Ordinary household water softeners do not remove sulfur odors from water. In fact, softeners easily become fouled or clogged, reducing their softening capacity. The exchange material may eventually need replacing.
The rotten egg odor is from Sulphur Dioxide in the water. This is typically removed with an aeration system in conjunction with a water softener or whole house backwashing carbon filter. There are no filter type cartridges that offer any long term solution.
One trick you can do. if you can't afford to have a plumber come out. and do it right, is turn your water heater up very hot, above 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and leave it at that hot setting for 6 or 7 hours. And what this does is. this actually kills all the sulfur bacteria. that are inside your water heater.
but as soon as your water comes out of the tap. and hits the air, that's when it stinks. so you need to oxidize. the water to get the sulfur out of the water. well, the absolute cheapest way to do it. is just pour it in a glass or a bowl, let it sit out, let the air oxidize the sulfur out of the water.
Pour the dry baking soda down the drain and then chase it with the vinegar. If you don't have white vinegar on hand, you can use apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar instead. Not only does this mixture freshen up foul, egg-smelling drains, but it's also an excellent form of odor prevention.
If the problem is in the water heater
Unless you are very familiar with water heater operation and maintenance, have a plumber or water system professional to do the work. Replace or remove the magnesium anode.
Wherever you're smelling the rotten egg scent the strongest is the place to start. Simply run the water in the sink or the tub for ten minutes to let that p trap get some water in it. That'll block the sewer gas from getting inside again. If the problem persists, call your plumber.
Chlorine bleach can effectively remove medium to high levels (over 6 mg/l) of hydrogen sulfide. The chlorine in the bleach chemically reacts with (oxi- dizes) the hydrogen sulfide eliminating the "rotten egg" odor. Chlorine bleach also reacts with iron or manganese, and disinfects water supplies.
The Sulfur Eliminator Iron Buster Replacement Well Water Filter, Designed For Sulfur Eliminator Deluxe, Can be Used with Any Standard Whole House Canister System, Specialized Iron & Sediment Filter.
Clean Your Well and Plumbing System
The best way to clean a well and plumbing system is by scrubbing the iron and sulfur bacteria off the walls with a special treatment chemical. Then you can disinfect the well and plumbing system with shock chlorination.
Bathing and showering: While sulfur water won't harm your skin, the odour can linger on your body and hair, making you feel less clean. The unpleasant smell can also make bathing a less enjoyable experience. Washing clothes: Sulfur water can leave yellow stains on laundry and make clothes smell unpleasant.
Hydrogen sulfide usually breaks down in air in about 3 days and is dispersed by wind. Therefore exposure is only likely to continue if there is an ongoing source.
Luckily, there is one ingredient that can help get rid of that sulfurous boiled egg smell once and for all: vinegar.
In areas with high levels of sulphur, or hydrogen sulphide, in the water, the water softener itself can't remove this naturally occurring compound. Instead, the sulphur smell can linger in the tank, causing a strong, unpleasant odour that becomes noticeable each time you use your water.
In addition to protecting the water softener, the carbon filter removes many of the impurities that are compromising your home's water quality. Some of the many benefits you will enjoy thanks to the addition of a carbon filter include: Water that is free of particulates and other contaminants.
The best way to eliminate the odor is to purge your plumbing system by completely emptying your hot water heater. To accomplish this, turn on the hot water at all faucets in your home, including bath and shower faucets.
Very small amounts of hydrogen sulfide can be removed from water with activated carbon filters (Fig. 1). Activated carbon is used as a granular form in tank-type filters and as finely divided powder in a cartridge. The hydrogen sulfide is adsorbed onto the surface of the carbon particles.
The extent of activated carbon's success in treating smell from water relies upon the existence of organic. If the smell is due to H2S, a green sand filter or degasifier is a good alternative for this type of odor reduction.
If you smell rotten eggs or notice any gas leak indications, leave the home immediately and call a professional from a phone located outside of the house.
A slow-draining sink clogged with ordinary hair and soap scum can build up bacteria in the P-trap until your bathroom sink smells like rotten eggs. This smell can also happen in sinks that haven't been used for a long time. Clear the clog by using a combination of baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water.
An odor in one faucet in the house can usually be remedied by flushing the offending faucet. Other possible causes are: Water softener (if applicable) malfunctioning or in need of service. Bacterial growth in a drain, or a dried out drain.
Baking soda
The last simple trick to eliminate the unpleasant "egg smell" from dishes is to use another easy-to-find substance, often present in the home pantry. It is baking soda, which you can add to the soaking water (you need a tablespoon), or also gently rub on dishes and glasses before the final rinse.
With the P-trap constantly filled with water and hair, skin cells, skin oils, and soap scum, among other debris, it's no wonder why shower drains are prime locations for biofilm to develop. (A hot tub is another hot spot.) As the bacteria break down these materials, they emit an odor similar to rotten eggs.
Ventilate the area: Open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate and carry away bad odors. Using fans can also help to speed up this process. Neutralize with vinegar or lemon: Place bowls of white vinegar or lemon water in the affected rooms. Both are natural odor neutralizers.