If you think you’re noticing a sulfuric smell in your home, you don’t have to be afraid. The smell of rotting eggs can be overpowering, especially if your house is quite small, but thankfully there are many things you can do to get rid of it. In order to make the unpleasant smell a thing of the past, you first need to discover its source. Read on to find out the course of action to alleviate the unpleasant smell.
1. Gas leak
First and foremost, your safety should be prioritized! If you use natural gas or propane turn the equipment off immediately and call the professionals to check if there’s a leak. Though gas doesn’t smell like sulfur some gas companies infuse their natural gas and propane with a sulfur-like compound known as mercaptan. This is done in order to alert the homeowners of the leak since the gas doesn’t have any specific smell.
Therefore, if you smell sulfur, the first thing you should look for is a gas leak. A safety inspection should be done by a professional such as the inspector from your local gas company. If you discover a gas leak, turn off the gas and hire a qualified plumber from bisring.com who specializes in gas line repairs to resolve the issue before the gas can be turned back on.
2. Water well gas build-up
Hydrogen sulfide gas may be the source of the odor if you use well water instead of municipal water. For example, decaying plants in the groundwater may produce hydrogen sulfide that can produce moderate or intense sulfur odors, depending on its concentration.
The stench is unpleasant, yet thankfully it’s not harmful to your health. If you suspect that you’re well water could be contaminated, check using the following procedure. For a period of six to eight hours, refrain from using the water in your house. As a result, gas may gather in the pipes. Using a sink stopper, run half of a glass of cold water from the faucet. Hydrogen sulfide is the most likely the culprit if the water in the sink smells like sulfur.
If you’re still not sure, consider purchasing a water-testing kit to verify the results of the sink test. Samples should be sent by mail to the specialized lab. Unfortunately, hydrogen sulfide-containing wells are expected to continue producing gas.
However, the odor may be controlled by the specific hydrogen sulfide treatments. For example, experts should be called to treat the well with chlorine biannually. You may also install filters on your faucets. Another option is to install an aeration system or a sand filter in your well. Make sure to hire a skilled contractor for the job. However, the odor will be lessened but not completely eradicated.
3. Unused drain pipe
Assuming you have a drain that is not frequently used, the scent might be originating from there. The P-trap collects a portion of the water that is flushed down the drain and keeps it from flowing back up the pipe. The P-trap is a type of pipe that is useful in preventing the sewage smell from entering the room.
Water acts as a seal or barrier to keep the gas from entering your property via the drain. For lengthy periods of time, however, the drain might lose its seal due to moisture evaporation if it isn’t often used. This problem may easily be resolved by just running water down the drain for a few minutes once every few weeks or so. The P-trap will be refilled and the barrier that prevents sewage gas from entering your home will be reformed.
It would be advisable to call a plumber if the sewage smell persists and you can’t locate the problem. Keep in mind that a sewer or septic line leak is harder to diagnose. If the toilet is gurgling and the drains are slow, with a strong sewer gas odor, suspect a sewer line leak. This is a significant problem that may pose a risk to your health and safety, necessitating the assistance of an experienced and qualified plumber immediately. Learn more about plumbing services at https://www.mrrooter.com/dallas/ to further understand how to deal with such problems.
Related Article: Dominating Sustainable Interior Design Trends for 2022
4. Water heater
If the stench of rotten eggs only occurs while you’re using hot water, your water heater is most likely to blame. If the anode rod in the water heater fails, it might produce a sulfurous odor in the hot water supply. For the first two to 12 weeks, the smell may be moderate, but it will eventually become unbearable.
The anode rod, also known as a “sacrificial” anode, serves as a magnet for water particles that might cause corrosion. Made from magnesium, it slowly corrodes overtime to protect the tank from corrosion. The anode may react with water chemicals, causing a sulfuric odor to permeate the house.
The anode is more likely to react chemically with other elements in water if you use well water or a water softener. The sink test which is described above should be done in this instance as well. However, don’t fill the glass with cold water but with hot. The anode rod is the most probable cause if you smell an odor while running hot water. The easiest solution is to replace the anode, so call your trusted plumber to do the job.
5. Missing Or Damaged Clean-out Plugs
Clean-out plugs refer to main sewer line access points located at the foundation walls. A clean-out plug allows you to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. It’s where you can also remove blockages easily. These lines are fitted with caps to prevent sewer gas from escaping.
However, the sulfur smell becomes noticeable if a cap is missing or damaged. If this happens, replace the plug immediately. Clean-out plugs are readily available at hardware stores.
6. Leaky Toilet Wax Ring
A wax ring is located in between the toilet’s flange and base. It provides an airtight and waterproof seal. However, if the wax ring becomes damaged, the sewer gas leaks into your home, causing a sulfur odor. If that’s the case, you’ll need to purchase a wax ring replacement.
If you’re smelling sulfur in your house, there’s no need for desperation. Every problem can be fixed if you locate its source. Hopefully, this awful smell will not be a constant issue in your home.
Read Also: New Modern POP Plus Minus Design Ideas
