Sulfur Water Treatment, Made Simple

It’s hydrogen sulfide gas. UGA Extension says the most common cause of a rotten-egg or sewage smell at the tap is bacteria growing in the drain, so try the glass test first. When it’s in the water itself, the Florida Department of Health says the gas can occur naturally in groundwater, sulfur bacteria in the well or plumbing can create it, reactions inside a water heater can cause it, and in rare cases pollution can. People can smell it at very low levels, and it’s often strongest at a hot faucet because heat drives the gas out of the water.

Usually it’s a nuisance rather than a health risk. The Florida Department of Health says sulfur bacteria are not harmful and that the smell usually doesn’t tell you how clean the water is, and Penn State Extension notes your nose picks up hydrogen sulfide well before it causes health concerns. The Florida Department of Health still strongly recommends testing private wells for bacteria and nitrate at least once a year, and again whenever the taste, odor or color changes. Your county health department can help you collect and test samples. Our free water test is about choosing equipment.

That usually points to the water heater. Many water heaters have a magnesium anode rod that can react with sulfate in the water and make hydrogen sulfide. Penn State Extension says swapping it for an aluminum rod should get rid of the odor while still protecting the tank from corrosion, and the Minnesota Department of Health recommends having a plumber or water system professional do the work. If that’s your only problem, a new rod may be all you need.

If both the hot and cold water smell, but only at one or a few sinks, try UGA Extension’s glass test. Fill a glass at one of those sinks, step away from the sink and swirl the water a few times. If the water in the glass doesn’t smell, the odor is coming from the drain, and cleaning and disinfecting the drain should take care of it. If the glass smells too, the drain isn’t the problem.

Water utilities add chlorine or chloramine to keep water safe on its way to your home. Collier County treats its water with chloramines, and the City of Fort Myers uses chlorine. Our Whole-Home Water System Package includes carbon filtration for chlorine and chloramine taste and smell.

It depends on what’s causing the smell, so we price it after your free quote or water test, with installation included. Financing options are available for qualified homeowners.

Yes. We test your water for free so we can recommend the right equipment, with no obligation. If you’d rather skip the test and just get a quote, that works too.

We serve well-water and city-water homes across Southwest Florida, including Golden Gate Estates, Lehigh Acres, Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Estero, Marco Island and North Fort Myers. Send your address with your quote request and we’ll confirm.