Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs? That’s Usually Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) — And It Can Get Worse in Hot Water.
If your water smells like sulfur in Oklahoma City—especially when you run hot water—don’t ignore it. The odor is commonly caused by hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S), sulfur-related bacteria, or reactions inside the water heater. You can mask it for a day… but the winning move is treating the cause so the smell disappears at the faucet.
Rotten Egg Smell Is Usually H2S Gas, Sulfur Bacteria, or a Water-Heater Reaction
“Sulfur smell” is the common label—but there are multiple possible causes. The reason matters because it determines the fix. Sometimes the odor is in both hot and cold water (source water). Sometimes it shows mainly in hot water (water heater involvement). Our job is to identify where the odor is being created and remove it correctly.
Why Rotten Egg Odor Often Feels Stronger in Showers and Hot Water
Odor tends to spike in showers because warm water releases dissolved gases faster—and steam carries the smell into the air. If the water heater is involved, the odor can feel “hot-water only.” If your home has areas where water sits (guest bathrooms, low-use fixtures), stagnation can intensify odor too.
The Whole-Home Fix for Sulfur Odor Is Usually: Oxidation + Filtration (Often Carbon)
Sulfur odor is typically solved by converting the odor-causing compounds into a form that can be filtered out (oxidation), then removing them with the correct whole-home filtration—often high-quality carbon. If iron is also present, the system must address both together to avoid “fixing odor but leaving stains” (or vice versa).
Rotten Egg Smell (Sulfur / H2S) — Oklahoma City FAQs
What causes rotten egg smell in water?
The most common causes are hydrogen sulfide (H2S), sulfur-related bacteria, or a reaction inside the water heater. The correct solution depends on whether the odor is present in cold water, hot water, or both.
Why is the smell worse in hot water or showers?
Heat releases dissolved gases faster and steam carries the odor into the air. If the odor is mostly hot-water only, the water heater can be part of the cause and should be evaluated in the treatment plan.
Can a whole-home filter remove sulfur smell?
Yes—when it’s the correct type of system. Sulfur odor often requires oxidation plus filtration (commonly carbon). If iron is also present, the system must be designed to handle both together.
Is rotten egg smell dangerous?
Many cases are nuisance odor issues, but you still want it properly diagnosed and treated. The correct next step is testing, so you’re not guessing what’s in the water or where the odor is being created.
What should I do first—today?
Determine whether the smell is in cold water, hot water, or both, then schedule an in-home water test so we can build the correct fix. Call (405) 259-2085.