Quick Recap
A rotten egg smell in hot water may come from hydrogen sulfide gas.
The odor mainly affects hot water lines, which helps pinpoint the problem.
Flushing your water heater and treating it with bleach can eliminate bacteria and odor.
Inspecting or replacing the anode rod may be necessary if odors persist
Trusted Houston Plumbers for Smelly Hot Water Problems
Nick’s Plumbing and Air Conditioning has been Houston’s trusted choice for plumbing services since 1979. Our team of licensed plumbers has decades of experience diagnosing and resolving smelly water problems, restoring comfort and confidence to homes throughout Houston. Whether your water heater needs a deep flush, anode rod replacement, or full system evaluation, Nick’s Plumbing provides reliable answers and results.
What Causes That Rotten Egg Smell in Hot Water?
That dreaded rotten egg odor coming from your hot water supply is the result of a chemical reaction in your water heater.
The role of sulfates and hydrogen sulfide gas
Water supply lines host naturally occurring ions called sulfates, which have a taste for stainless steel. Hydrogen sulfide, better known as sewer gas, is a sulfur-based by-product of the bacteria that are actively trying to turn your water heater into a spaghetti strainer. If your water heater sits idle for more than a few hours, these microscopic critters can infiltrate the tank’s lining, hiding and reproducing in the nooks and crannies. This increased presence of hydrogen sulfide will find its way into your faucets, and either by smell or taste, you’ll know it’s there.
All water supplies contain sulfates in varying levels. These compounds are generally harmless, but inside a water heater, sulfate-reducing bacteria feed on them. The by-product of this process is hydrogen sulfide gas, which is released and dissolves into your hot water supply and escapes through faucets.
Why it only affect hot water lines
A telltale sign of this problem is that the odor appears only in hot water, not cold. Water heaters provide the specific warmth, stillness, and metal surface that allow bacteria to thrive. Cold water lines don’t provide the same cozy conditions, so bacteria stick to the hot water lines.
Is Smelly Hot Water Dangerous?
Smelly hot water is more off-putting than it is hazardous. Sulfur bacteria in water heaters aren’t necessarily dangerous, but hydrogen sulfide can be harmful at certain levels. In Houston, the levels of hydrogen sulfide in residential water heaters are typically too low to cause serious health problems. At higher levels or without proper ventilation, however, hydrogen sulfide can leave you and your household feeling icky with these symptoms:
Burning and watery eyes
Headaches
Nausea
Dizziness
Poor sleep
Respiratory problems
Digestive upset
At higher exposure levels, hydrogen sulfide can result in vomiting, loss of consciousness, or even death. People with asthma may also be more sensitive to the gas.
How To Get Rid of Smelly Hot Water
You don’t need a chemistry degree to take down sulfur smells in hot water. Here are the steps to getting rid of smelly hot water.
Step 1: Confirm it’s the hot water causing the problem
Determine that the problem is only affecting the hot water lines of your plumbing system. Check hot and cold taps for signs of debris, discoloration, or odors. Run cold water first, then hot. If only the hot water stinks, you’ve narrowed it down to the heater. Get the whole family to check so you’re not relying on one nose.
Step 2: Flush your water heater
If you’ve confirmed that the hot water is the source of the offending scent, flush the water heater to remove the sediment that likely contains bacteria. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve, empty the tank, refill it, heat it, and drain again. This quick rinse pushes out buildup and sends most smells with it.
Step 3: Add bleach or vinegar for persistent odors
If flushing the water heater odor away doesn’t finish the job, add a small amount of bleach to the tank before flushing again to disinfect and dissolve scale buildup. Vinegar also works, but only use one of these options. Mixing vinegar and bleach creates potentially lethal chlorine gas.
When Flushing Doesn’t Work
Sometimes the smell sticks around, especially in older or neglected heaters. Hard water in Houston accelerates sediment buildup, creating thick layers at the bottom of the tank that shelter bacteria and reduce heating efficiency.
The importance of anode rod maintenance
Every tank water heater has a sacrificial anode rod, usually magnesium, and its job is to corrode so the tank doesn’t. Magnesium is like candy to the bacteria that create hydrogen sulfide. As part of water heater maintenance, replacing the anode rod every few years keeps your water heater protected and prevents the smell. Water heaters in attics or garages should have their anode rod checked out and replaced every two years.
Consider a powered anode rod
If you find your anode rod needs to be replaced more frequently, your plumbing technician may suggest replacing it with a powered anode rod. Made of titanium, powered anode rods don’t corrode. Instead, they use a low-voltage current to keep sulfate ions from teaming up with bacteria in the first place. That means no anode rod smell, no rod replacements, and often a longer-lasting water heater. Many Houston homeowners make the switch after one too many smelly water episodes.
Why Houston Homeowners Choose Nick’s Plumbing
At Nick’s, we’ve been fixing smelly water heaters and providing water heater flush services across Houston since 1979. Here’s why homeowners keep choosing our team when their water heater is struggling.
Fast response, local expertise
When hot water smells, you need prompt answers. Our team is local, which means we know Houston’s water conditions and don’t waste time guessing.
Family-owned & trusted in Houston for decades
We’ve been family-owned since the beginning, and we treat every job like we’re helping a neighbor.
Upfront pricing & guaranteed work
There are no surprises or hidden charges. We tell you the cost up front and stand behind our work.
Service Areas & Houston Zip Codes We Cover
We proudly serve homeowners across Houston, including these zip code areas:
77002
77007
77008
77018
77024
77027
77030
77055
77056
77057
And the surrounding areas in Harris County.
Schedule Your Water Heater Service Today
If your hot water smells like sulfur or rotten eggs, flushing it once might not be enough. Call Nick’s Plumbing and let us take care of the problem. Whether it’s a quick clean-out, an anode rod replacement, or a new powered rod upgrade, we’ve got the fix. Contact us today to schedule your service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does smelly hot water happen in Houston homes?
Houston’s water supply contains higher mineral content than that of many cities. With more sulfates in the water and sediment in the tank, bacteria are more likely to move in.
Can a water softener help reduce hot water odors?
A water softener can lower mineral buildup inside your water heater by reducing calcium and magnesium deposits where bacteria hide. A softener doesn’t eliminate odor problems, but it makes heaters easier to maintain and less likely to smell.
Can tankless water heaters develop the same odor problem?
Tankless units are less likely to produce hydrogen sulfide odors because water doesn’t sit stagnant inside a tank. If your home’s plumbing system has bacteria or mineral buildup elsewhere, you might still notice putrid smells.
