Although it's not typically a health hazard, smelly water is unpleasant to drink and can affect the taste of your cooking. Additionally, smelly water may indicate that you have a bacteria problem in your well. This bacteria can be harmful to your well, filtration systems, and plumbing, so it's best to address it sooner rather than later. Adams Well Drilling is your source for expert treatment of water odor issues.
Treating Smells Caused by Bacteria
Generally, bacteria lives in the riser pipes between your main plumbing and your faucet or fixture. The odor will be instantaneous and then dissipate over the next 20 to 30 seconds. Unfortunately, simply changing the riser pipe usually does not resolve the problem because the bacteria lives in the entire system.
Another option is changing the plumbing. A lot of plumbing is made of rubber-based materials. At a molecular level, this is porous like Swiss cheese, allowing it to harbor bacteria and promote bacterial growth. As a result, changing the plumbing to a non-porous material such as copper or PEX may reduce or eliminate the smell.
Finally, some filtration methods may reduce or eliminate the smell. Filters can also be used to diagnose the problem. If the homeowner changes the filter and a sulfur smell returns 2 to 3 weeks later, the problem is most likely a bacterial issue. On the other hand, if changing the filter makes no change or returns in days, the problem is most likely sulfur.
Treating Smells Caused by Hot Water Tanks
Many hot water tanks have magnesium rods that break down over time and create a sulfuric smell. The easiest way to resolve this issue is to remove the old magnesium rod, chlorinate the hot water tank, and install a plug in its place. Unfortunately, this procedure will void hot water tank warranties.
Alternatively, the homeowner may choose choose to install an aluminum zinc rod, which will maintain the warranty. This procedure is not foolproof and may still create an odor, but it reduces the odds greatly. Older hot water heaters can also have odor problems due to mineral buildup from years of use. Hot water heaters are like a big stew pot, meaning they will magnify a sulfur problem. In other words, the smell will be substantially worse with hot water than it is with cold water.
Regardless of the source or nature of your smelly water, we will make sure the issue is resolved. Adams Well Drilling is dedicated to providing our customers with water of the highest quality. Contact us today for a water treatment appointment.