Start with the easiest fix: unscrew the aerator and soak it in a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water overnight. This dissolves mineral buildup and kills most bacteria. It’s a spa day for your faucet, and it costs about thirty cents.
Next, flush the water heater. Attach a garden hose to its drain valve, run it outside, and let a few gallons roar out. This stirs up settled sediment that hosts the sulfur-loving bacteria. If you hear gurgling, you’re on the right track.
For persistent ghost-stink, shock the system with hydrogen peroxide. Pour a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide into the drain or down the faucet’s open pipe (after removing the aerator). Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. It’s like a good, chemical exfoliation.
When to Call the Pros
If the smell is overwhelming and sticks around after cleaning, the bacteria might be living in your water softener or a buried pipe. That’s when you need a plumber with a camera and a thick stomach.
Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs? Simple Solutions
Also, if the water tastes metallic or looks discolored alongside the smell, stop drinking it immediately. You could have a corrosion issue in your pipes, which is bad news for your health and your home’s structural integrity.
Finally, never ignore that rotten egg smell in cold water lines. It’s rarer but can indicate a problem with your well water or a deteriorating water main. That’s a job for a professional, not a YouTube tutorial.
