Why Does My Water Smell Like Sulfur? What You Can Do About It

If you’ve turned on your tap in Billings or Laurel and noticed a smell like rotten eggs, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not imagining it. That distinct odor is typically caused by hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S), a naturally occurring compound that can make your water unpleasant to use, and sometimes even unsafe. At Brown Plumbing & Heating, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with sulfur-scented water, and we’re here to explain what causes it, what it means for your plumbing, and what you can do to fix it.

What Causes the Sulfur Smell?

There are a few common culprits behind that “rotten egg” smell in water. One of the most frequent causes is the presence of sulfur-reducing bacteria in your plumbing system or water heater. These bacteria thrive in low-oxygen environments and feed on sulfur compounds, producing hydrogen sulfide as a byproduct.

Another source can be naturally occurring hydrogen sulfide in groundwater. This is more common in well systems, which are prevalent in some parts of Montana, including the outskirts of Billings and Laurel. If you’re on a private well, you’re more likely to experience this issue than someone on city water.

Lastly, in some cases, the anode rod in your water heater—typically made of magnesium—can react with the water and produce hydrogen sulfide. This is a frequent issue in older or infrequently used water heaters.

Is Sulfur Water Dangerous?

While hydrogen sulfide in small amounts is not usually a health hazard, it can cause other problems in your home. It can corrode pipes, discolor fixtures, and make water taste or smell so bad that it’s unusable for drinking, cooking, or bathing. In higher concentrations, it can even be toxic, so it’s important not to ignore persistent odor.

Moreover, if you’re noticing sulfur smells only in hot water, your water heater may be the only source. But if it’s coming from both hot and cold taps, especially from multiple fixtures, the problem could be in your well or municipal supply line.

What You Can Do

At Brown Plumbing & Heating, we always start with identifying the source. If the smell is isolated to your hot water, flushing your water heater and replacing the anode rod with an aluminum or zinc alternative can often solve the problem. We offer this service to customers throughout Billings and Laurel.

If the problem is more widespread, we may recommend a filtration system. Activated carbon filters, oxidizing filters, or an aeration system can remove hydrogen sulfide from your water supply. For well systems, we also recommend routine water testing to monitor for bacteria and contaminants.

For temporary relief, running your faucets for a few minutes or using bottled water for drinking and cooking may be necessary while waiting for a more permanent solution.

Local Solutions for Local Water

Our region’s water has unique characteristics—especially in areas that rely on private wells. That’s why it’s important to work with plumbing professionals who know the local conditions. At Brown Plumbing & Heating, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Billings and Laurel eliminate sulfur smells and restore confidence in their home’s water supply.

Don’t Wait—Take the First Step Today

Smelly water might seem like a minor nuisance, but it’s often a sign of a larger problem. Whether you’re dealing with a single faucet or an entire household affected by sulfur odor, our licensed team is ready to help you investigate and resolve the issue. Contact Brown Plumbing & Heating today to schedule a water quality inspection or filtration system consultation.

Visit https://brownplbg.com or call us for service in Billings and Laurel. Let’s make your water fresh, clean, and safe again.