Why Does Well Water Smell Like Sulfur?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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What Causes the Sulphur Smell in Well Water? The main reason for the smell is

sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide

. Sulfur bacteria are found in environments that lack oxygen, like deep wells. … In all these cases, you’ll see hydrogen sulfide gas production that causes the sulfur smell.

How do you get the sulfur smell out of well water?


Shock your well with chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide

to get temporary relief from sulfur odors. Often keeps odors away for 1 – 2 months. 2. Chlorinator: Install a chlorine injector system (chlorinator) on your wellhead for continuous injection of chlorine when the water is running.

Is it safe to drink well water that smells like sulfur?

In most cases drinking water that has a strong rotten egg odor, although particularly unpleasant,

is perfectly safe to drink

. However in some rare occasions the odor may be caused by sewage or other contaminates in a building’s water supply, which could cause health problems.

Why does my well water suddenly smell like sulfur?

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. It isn’t uncommon to experience an odd smell coming from your water, especially if your water source is a well or other still supply.

Is it safe to shower in water that smells like sulfur?

If you notice a rotten egg smell in your water, you’re probably wondering if you and your family are safe. A rotten egg odor is a sign that the sulfur levels in your

water may be too high

. … Good, clean water is free of taste or odors and doesn’t pose any risks to your health.

Can I pour bleach down my well?


Mix 2 quarts bleach in 10 gallons of water; pour

into well. Connect a garden hose to a nearby faucet and wash down the inside of the well. Open each faucet and let the water run until a strong chlorine odor is detected, then turn it off and go to the next one. … Pour it into the well without pumping.

Can you get sick from sulfur water?

At high concentrations,

sulfur water can cause diarrhea and illness

. In most US households, though, drinking sulfur water is safe because the concentration of sulfates and hydrogen sulfide is low.

Can sulfur smell make you sick?

Smelling hydrogen sulfide does not mean that it will harm your health. The smell

can cause worry

, anxiety and resentment. Repeated odour events may culminate in real symptoms such as headache, fatigue and nausea. Although these are not direct health effects they are undesirable.

Can you filter sulfur out of water?

Small amounts of sulfur can also be removed from drinking water with a

reverse osmosis filter

or a granulated activated carbon filter, but neither method is very effective on its own.

How often should you chlorinate your well?

Homeowners with private wells should have their well water tested

every 3 to 5 years

for some contaminants, including bacteria. If these tests turn up positive for bacteria, chlorinating the well may be a way to resolve the problem.

How do you remove hydrogen sulfide from water?

Aeration. Since hydrogen sulfide occurs as a gas in water, it can be physically removed by

injecting air into the water

and allowing the gas to escape. Aeration units may work by cascading, bubbling, or stripping the gas from the water. Aeration may be advantageous because it does not add chemicals to the water.

How do I get rid of hydrogen sulfide in my water heater?

To get rid of the bad odor, you’ll want to contact

a plumber to flush and disinfect your tank

. Doing so will remove the bacteria and particles that create hydrogen sulfide. During a water heater flush, a plumber can replace your anode rod if it is corroded to prevent the smell in the future.

Does Iceland smell like a fart?


Everything smells like farts

The water in Iceland is heated by harnessing the volcanic landscapes geothermal energy, which then then runs straight to your tap. So whilst it is super fresh, it is also super sulphuric, making it smell like you’re changing the diaper of a baby grown on a diet of Indian food and asparagus.

What happens if you drink sulfur water?

Sulfur is found in many foods and is considered a vital part of a healthy diet, but too much sulfur in your drinking water can

lead to diarrhea and dehydration

. Sulfur not only stinks and makes your water taste bad, it can also stain your sinks, toilets, and clothing and even damage plumbing.

How long should you wait to drink water after you chlorinate a well?

Step 6 WAIT

at least 12 hours

before turning faucets back on. Do not drink, cook, bathe, or wash with water from your faucets during this time because it has high amounts of chlorine in it.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.