Does Your Water Smell Like Sulphur or Rotten Eggs?

Find out how to fix this problem, quick–with the help of your friendly Culligan Man

Often if your water smells like sulphur or rotten eggs, the reason is because your water has high Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) content.

H₂S is a gas that is released from the earth and finds its way into groundwater. It’s especially common in well water located near shale, sandstone, coal, peat, or oil.

(Occasionally, a rotten-egg smell in your water could also be caused by a water heater or by sewage pollution in your water. If you’re on city water, the most likely explanation is your water heater.)

A rotten-egg smell in your water may be strongest right after turning the water on, as heat forces the gas out of the water and into the air

H2S dissolves in water to create a weak acid that can corrode metal pipes — H₂S dissolves in water to create a weak acid that can corrode metal pipes

Negative Effects of H₂S

In addition to potential health risks, having H₂S in your water can cause all sorts of annoying problems. H₂S in your water can:

Cause coffee and tea to be discolored and taste funny
Corrode metals (steel, copper, iron, brass), including silverware
Cause foods cooked with water to taste “off”
Create yellow or black stains in your bathroom and kitchen

How Do You Fix It?

At Culligan, you can find everything you need to get rid of H₂S and that sulphur/rotten-egg smell from your water.

The first step we have to take is to test your water, so we can be sure of the real cause of the rotten-egg smell.

Fortunately, at Culligan we offer this service free. One of our water consultants will come to your home to test the water (you can’t send it away to a laboratory because H₂S is a gas and could dissipate during transport) and let you know the source of your rotten-egg smell. You’re under no obligation whatsoever.