Ever notice that the smell sometimes disappears after running the water for 30 seconds? That’s because the gas is volatile—it escapes into the air. So if the stink fades, it’s probably just a pocket of sulfur in your pipes.
Also, don’t be fooled by a drain smell. Is it the water, or is it the sink? Pour some baking soda and vinegar down the drain, let it fizz for 10 minutes, then flush with hot water. If the egg smell vanishes, it was the drain, not the water. You’re welcome.
So, the next time your water smells like a hard-boiled egg that fell behind the fridge, don’t panic. You’re just dealing with sulfur—the universe’s way of reminding you that water is literally alive with chemistry. Kind of cool, kind of gross.
Now go drink some actually-crisp water (maybe from a bottle). And maybe give your water heater a good side-eye.
