Why Does My Water Smell? Causes & Solutions for Odors in Your Plumbing

Have you ever turned on your faucet only to notice an unpleasant smell coming from the water? Whether it’s a rotten egg smell, musty odor, or chlorine scent, foul-smelling water can be a cause for concern. Understanding the source of the odor can help you determine whether it’s a plumbing issue, a problem with your water supply, or something else. Here’s a guide to common water odors, their causes, and how to fix them.

1. Rotten Egg or Sulfur Smell

A sulfur-like or "rotten egg" odor in your water is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide gas, which can come from bacterial growth in your plumbing system or the water supply.

Possible Causes:

• Bacteria buildup in your water heater

• Hydrogen sulfide naturally present in well water

• Plumbing pipe contamination

How to Fix It:

• Flush your water heater by draining and refilling the tank.

• Consider installing a water filtration system to remove sulfur compounds.

• If the smell is only in hot water, replacing the water heater’s anode rod may help.

2. Musty or Earthy Smell

If your water smells like dirt, algae, or mold, it could indicate bacterial growth in your pipes or your home’s plumbing system.

Possible Causes:

• Organic material buildup in water pipes

• Mold or bacteria in your home’s plumbing

• Contaminated well water

How to Fix It:

• Run the cold water tap for several minutes to flush out stagnant water.

• Have your plumbing system inspected for bacteria buildup.

• Install a carbon filter or whole-house water purification system.

3. Chlorine or Chemical Smell

A strong chlorine odor in your water is typically caused by municipal water treatment, where chlorine is added to disinfect the water.

Possible Causes:

• High chlorine levels from city water treatment

• Chemical contamination from industrial sources

• A reaction between chlorine and organic matter in your plumbing

How to Fix It:

• Use a carbon-based water filter to remove chlorine.

• Let water sit in an open container for a few hours before use (chlorine evaporates over time).

• If the smell is overwhelming, contact your local water provider for testing.

4. Sewage or Decay Smell

If your water has a sewer-like odor, the issue might not be your water but rather a problem in your drain or plumbing system.

Possible Causes:

• Sewer gases escaping through a dry P-trap

• A clogged or partially blocked drain

• Bacteria growing inside your plumbing

How to Fix It:

• Run water in unused sinks to refill P-traps and block sewer gases.

• Clean out your drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.

• If the odor persists, have a plumber inspect your sewer line.

Unpleasant odors in your water can be more than just an inconvenience—they may indicate underlying plumbing or water quality issues. If you're experiencing persistent water smells, Richter Plumbing can help diagnose the problem and recommend the right solution.

Call us today for a professional water inspection and plumbing service!