One day you may find yourself asking an odd question — Do you smell that nasty smell coming from the sink? This ‘nasty’ smell most resembles the smell of rotten eggs and is likely caused by a sulfur build-up. Sulfur — a bright yellow crystalline mineral — is produced when sulfur bacteria release hydrogen sulfide gas after breaking down organic matter. Fortunately, sulfur bacteria occur naturally in groundwater, so the rotten egg smell is likely due to an issue occurring in your hot water. Although the smell can put you off your breakfast and be inconvenient, the cause is not usually a threat to your health. A local plumber will almost certainly be able to address the issue.
Narrow the Source
You may find this sulfur smell coming from your bathroom or kitchen sink and even the shower — anywhere you use hot water. If this is the case, you likely have an issue with your water heater or your water source. However, this rotten egg smell can also be caused by a clogged or dirty drain. Although you may be able to live with the smell, you’ll need to have it addressed to rule out the presence of unsafe levels of pollutants or chemicals in your water.
Minimize the Smell
While you wait for the experts, you can take steps to minimize the odor. First, determine whether the smell is coming from your drain or water. To do this, use the faucet from the smelly sink and pour a glass of water. Take the glass outside and see if you can smell the sulfur. If you can smell it, use the faucet from another sink, pour a second glass, and take it outside. If you can detect the smell in both glasses, it’s safe to conclude that the problem likely stems from your water source or water heater. If only one glass tickles your nostrils, then the sulfur smell will likely be caused by that smelly drain.
Call a Professional
Of course, the next step is to call a local plumber. A local company like Icon Plumbing can provide their expert opinion and fix the issue. In the meantime, there are still a few things you can do to narrow down the source and even minimize the smell.
- If you have a built-in garbage disposal in your kitchen sink, add a few lemon wedges to reduce the smell. Ensure it’s clean by running it regularly and using a natural cleaner — even ice cubes can do the trick — to clean the blades.
- If the smell comes from your bathroom sink or shower, see if either one is clogged. A clogged drain can allow a build-up of bacteria and cause a sulfur smell. You may be able to clear this out by pouring baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar and hot water.
It’s best not to take chances with your plumbing. A professional may need to flush your water heater with a chlorine bleach solution or replace the magnesium anode due to erosion. You may consider adding a water filtration system to your system, especially if your water comes from a still source such as a well. Call an expert to find out and hopefully never smell this nasty smell again.