A rotten egg smell in your home can be a strong indication of a significant issue. This unpleasant odor is most frequently caused by natural gas leaks or sewer gas seeping into your living space. Other potential sources include problems with your drain pipes, well water, gassy drywall, or malfunctioning water heaters. Sometimes, even actual rotten eggs might be to blame. If typical sources like forgotten leftovers or full trash bins aren't the cause, it's essential to investigate further for these underlying issues.

Causes of a Rotten Egg Smell in a House

Natural Gas Leak

This may be the reason there's a rotten egg smell in your house, and it's the most harmful cause. A natural gas leak can lead to a potential house fire or gas poisoning to members of the home.

Though natural gas doesn't have an odor itself, gas companies have added a chemical called mercaptan to the supply that produces a sulfur smell when there's a leak.

If you smell rotten eggs or notice any gas leak indications, leave the home immediately and call a professional from a phone located outside of the house. Your utility company technician can verify whether or not the rotten egg smell is indeed a natural gas leak. If a natural gas leak isn't the source of the smell, you can then investigate other possible causes.

Sewer Gas

Broken drain pipes can cause sewer gases to seep into the interior or exterior of your home if there's a broken pipe in your yard. Apart from broken pipes, clogged sewer drains and pipes can also result in this smell. If you suspect this is the reason behind the sulfur smell, contact your nearest plumber.

Dried Drain Pipes

Similar to your home's sewer system, the drain pipes in bathrooms that aren't used frequently can lead to a rotten egg smell, too.

The sink and tub in your bathrooms are connected to a P-trap linked to your home's drainage system. This U-shaped device traps sewer gas and prevents it from leaking into your home with the help of water at the bottom. If this water evaporates, the gas leaks into your home, leaving behind an unwanted scent.

The good news is that this is the easiest fix. Simply run some water in your sink or tub for a few minutes to allow the water level to build back up. If this doesn't solve the issue, give your plumber a call.

Well Water

Homes that run on well water are susceptible to the occasional rotten egg smell due to a buildup of hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide occurs when there's decaying vegetation in the ground that naturally produces sulfur bacteria.

Though sulfur water is typically safe to drink, rotten egg-smelling water is greatly off-putting.

Test to see if this is the cause by filling your sink up with cold water and shutting off your supply for at least six hours. Sniff the water, and if you smell a strong sulfur scent, you've identified the cause. Plumbers recommend installing a carbon filter on the faucets you drink out of, along with a reverse osmosis unit underneath the sink.

Gassy Drywall

Who knew drywall could be gassy? Shockingly, it can be, primarily in homes that were built between 2001 to 2009.

During this period, contractors purchased drywall made in China that contained large amounts of sulfur. If your home includes this type of drywall, you could be smelling the gas it's emitting.

To identify this cause, check your air conditioner's copper coils for a black substance appearing as an ash-like material. Black ash buildup occurs when there's a high level of sulfur being emitted. Unfortunately, the only way to fix this issue is to have all affected drywall replaced.

Water Heater

If you only smell rotten eggs when hot water is running, odds are it's linked back to your water heater. Water heaters are constructed with anode rods that corrode and go bad over time.

When it corrodes, it meshes with other chemicals in the water that can produce a sulfuric odor. This is another simple fix that requires a licensed plumber to replace the anode rod.

Clogged Drain

Drains commonly get clogged from a buildup of hair, oils, and debris. When water stops draining, it's a clear signal that you need to remove a clog. However, partially clogged drains are more difficult to spot and can lead to a troublesome rotten egg smell.

With a partially clogged drain, water can still drain out, allowing bacteria to grow as it feeds on the oil, hair, skin, and soap residue. When these break down, they can release hydrogen sulfide gas into the air and create a rotten egg smell.

Should You Worry if Your House Smells Like Rotten Eggs?

If your home smells of rotten eggs, take action immediately, not only for a better-smelling home, but more importantly, to ensure everything is safe.

Most of the causes of a sulfuric aroma are harmless and require replacing faulty items, though if you suspect the cause is from a natural gas leak, get everyone out of the home and call a professional immediately.

How to Get Rid of Rotten Egg Smell

The best way to completely get rid of a rotten egg smell in your house is to solve the cause. It may take a few hours or days before the smell is completely gone if you're having something replaced, though issues such as dried drain pipes may resolve in a few minutes. In the interim, enlist the help of an air diffuser, candles (if it's safe to do so), or cleaning products to lift the air.

When to Consult a Professional

Call a professional first to determine that the source of the smell isn't a natural gas leak or a broken sewer system. The professional will need to further inspect the area and make repairs if necessary, plus make sure the area is safe.

Once the professional rules out a gas leak or sewer breakdown as the problem, there are a few other possible causes you can resolve yourself when it comes to identifying the sulfuric odor, like refilling dried drain pipes or solving your well water.

You will also need to contact a professional if you suspect your water heater anode rod has corroded.