You are here:

Water Quality/sulfur smell in water

Advertisement

Expert: Fred E. Brunetti CWSV - 3/25/2005


Question
Hi,
I use city water, not a well, but i have a very strong sulfur smell in one room.It is there even when I don't run water. It does not seem to get stronger with hot water. I see solutions for well owners, but what should i do?  Any help appreciated. thank you

Answer
Hi Jo: Thanks for All experts. A few things clue me that your problem is not caused by your water supply. #1 If it were a water supply problem it would be in all your taps not just one room. #2 You use city water which is typically well chlorinated and the chlorine would eliminate any sulfer. #3 There is odor without water running.

If it is an older home there is a possibility of a build up over the years in that one location's plumbing. However that is remote. The Chlorine in the city water should have rinsed that out over time.

Occasionally a mixed-plumbing, eg. copper and galvanized, can give off an odor similar to sulfur. Usually this is evidenced by staining of either blue-green or red to black.The condition is called electrolosis. So if this room's water is delivered through mixed plumbing that maight be the culprit

If I were you I would look for other causes aside from water. What they would be is beyond me.. Sorry that I couldn't pinpoint your cause but I hope I helped a little. Good Luck, Fred

Water Quality

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Fred E. Brunetti CWSV

Expertise

My field of expertise is in domestic water treatment. I am retired and have 28 years of experience in the water treatment field. I have earned the designation of Water Specialist, level five, from the Water Quality Association.I can offer help in the solution for private wells` problems as to `point of entry` and `point of use` treatments. these would include,disinfection,conditioning,and purification for drinking including reverse osmosis technology. Problems concerning well pumps,or plumbing or well drilling are out of my field,as well as commericial,industrial or municipal water treatment. I prefer to limit questions to the average homeowner`s use.Since retiring I have added consultation on the care and ,maintenance of domestic water treatment systems. These include filtration, conditioning/softening,chemical feed, and drinking water systems.

Experience

over 28 years testing private wells and application of various water treatment systems for a 65 year old water treatment company.Now retired and doing independent water consulting.BR>
Organizations
Water Quality Association

Organizations
Water Quality Association

Education/Credentials
WATER QUALITY ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATION AS WATER SPECIALIST V

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.