How to Get Rid of Sulfur Smell in your Well Water [Detailed Guide]
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 Published On Apr 27, 2023

If you're here, chances are your well water smells like rotten eggs. But don't worry, though, we'll show you how to get rid of sulfur smell in your well in no time.
Things you need...
Well water testing kit – https://fave.co/3QCQphO
Chlorine for shock treatment – https://fave.co/49JhTv1
Rubber gloves – https://fave.co/473hGAB
Safety goggles – https://fave.co/40MkBf3
Activated carbon water filter – https://fave.co/3sExfjU
Oxidizing filter – https://fave.co/3sJoeGb
Aeration equipment – https://fave.co/49JF4pe
Hydrogen peroxide injection – https://fave.co/3QNtqRi


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Now that you have all your tools and materials ready, let's get rid of that awful smell...
Determine the source of the sulfur smell in your well water
The first step in eliminating the sulfur smell is identifying the source of the problem, which can either be sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide gas.

Sulfur bacteria are a type of bacteria that live in environments with little or no oxygen and produce hydrogen sulfide gas as a byproduct. Hydrogen sulfide gas is a colorless gas with a distinct rotten egg odor that can cause a strong smell in well water.

To determine the source of the sulfur smell in your well water, conduct a simple smell test. If the water smells like rotten eggs, then hydrogen sulfide gas is likely the source of the sulfur smell. If the water smells musty or earthy, then sulfur bacteria may be the cause.
Test the water for sulfur
To further confirm the cause of the sulfur smell, you can perform a water test. A water test can detect the presence and concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas and sulfur bacteria in the water. You can purchase a sulfur test kit online or hire a professional to perform a water test.

If you choose to perform the test yourself, follow the instructions on the test kit to collect a water sample. It's important to collect the sample correctly to ensure accurate results.

After collecting the water sample, follow the instructions provided to test the water sample for sulfur. The test kit will usually come with strips or reagents to test for the presence of sulfur. If the test kit indicates the presence of sulfur, then you can proceed with the appropriate treatment options.

Alternatively, you can send the water sample to a lab for analysis. The lab will test the water for sulfur and provide you with a report of the results.
Perform shock chlorination
If the sulfur smell in your well water is caused by sulfur bacteria, shock chlorination may be necessary to kill the bacteria and get rid of the smell. This involves adding a high concentration of chlorine to the well and letting it sit for a period of time.

Start by gathering the necessary equipment for this process. You’ll need a source of chlorine, such as calcium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite, rubber gloves, safety goggles, a measuring cup, a plastic bucket, and a hose.

Turn off the power to your well pump.

Remove the well cap or cover, and use the hose to wash down the inside of the well casing.

Mix the chlorine solution according to the instructions on the package. Usually, this involves dissolving the chlorine in water in a plastic bucket.

Slowly pour the chlorine solution into the well.

Replace the well cap or cover, and use the hose to wash down the outside of the well casing.

Turn on all of the faucets in your home, including outdoor spigots, until you can smell chlorine coming from them. Once that happens, turn off the faucets.

Let the chlorine sit in the well for at least 12 to 24 hours, or as recommended by the chlorine manufacturer.

Next, turn on each faucet one at a time until you can no longer smell chlorine coming from them. This will flush the chlorine out of your plumbing system.

Wait at least a week before testing your water for sulfur again.

It's important to follow the instructions on the chlorine package carefully and wear rubber gloves and safety goggles when handling chlorine.

In addition, don’t use the well water during this period. You can flush your toilet a few times but don’t use the water for anything else.

It's also a good idea to contact a professional to perform shock chlorination if you are uncomfortable doing it yourself.

Shock chlorination can be effective in killing sulfur bacteria and getting rid of the sulfur smell in your well water. However, it may not be a permanent solution and the smell may return over time.
Install an activated carbon filter
Installing an activated carbon filter is a great solution if the sulfur smell is caused by hydrogen sulfide. Activated carbon can absorb the hydrogen sulfide gas and trap it so it can't be released into your water.

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