If your tap water smells like rotten eggs, you’re not alone — and it’s not something to ignore. Across Southeastern Pennsylvania, many homeowners have experienced unpleasant sulfur-like odors in their drinking water.
In fact, recent complaints in Abington, Willow Grove, and Feasterville have even sparked an Aqua Pennsylvania investigation into taste and odor issues affecting public water customers.
Whether your home is connected to a private well or municipal water, that sulfur smell usually means hydrogen sulfide gas is present — and there are proven ways to diagnose and fix it.
What Causes the Rotten Egg Smell in Water?
The rotten egg odor is most often caused by hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S), which can occur in both well and public water systems.
According to Penn State Extension, this gas can be produced by:
- Naturally occurring sulfur bacteria in groundwater
- Chemical reactions in hot water heaters
- Decaying organic material in well systems or plumbing
- Corrosion of iron or steel pipes that release sulfur compounds
In well water systems, the odor may be present only in hot water, only in cold water, or in both. The source determines the solution — which is why professional diagnosis is so important.
For a deeper dive into the science and plumbing effects, check out our article: How Hydrogen Sulfide Impacts Your Plumbing and What You Can Do About It.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
While low levels of hydrogen sulfide gas are generally not considered dangerous, it can:
- Make water unpleasant to drink or cook with
- Stain plumbing fixtures and discolor laundry
- Corrode metal pipes and shorten appliance lifespan
- Signal the presence of other contaminants, such as iron or bacteria
And if your home’s water suddenly changes taste or smell, that can be an indicator of a deeper water quality problem — as discussed in our guide, Why Your Water Tastes Weird and What to Do About It.
How to Fix the Rotten Egg Smell in Southeastern PA
At Dierolf Plumbing & Water Treatment, we’ve helped homeowners across Berks County, Bucks County, and Chester County eliminate sulfur odors using solutions tailored to their water source and problem severity.
Our Sulfur Filtration Systems remove hydrogen sulfide gas and can also address iron, manganese, and other contaminants. In some cases, we also service or upgrade Well Systems to prevent the odor from recurring.
We start with:
- Comprehensive Water Testing – to measure hydrogen sulfide levels and identify other water quality concerns.
- System Diagnosis – determining whether the odor is from the well, plumbing system, or hot water heater.
- Custom Treatment Plan – installing the right filtration, aeration, or oxidation system for your home.
Local Insight – You’re Not Alone
Sulfur odor complaints aren’t unique to Southeastern PA. Residents across Pennsylvania have been discussing similar issues in local forums, like this Facebook group conversation, where homeowners share experiences and solutions for sulfur-smelling water.
If you’re in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, or surrounding counties, the source may be similar — and the fix can be straightforward with the right treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Rotten Egg Smell in Water – Southeastern PA
1. Why does my water in Southeastern PA smell like rotten eggs?
Most often, it’s hydrogen sulfide gas from natural bacteria or chemical reactions in your water system. Our Sulfur Filtration Systems are designed to remove it completely.
2. Is sulfur water safe to drink?
In small amounts, hydrogen sulfide is not considered toxic, but it can make water unpleasant and may signal other contaminants. That’s why we recommend comprehensive water testing.
3. How do you treat rotten egg smell in well water?
Treatment can include aeration, oxidation, or filtration. We often pair sulfur filtration with well maintenance services like Well System inspections.
4. Does hard water cause sulfur smells?
Not directly — but mineral buildup can create conditions where sulfur bacteria thrive. Installing a water softener alongside sulfur filtration can help prevent this.
5. Do you serve all of Southeastern PA?
Yes — we provide hydrogen sulfide removal and water treatment services in Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, and surrounding communities.
Take Action – Get Rid of That Rotten Egg Smell Today
The rotten egg smell in your water won’t go away on its own — but with proper testing and treatment, it can be gone for good.
📅 Schedule Your Complimentary Water Test today and let our team design the perfect system to restore fresh, clean, odor-free water to your home.
