Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs? & Other Weird Water Smells

Clean tap water should have little to no noticeable odor, so a sudden change can be concerning. If you're asking "Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?" or have noticed that your hot water smells strange, the odor can provide useful clues about what's happening. Some water smells are harmless and relatively easy to fix, while others can indicate a problem with your water heater, plumbing, well point, or water supply.

Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

If you're wondering "Why does my water smell like sulfur," you're probably noticing hydrogen sulfide, a gas with a distinctive rotten-egg odor. The EPA notes(opens in new tab) that this smell can come from hydrogen sulfide or certain types of bacteria. If it occurs exclusively with hot water, the water heater is a likely source.

To diagnose why your tap water smells like rotten eggs, fill a clean glass with cold water, move away from the sink, and smell it. If the water itself doesn't smell, bacteria in the drain may actually be responsible. If only the hot water smells, have your water heater inspected. If both hot and cold water smell at multiple faucets, the problem may originate in your water supply.

While a simple smelly drain is a likely DIY task, a plumber or water-quality professional can better diagnose problems originating in a water heater or throughout the home's water supply.

Why Does My Water Smell Like Chlorine?

Does chlorine have a smell? Yes. The familiar "chlorine" odor can become noticeable in treated tap water. So, is there chlorine in tap water in Nashville? Metro Water Services disinfects its drinking water using sodium hypochlorite, or chlorine bleach, produced at its treatment plants.

If you're asking "Why does my water smell like chlorine?" first determine whether the chlorine smell in water occurs at every faucet. If it does, it may originate with the municipal supply rather than your home's plumbing. If the odor suddenly becomes unusually strong or persists, contact your water provider before assuming there's a plumbing problem. Metro Nashville publishes current water-quality information online(opens in new tab).

Why Does My Hot Water Smell?

When only the hot water smells, your water heater should be one of the first things you investigate. Bacteria can develop inside a water heater, especially when water sits unused. Reactions involving components within the heater can also contribute to sulfur-like odors.

Compare a glass of cold water with a glass of hot water from the same faucet. If the hot water stinks but the cold water doesn't, you've narrowed the problem considerably. Flushing a water heater may sometimes help, but persistent odors should be professionally diagnosed before replacing components or attempting to disinfect the tank.

Why Does My Well Water Smell?

Several possible reasons well water smells unusual include naturally occurring hydrogen sulfide, bacteria, organic material, minerals, or contamination. (And it’s worth noting: Unlike municipal water, the homeowner should monitor and maintain their private well(opens in new tab).)

The EPA recommends testing well water(opens in new tab) when you notice a change in its odor, color, or taste. If an odor affects hot and cold water throughout the house, arrange for water testing rather than trying to mask the smell. Depending on the results, treatment might involve filtration, disinfection, or changes to the well system. 

Why Does My Water Smell Like Sewage?

If your water smells like sewage, first make sure it's actually the water. Sewer gases and bacteria in a sink drain can make it seem as though tap water smells when the odor is really coming from the drain.

Use the glass test again: collect some water and smell it in another room. No odor in the glass points toward a drain or plumbing issue. If the water itself smells bad, particularly at several fixtures, stop treating it as a simple drain-cleaning problem. Contact your water utility if you're on municipal water, or arrange water testing if you have a private well. A plumber can investigate suspected drain, vent, or sewer problems.

Why Does My Water Smell Like Metal?

If your water smells like metal or has a metallic taste, possible causes include iron, copper, or corrosion within your plumbing. The EPA notes(opens in new tab) that iron can produce a metallic taste and reddish or orange staining, while copper and corrosive water can also cause metallic tastes and plumbing stains.

To determine why your water smells like metal, check whether it affects one faucet or the entire house and whether it occurs with hot water, cold water, or both. A single fixture may indicate a localized plumbing problem, while a house-wide change warrants further investigation. Water testing can identify metals and other water-quality issues, so you don't have to rely on smell alone.

Suspicious Water Smells? Southern Plumbing Works Can Help

An unusual odor doesn't always mean your water is unsafe, but it shouldn't be ignored, especially if the smell appears suddenly or affects multiple faucets. If you're in Nashville and suspect your water heater, pipes, drains, or other plumbing may be responsible, contact Southern Plumbing Works. Our team can diagnose the source of the smell and recommend the appropriate plumbing repair or treatment.