What makes well water stink?

Hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S) can give water a “rotten egg” taste or odor. This gas can occur in wells anywhere and be: Naturally occurring - a result of decay and chemical reactions with soil and rocks. Produced by certain “sulfur bacteria” in the groundwater, well, or plumbing system.

Likewise, people ask, how do you get the smell out of well water?

Use a Chlorinator or Inject Hydrogen Peroxide to Kill Odors J-PRO Odor Killer Well Water Chlorinators Eliminate Both Odors and Odor-Causing Bacteria in your well water. Use 5% grade liquid bleach or 12% liquid pool chlorine OR 7% hydrogen peroxide.

Also, why does well water smell like sewage? According to studies, the causes of sewage odor in drinking water is sulfur bacteria and hydrogen sulfide gas in your water source. Hydrogen sulfide produces the smell of sewage at higher levels. Both sulfur bacteria and hydrogen sulfide gas are found in unprotected water sources such as private wells.

Also, is it safe to drink well water that smells like rotten eggs?

If you have hydrogen sulfide in your water supply it can damage pipes as it corrodes many different types of metals and can also cause black stains on silverware and plumbing fixtures. In most cases drinking water that has a strong rotten egg odor, although particularly unpleasant, is perfectly safe to drink.

How often should you chlorinate your well?

When Should you Chlorinate Your Water Well. Homeowners with private wells should have their well water tested every 3 to 5 years for some contaminants, including bacteria. If these tests turn up positive for bacteria, chlorinating the well may be a way to resolve the problem.

Can I put too much bleach in my well?

Do not use excessive amounts of bleach - more is not more effective. 5) For best results the bleach should be combined with water before adding it to the well. [By reducing the concentration there is less chance of corrosion of the cables and pipes in the well.

How many years does a water well last?

Water wells use pumps that are used to drive water from the ground to your home. These pumps determine the lifespan of your well. Submersible pumps that are commonly used in many wells usually last from eight years to ten years. With proper maintenance and care, the lifespan can be increased to fifteen years.

How much bleach does it take to shock a well?

Mix an additional 2 quarts bleach in 10 gallons of water. Pour it into the well without pumping. Allow chlorinated water to stand in the well and pipes for at least 8 hours (preferably 12 to 24 hours).

Why does my well water smell so bad?

Why does my well water smell all of a sudden?

Cause: If there's a rotten egg smell coming from your faucet, the most common culprit is sulfur bacteria that have found its way into your water supply. The foul smell usually comes from a lack of oxygen in a well, which produces hydrogen sulfide gas.

How long should you wait to use water after you chlorinate a well?

Replace the well cover. Let the chlorinated water stand in the plumbing system for 12 to 24 hours. Do not run any water or flush toilets during this time. Use your reserves of fresh water for all purposes.

Can you shower in water that smells like rotten eggs?

It is safe to shower in it . But it would be better to check your water also . It's probably anaerobic Bactria which gives off sulfur and is easily fixed by adding air to your water . It will give you a slight scent of sulfur on your skin and some people could be irritated by the sulfur .

How do you remove hydrogen sulfide from well water?

Methods to reduce or remove hydrogen sulfide include activated carbon filtration, shock chlorination, ion exchange, manganese greensand filtration, oxidation, oxidizing filtration, ozone treatment, and water heater modification.

Can sulfur in water make you sick?

Sulfur is found in many foods and is considered a vital part of a healthy diet, but too much sulfur in your drinking water can lead to diarrhea and dehydration. Sulfur not only stinks and makes your water taste bad, it can also stain your sinks, toilets, and clothing and even damage plumbing.

How do you disinfect well water?

1. CLEAN: Remove all loose or foreign debris from the well house, spring house or storage tank. Turn the pump circuit breaker off and remove the well cap or cover. Then scrub the accessible interior surface with strong chlorine solu- tion (1/2 gallon chlorine bleach per 5 gallons clean water).

Is it safe to shower in sulfur water?

Is Sulfur Water Safe? It's understandable if you don't want to drink or bathe in foul-smelling water, nor should you have to. Good, clean water is free of taste or odors and doesn't pose any risks to your health. If your water has an unpleasant rotten egg smell or taste, we're here to help.

Where can I get my well water tested for free?

Where Can I Get My Well Water Tested? Contact your local or state Health and Human Services Department. They will be able to refer you to a certified laboratory in your area. In addition, many communities offer free screenings, called "Test Your Well" events.

Why does my well water smell like metal?

The water may also have a metallic taste and an offensive odor. Water system piping and fixtures can become restricted or clogged. Appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines, can be plugged with rust and sediment. Iron and manganese also give well water a disagreeable metallic taste.

Why does shower water smell like rotten eggs?

The most common reason for your shower to smell like eggs is sulfate-reducing bacteria. These bacteria live in damp airless places and create hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs. The common options are 1) inside your shower drain, 2) inside your hot water heater, or 3) in your water source.

How do I remove sulfur smell from well water?

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.

How do you shock a well?

The Shock Chlorination Process CLEAN: Remove all loose or foreign debris from the well house, spring house or storage tank. Turn the pump circuit breaker off and remove the well cap or cover. Then scrub the accessible interior surface with strong chlorine solution (1/2 gallon chlorine bleach per 5 gallons clean water).