The unpleasant smell of rotten eggs is actually the scent coming up from the sewers. It is accompanied by a chemically called hydrogen sulfide gas. If you have not used the shower drain for a period of time, the water in the P-trap will dry up. It generates a sulfur smell and diffuses upwards into each space. A large amount of hydrogen sulfide gas is harmful to the human body. It is especially for children and the elderly with weak immunity. Prolonged exposure to such odor can cause dizziness and nausea. Thus, Your drain is permeating or the smell of rotten eggs has not appeared. So please be alert as soon as possible. Also, you can read this article. It is useful for you to have the necessary information. What is the source of the smell of rotten eggs? How can we prevent it?
Where does the Rotten Egg Smell from the Toilet Come From?
Most homeowners believe their home is spotless until they notice a strange odor. The odor is emanating from their bathroom. It appears to be coming from the shower. The majority of the time, this is because the drain has been gathering debris for a long time. Over time, the debris acts as a food source for anaerobic bacteria, which are like filthy water. These pollutants release hydrogen sulfide gas in their waste after the meal. It causes odors. Let us look at the problem’s other causes.
Clogged Water Pipes
When you smell rotten eggs in the shower room, it is likely that the odor comes from the shower drain sewer. The blockage or partial clogs of the sewer pipe will cause the water to drain. Yet a large number of bacteria will gather in the U-shaped trap to form a biofilm that adheres to the wall. It produces hydrogen sulfide gas. In this case, you can remove the shower drain cover to manually clean up the hair or other impurities. They are attached to the panel. After that, check the obstacles in the sewer, and hook them out with a metal hanger or a drain snake. Finally, finish with a certain amount of hot water.
Water Shortage in P-Trap
The P-trap presents a U-shape and is under the drain pipe. During normal work, it can hold a certain amount of water. It is to prevent the smell of the sewer from returning to the shower room. If there is a lack of water in this component, it will lead to a backlash of odor. Also, there are even a large number of cockroaches and red ants. When you smell the rotten eggs in the bathroom, you might as well check the water storage in the P-trap.
Water Contamination
If you smell something similar in the water, you have to consider the water quality. This is most common when homes get their water from a well or another source of still water. Organic material, such as leaves and branches, can contaminate these water sources. Sulfur bacteria in the water will break down this plant matter and other stuff over time. They will release hydrogen sulfide gas as a result. The stench of rotting eggs is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. It will cause health problems. You should contact a professional plumber as soon as possible. He will test the water quality and check the hydrogen sulfide level. Finally, please report the situation to the local water supply company in time.
Old House Commonalities
Plumbing that has been damaged by cracks or decaying is common in older homes or residences. They have been vacant for a long time. You will notice the strength of the stench if you take control of a home like this. Mice devour the plastic plumbing. But the metallic plumbing wears out and leaks. As a result, sewage gases are released into the shower. You can avoid these problems with regular upkeep and routine maintenance.
Hot Water Heater
If you smell rotten eggs when you turn on the hot water, the reason is a chemical reaction inside hot water heater. The protagonists are magnesium rod and sulfate. A magnesium anode rod is in many water heaters, and it serves a crucial purpose. The magnesium anode rod is a sacrificial component. It designs to succumb to rust and corrosion before your water heater, extending its life. Sulfur bacteria are present in your water. They come into contact with the corroded magnesium anode rod. Thus, hydrogen sulfide is produced. Their combination not only corrodes and destroys water pipes but also produces gas. It smells like rotten eggs. Putting this reason last is due to its low probability. When there is a problem inside the hot water heater, you can only smell it in a confined space that uses a lot of hot water.
How do Prevent the Smell of Rotten Eggs?
Keep the Sewer Area Clean
When the problem arises, it is too late, so the most thorough solution is to make early prevention. You can prevent the smell of rotten eggs in your bathroom or kitchen. The first thing you need to do is to keep the sewer area clean. Regular cleaning of shower drains and disposal of garbage are effective preventive measures. They are against the sulfur smell.
Keep Water in the Trap
Always spray the shower drain with a small amount of water, and keep water in the trap for deodorization. The sewer in the house does not have a trap. So it is necessary to install a functional deodorizing floor drain in advance.
Keep the Drainage System Unobstructed
Avoid clogging caused by the accumulation of grease, hair, and other debris. Also, ensure that no other matter affects the drainage performance. Appropriate use of shower drain cleaner can clean up the drainpipe. But be sure not to use strong corrosive chemicals. They include hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid.
Clean up Rotten Food Regularly
Finally, please be sure to pay attention to the unusual smell in the living space. There are many factors that can cause this odor to escape from your restroom. In daily life, the most common source of hydrogen sulfide is rotten foods. They are especially foods with high sulfur content, such as eggs. The reason why we use “rotten egg” to describe hydrogen sulfide is due to the “stinky smell” of rotten eggs. After spoilage, due to the action of bacteria, sulfur will combine with hydrogen. Also, it will produce hydrogen sulfide.
Repair and Maintenance of Plumbing Systems
The recommendation for homes is to perform regular plumbing system repair and upkeep. It includes the usage of filtration or softening devices. They can prevent impurities or germs from entering the system. Contact a plumber for a pipe inspection each time you observe a warning sign. It is such as odors, leaks, or a potential increase in your monthly water costs.
FAQ:
Q1: Is it harmful?
A1: There is an unpleasant tingling sensation in your nostrils. So hydrogen sulfide is an unhealthy hazard. When found in your water source, it does nothing but causes a major annoyance. As a result, let us figure out a way to get rid of your foul odor.
Q2: How to get rid of the smell?
A2: To get rid of the foul odor, have your tank flushed and disinfected by a plumber. This will cut the bacteria and particles that cause hydrogen sulfide to form. If your anode rod is corroded, a plumber can replace it during a water heater flush. It is to avoid the smell from recurring.
Q3: What is the source of that sulfur odor?
A3: The odor of rotting eggs is actually hydrogen sulfide, a sewage gas component. It is in sewers. Microbial organic matter breaks down in the absence of oxygen and generates an odor. This is why it stinks so terrible.
