Rotten Eggs. They’re gross, smelly, and no one should ever have to live with such a foul stench. But, you didn’t make breakfast, so where is it coming from? It’s most likely coming from your water heater, which means you may have some serious problems developing in your tank.

B&D Industries, Inc. is one of the best heating and cooling companies in New Mexico. From HVAC solutions and 24/7 emergency plumbing to electrical troubleshooting, our dedicated team of professionals will work with you to find the solution in every project we undertake. Read our article below to learn why your water heater smells like rotten eggs and how you can breathe easy again. 

Why Does Your Water Heater Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

That nasty smell is actually hydrogen sulfide. Our water supply naturally contains sulfate. In moderate concentrations, it doesn’t pose any health threats to humans and is fairly undetectable. But, hydrogen sulfide is not something you should accept. 

There are two ways your water’s sulfate can turn into hydrogen sulfide:

  • There are high sulfur-reducing bacteria (SRB) in your water supply. SRBs feed off sulfates, eventually transforming them into hydrogen sulfide. If your home has a high SRB count, that could be the reason why it smells like rotten eggs. Local water treatment plants will usually kill most of the SRBs in the water using chlorine and other chemicals. But, some water sources, i.e. well water, have higher amounts of SRBs because it is untreated.
  • The other reason you may be experiencing a nasty rotten egg smell is a corroded anode rod. The purpose of the anode rod is to draw corrosive minerals to it so that the rod corrodes instead of the inner lining of the tank. When these rods corrode, the metals react with the sulfates in the water, turning the sulfate into hydrogen sulfide. 

There are Many Ways to Get Rid of the Rotten Egg Smell

  • Flush Your Water Heater Tank: One way you may be able to get rid of the nasty smell is by completely flushing the water tank out. This should be done once or twice a year to get rid of any bacteria build-up in the tank.
  • Replace Your Anode Rod: As mentioned, the anode rod almost acts as a pawn to draw in bacteria to the point of corrosion. Once it’s fully corroded it radiates that nasty rotten eggs smell, letting you know it’s time to replace it.
  • Install a Water Filtration System: If the smell is not coming from your water heater, but the water itself, you may consider installing a water filtration system. While these devices will not filter out all bacteria in your water, they should help get rid of some that are causing the rotten egg smell in your water.
  • Replace Your Water Heater: If you’ve done everything above and still are experiencing foul smells, the problem may lie with the water heater itself. It may be time for you to consider upgrading to a new heater entirely. There are many great appliances to choose from with a wide range of benefits. 

B&D Industries, Inc. Knows Their Way Around Water Heaters

If you need help determining or ridding your water heater of that rotten egg smell, we’re the right people for the job. For more than 60 years, B&D has worked tirelessly to provide residents with a wide range of services to keep their homes running smoothly. Everything from heating system repairs, consultation, and inspection services, to 24-hour emergency service, we’re the go-to for residential repair. Contact us today to request our services!