How long does it take for smelly water to go away?

Author: Ms. Kellie Kassulke Sr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

This requires turning on outside faucets and letting the water run until the smell is gone. In some cases, the added chlorine may interact with organic materials built up in the plumbing system and add odor to the water. The odor should disappear after running the water for a few minutes.

How do you get rid of smelly water?

Increase the water heater temperature to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for several hours. This will destroy the sulfur bacteria. Flushing to remove the dead bacteria after treatment should control the odor problem.

Is it OK to shower in stinky water?

No, it is not safe to Shower with the water that contains contaminants, you could have frequent hair fall, skin colour deterioration as well.

Is it okay to drink water that smells bad?

Sulfur bacteria alone is not a threat to your well-being, but it promotes the growth of other harmful materials such as iron bacteria that can clog wells, plumbing and irrigation systems. Elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide can harm you by causing nausea, headaches, delirium and convulsions.

Why does my water have a funky smell?

In some parts of the country, drinking water can contain hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs. This can occur when water comes into contact with organic matter or with certain minerals, such as pyrite. This situation mostly occurs as groundwater filters through organic material or rocks.

That Rotten Egg Smell Isn't What You Think

How do I fix a smelly water faucet?

Moldy or mustiness

It is also possible for bacteria to grow in plumbing fixtures, so if you only smell the smell from one faucet or showerhead, clean it with vinegar to remove any buildup then recheck the water.

What is the cheapest way to remove sulfur from well water?

The Cheapest Solution: Degassing the Water

Simply pour the water into a glass and let it sit for 24 hours. The air will oxidize the sulphur out of the water and then the smell will be gone. Now, obviously, if you want more than a glass or two of water a day, you're going to want a whole-house solution.

Why does my pee smell bad even though I drink a lot of water?

Urine might have an ammonia smell due to eating certain foods, a urinary tract infection, a liver or kidney problem, or dehydration. Urine is the body's liquid waste made by the kidneys, which filter toxins out of the blood. Urine primarily contains water, salt, urea, and uric acid.

How to get rid of sulfur in a water well?

Continuous Chlorination and Filtration

Oxidation is the most common form of treatment used to eliminate hydrogen sulfide. In this process, a chemical is used to convert the dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas into forms of sulfur that can be easily filtered from the water.

Why does my sink smell like rotten eggs when I run water?

Try Vinegar and Baking Soda

If you smell rotten eggs at your kitchen sink, a buildup of grease is the likely culprit. Pouring grease down the kitchen drain is never advised. As it cools and hardens, it will adhere to the interior of pipe walls, inhibit the flow of water, and produce foul odors.

Does running hot water get rid of sulfur smell?

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.

Why does the water smell from only one faucet?

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.

Can people smell bad even if they shower?

You can have strong body odor even if you practice good hygiene. You can prevent or reduce strong body odor by using products such as prescription strength antiperspirants or medications, and/or treating the underlying conditions that contribute to the problem.

Can I shower in smelly water?

In conclusion, water that smells like sulfur is generally safe to shower in, but it can be unappealing. If you're concerned about the smell, you may want to contact your local water utility or a plumber to have your water tested. They can help determine the cause of the smell and provide solutions to address it.

Why do I smell bad even with good hygiene?

Still, it's possible that things like diet, medical conditions or a bacterial buildup on the skin could be causing odor, Kopelman says. Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive sweating, could also contribute, because bacteria thrives in moist environments.

Do water filters remove smell?

Their main purpose is to improve the taste and smell, rather than the safety, of water. Microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration filters will remove different types of germs depending on the pore size of the specific product. Reverse osmosis filters remove germs and some types of chemicals.

How do I fix smelly tap water?

Disinfecting, cleaning and flushing the drain should eliminate the odor. The reservoir/pressure tank may also be the source of such an odor. Cleaning and maintaining the reservoir/ pressure tank periodically can prevent bacteria from growing to levels that cause odor in the water.

Will bleach get rid of sulfur smell in well water?

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.

Will a water filter remove sulfur smell?

Thankfully, the best whole house well water filters can remove almost every contaminant that is present in groundwater, keeping it pure and safe to drink. These systems also improve the taste and smell of your drinking water by removing minerals like sulfur that can make your water smell like rotten eggs.

What color is diabetic pee?

If you urinate often, and your pee is very light-colored or even clear, it could be a sign of diabetes.

Does smelly pee mean liver failure?

Foul-smelling urine may be due to bacteria. Sweet-smelling urine may be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes or a rare disease of metabolism. Liver disease and certain metabolic disorders may cause musty-smelling urine.

What takes sulfur smell out of water?

Chlorine bleach can remove medium to high levels of hydrogen sulfide. A chlorinator adds chlorine to the water system. Then a filter system removes the sulfur, iron, and magnesium sediments that have formed. Regular maintenance and replacement of filters are recommended.

Why does my water stink in my house?

Bacteria growing in the water heater

Bacteria growing in the water heater can also produce a rotten eggs or sewage-like smell. Frequently, this occurs if the hot water is unused, if the water heater is turned off for a long period of time, or if the thermostat on the heater is set too low.

Is it safe to drink water that smells like sulfur?

Sulfur water can make you sick depending on the sulfide levels in your water. High sulfur levels can cause dehydration and other gastrointestinal symptoms. High sulfate content in water can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms, especially in infants. Many people can identify high levels of sulfide by taste and smell.

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