Reasons Why Your Bathroom Smells Like Sulfur

October 21, 2020

Plumbing problems and bad odors tend to go hand in hand, especially when there’s an issue with the plumbing in a bathroom. One of the most common smells we encounter is one that’s similar to sulfur or sewage. This rotten-egg odor is typically the result of a buildup of hydrogen sulfide gas somewhere in your plumbing system.

Unfortunately, fixing this smelly problem is a little more complex than just releasing trapped gas. Here’s what you need to know about that awful rotten-egg smell and how it relates to backflow repair in Coweta County, GA.

Source of the smell

The first thing to consider when you discover a sulfur smell is where, exactly, it’s coming from. Does the smell come directly from the water? Or is the smell emanating from the drain? To test this, fill a glass with cold water and smell it. Then, do the same with a glass of hot water from the tap.

If both samples smell like sulfur, then the water supply is contaminated. If only the hot water smells, then the smell may be the result of a problem with your water heater. If neither samples smell, the odor is actually coming from the drain.

Location of the odor

While investigating the problem, your plumber will want to know if just one fixture has the odor or if all of your bathroom plumbing in Coweta County, GA, produces a sulfur smell.

If the odor only comes from one fixture, it could be due to localized bacteria growth in those particular pipes. However, if the smell comes out of every faucet, your water supply may be contaminated. The smell might be the result of contaminated waste pipes or blocked vents if the smell is limited to the drain.

How to fix it

Remedying the smell varies based on where it’s coming from. Here’s how your plumber might go about removing the odor from your bathroom plumbing in Coweta County, GA:

  • Hot water: A sulfur smell coming only from hot water is likely the result of the anode rod reacting with bacteria in your hot water heater. A plumber can replace the rod for you and disinfect the tank with hydrogen peroxide.
  • Cold water: If the smell affects your cold water, it might stem from bacteria growth in your water well or the water softener. Call a professional to test your water, disinfect your well and replace your water softener’s filter.
  • Sink drain: If the sink drain is contaminated, you might be able to get rid of the smell by pouring a cup of bleach down the drain. After doing this, however, we recommend calling a professional to finish the job. A professional should check your plumbing system to ensure the smell doesn’t come back any time soon.

Improve your home’s smell by calling us

When it comes to solving plumbing problems, nobody tops the pros at Victor Moody Plumbing, Inc. We have over 30 years of experience with all sorts of plumbing work, including water heater repair, drain cleaning, backflow repair and more in Coweta County, GA. Call us today to learn how we can help you and your plumbing system.

Categorised in:

Moody & McClendon Plumbing Inc.
Menu