Have you noticed a rotten egg smell in your house? It's one of those smells that can quickly make you think about lighting a candle or spraying an air freshener to cover it up. While those might temporarily mask the odor, they don't solve the problem.
That eggy smell can be a sign of something serious, like a gas leak or a broken pipe. But don't worry—here's a breakdown of the most common reasons your home might smell like rotten eggs and how to get rid of it.
1. Natural Gas Leak
The first thing to check if you smell rotten eggs is a natural gas leak. Gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan to natural gas to give it a sulfur-like smell—just like rotten eggs. If you suspect a gas leak, leave your house immediately and call a professional from a phone outside. Gas leaks can be dangerous, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
2. Sewer Gas
Another culprit behind that eggy smell could be sewer gas. If your pipes are broken or clogged, sewer gases can leak into your house. These smells usually come from the drain or the yard if the pipes outside are damaged. If you suspect sewer gas, it's best to call a plumber to get the pipes checked and fixed.
3. Dried Drain Pipes
Sometimes, the rotten egg smell comes from dried drain pipes in bathrooms you don't use often. Your drains have a part called a P-trap, which holds water to block sewer gases from entering your home. If the water in the P-trap evaporates (often because you haven't used the sink or tub in a while), the gases can escape. The fix is easy: just run some water in the sink or tub to refill the trap, and the smell should go away. If it doesn't, you might need a plumber.
4. Well Water
If your home uses well water, the smell might be coming from hydrogen sulfide in the water. This gas can build up from decaying plants underground, and it smells just like rotten eggs. To check if your water is the problem, fill a sink with cold water and leave it for a few hours. After six hours, smell the water—if it stinks like sulfur, it's coming from the well. You can install a carbon filter to get rid of the smell and make the water more pleasant to drink.
5. Gassy Drywall
Here's a strange one: some homes, especially those built between 2001 and 2009, have drywall that can produce sulfur gases. This is because some drywall contains sulfur. If your house has this kind of drywall, you might notice a smell that comes from the walls, especially near air conditioning units. The only way to fix this is to replace the affected drywall.
6. Water Heater
If the rotten egg smell only happens when you run hot water, the problem might be with your water heater. The water heater's anode rod, which keeps the tank from rusting, can corrode over time. When it breaks down, it can mix with the chemicals in the water and create a sulfur smell. A plumber can help by replacing the anode rod to fix the problem.
When Should You Worry?
While most of the reasons behind a rotten egg smell are harmless and can be fixed with a little effort, it's important to act quickly—especially if you suspect a gas leak. If you're unsure about the source, it's best to consult a professional to make sure everything is safe.
How to Get Rid of the Smell
Once you've figured out what's causing the rotten egg smell, fixing it should get rid of the odor. For problems like dried drain pipes, the smell will go away quickly. For other issues, like a gas leak or broken pipes, it might take a few hours or even days to fully resolve. In the meantime, you can use air fresheners, candles, or diffusers to make your home smell better.
When to Call a Pro
If you think the rotten egg smell is from a gas leak or a sewer problem, call a professional right away. They can inspect the area, make repairs, and ensure everything is safe. Once a pro rules out those issues, you can fix other causes (like dried pipes or well water) on your own. If your water heater's anode rod is the problem, you'll need a plumber to replace it.
Don't let that eggy smell linger—identify the cause and get your home smelling fresh again!
