Does your tap water in Bonney Lake smell like rotten eggs? You’re not alone. This strong sulfur-like odor is more common than you might think, and it’s often tied to plumbing or water supply issues.
Fortunately, residential plumbing services can help you find and fix the source quickly. Whether the smell is coming from a specific faucet or your entire home, it’s important to address it early to protect your water quality and plumbing components.
What Causes That Sulfur Smell?
The “rotten egg” smell in your tap water is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas can develop in different parts of your plumbing system and water supply. It may originate from:
- Groundwater sources high in sulfur or iron
- Bacteria in your water heater tank
- Bacterial buildup in your plumbing or drains
- Chemical reactions between sulfur and magnesium or aluminum anode rods
Hydrogen sulfide is not usually harmful at the levels found in home water supplies, but it can still make daily tasks unpleasant. The odor can affect how your water tastes, smells, and even feels when showering or washing dishes.
How to Identify the Source
To get to the root of the problem, it helps to run a few simple checks at home. Start by determining whether the odor is coming from all water taps or just the hot water side. This small detail can point to different sources.
- If the smell only comes from hot water, your water heater may be the issue. This is common when bacteria react with the anode rod inside the tank.
- If the smell is in both hot and cold water, the problem may stem from your groundwater or well, which could contain naturally occurring sulfur.
- If the smell only comes from one faucet or drain, there could be bacteria in the drain or the nearby plumbing line.
If you’re on city water and still notice the odor, it could be from aging pipes or internal plumbing issues rather than your water supply.
What You Can Do About It
There are a few steps you can try at home, especially if the odor is mild:
- Flush your water heater: If the problem is limited to your hot water, draining and cleaning the water heater may help.
- Clean your drains: Bacteria in or near the sink drain can emit odors that seem like they’re coming from the tap.
- Check for unused pipes or stagnant water: Sometimes, water that hasn’t moved in a while can develop a smell.
If the issue doesn’t go away after basic cleaning or flushing, it may require help from a licensed plumber. Water that consistently smells like sulfur should be checked to make sure there’s no hidden damage or system-wide problem.
How Residential Plumbing Services Help
Sulfur smells in water may seem like a minor inconvenience, but they can signal larger plumbing problems. Reliable residential plumbing services in Bonney Lake can help you:
- Pinpoint the exact source of the odor using water testing and inspection
- Clean or replace faulty water heater parts, like anode rods
- Identify bacterial growth in plumbing lines and recommend safe removal
- Inspect drains, pressure regulators, and valves that could be contributing
- Advise on long-term upgrades such as pipe replacement or water filtration
With licensed plumbers on the job, you’re more likely to get a safe, lasting fix instead of a temporary workaround.
When to Call a Plumber
You should contact a professional if:
- The smell persists after flushing or cleaning
- You notice discoloration in your water
- The odor is present in both hot and cold taps
- There is visible sediment, corrosion, or scaling
- You are using a private well and haven’t tested your water in the past year
Professionals will bring the right tools and training to diagnose and correct the issue efficiently.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
A sulfur smell is more than just a nuisance. Over time, the same factors that cause the odor can lead to corrosion, poor water heater performance, and even pipe damage. Addressing the issue early is the best way to keep your home safe and comfortable.
Whether the source is your water heater, pipes, or water supply, the fix often requires more than surface-level cleaning. A certified plumber can help restore your system without guessing or relying on short-term fixes.
Further Reading:
- Puyallup Residential Plumbing: Get Your Home Ready for Summer
- When to Schedule Residential Plumbing in Tacoma: 5 Important Signs
Need Help? Call Bonney Lake’s Trusted Team
If your water smells off and you’re tired of guessing what’s wrong, it’s time to call in experienced help. In & Out Plumbing offers dependable residential plumbing services throughout Bonney Lake and nearby communities.
We have extensive experience in leak detection, water heater work, pipe repairs, and fixture replacement. Whether the smell is coming from your heater, drains, or supply line, we’ll find the problem and fix it properly.
From accurate diagnostics to safe repairs and clear pricing, In & Out Plumbing delivers honest, high-quality service that keeps your home’s plumbing running at its best.
Get in touch to set up a visit or find out more about our residential plumbing services.
