itself.

If only the hot water smells like rotten eggs, something happening inside the water heater becomes a more likely culprit.

Try turning on the cold water by itself and checking for an odor. Then do the same with the hot water.

This simple test can help narrow down where the smell is coming from.

Can the Anode Rod Cause a Rotten Egg Smell?

It can contribute to the conditions that create the odor.

The anode rod is designed to corrode so the inside of your water heater tank doesn't. Because it plays such an important role in protecting the tank, simply removing it to eliminate an odor isn't generally a good solution.

Depending on the water heater and the home's water conditions, a professional may recommend inspecting or replacing the anode rod as part of addressing a recurring sulfur smell.

Why Did My Hot Water Suddenly Start Smelling?

A rotten egg smell doesn't necessarily develop gradually.

You may notice it after:

• The water heater has been sitting unused for a while

• Changes occur in the home's water supply or water chemistry

• Bacteria develop inside the tank

• Work has recently been performed on the plumbing or water heater

• Conditions inside an older water heater begin to change

If the smell keeps returning, it's worth figuring out what's causing it rather than continually trying to cover up the odor.

How Do You Get Rid of the Rotten Egg Smell in Hot Water?

The right solution depends on what's causing the odor.

In some situations, the water heater may need to be flushed and treated to address bacteria inside the tank. The anode rod may also need to be inspected to determine whether a different type of rod is appropriate.

If the odor is coming from both hot and cold water, the water supply itself may need to be investigated instead.

Because several different problems can produce similar symptoms, diagnosing the source first can save you from replacing parts that aren't actually causing the problem.

Is Rotten-Egg-Smelling Hot Water Dangerous?

A sulfur smell coming from the water isn't automatically an emergency, but you shouldn't assume that every rotten egg odor is coming from your water.

Natural gas is intentionally given a sulfur or rotten egg odor so leaks can be detected.

If you smell rotten eggs in the air around your water heater or elsewhere in your home, especially when no water is running, don't assume it's a water-quality issue. Leave the area and contact your gas utility or emergency services from a safe location.

If the odor occurs specifically when you turn on a faucet and appears to be coming from the water itself, the water heater or water supply may be responsible.

When Should You Call a Water Heater Professional?

Consider having your water heater inspected if the sulfur smell is persistent, keeps returning after flushing, or is accompanied by other changes such as rusty or discolored hot water, unusual noises, leaks, or reduced hot water performance.

A professional can help determine whether the issue involves the anode rod, bacteria inside the tank, sediment, the water supply, or another water heater problem.

Rotten Egg Smell Coming From Your Hot Water in Belton, MO?

If your hot water suddenly smells like rotten eggs, you don't have to live with it or guess what's causing it.

Hot Water Biz specializes in water heater service, repair, and replacement in Belton, Missouri and surrounding communities throughout the Kansas City area.

Whether you're dealing with strange-smelling water, a leaking tank, inconsistent temperatures, or no hot water at all, we can help determine what's going on and what your water heater needs.

Request water heater service online at HotWater.biz/contact.