If every turn of the tap comes with an unpleasant odor, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati have dealt with smelly water—and it’s not just annoying. In some cases, it could point to a health hazard or a problem with your plumbing system.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most common causes of foul-smelling water, what the odors might mean, and how Maximum Plumbing can help you clear it up for good.
Table of Contents
Common Water Smells and What Causes Them
1. Rotten Egg Smell (Sulfur)
This is the most common water complaint we hear.
Cause:
Hydrogen sulfide gas caused by:
- Bacteria in your water heater tank
- Sulfate-reducing bacteria in a private well
- Decaying organic matter in your plumbing system
Is it dangerous?
Usually not harmful in small amounts, but it can corrode pipes and make your water unusable for bathing or cooking.
Solution:
- Flush and disinfect the water heater
- Install an anode rod designed to reduce sulfur
- Consider water filtration systems like activated carbon or aeration if you’re on well water
2. Musty, Earthy, or Moldy Smell
This odor often suggests your water has picked up organic material.
Cause:
- Algae or bacteria in the source water
- Sediment or mold in plumbing fixtures or pipes
Is it dangerous?
Typically not toxic, but still unappealing and can affect taste and confidence in your water quality.
Solution:
- Clean or replace faucet aerators
- Flush your plumbing system
- If on a private well, test and treat the water source
3. Bleach or Chemical Smell
This can be caused by chlorine added by municipal water suppliers.
Cause:
- Excess chlorine from water treatment
- Reaction with old plumbing materials or heaters
Is it dangerous?
Not at typical municipal levels, but it can affect taste and irritate skin or eyes.
Solution:
- Use a carbon filter at the tap or whole-home filtration system
- Flush your water heater to remove residual chemicals
4. Sewage Smell from a Single Faucet or Drain
If the odor is only in one area, it may not be your water—it could be the drain.
Cause:
- Bacteria growing in the drain trap
- Dry P-traps or venting issues
Solution:
- Run water to fill the trap
- Clean drains with baking soda, vinegar, and hot water
- Call a plumber if it persists—vent stack issues can be serious
When to Call a Professional
If the smell:
- Comes from every faucet in your home
- Changes suddenly
- Is accompanied by discolored water, sediment, or low pressure
…it’s time to bring in the experts. Maximum Plumbing can inspect your water heater, plumbing lines, and filtration needs to identify and fix the root of the problem.
We offer:
- Water heater flushing and maintenance
- Whole-home filtration and softener systems
- Drain inspections and cleaning
- Water quality testing recommendations
Don’t Live With Smelly Water—Get the Help You Need Today
Clean, fresh-smelling water isn’t a luxury—it’s a basic need. Whether you’re dealing with sulfur, sediment, or strange smells, our licensed, background-checked team is ready to restore comfort and peace of mind.
Call Maximum Plumbing at 859-371-1111
Schedule service online at maximumplumbingky.com
Visit us on Google Maps
We proudly serve Florence, Burlington, Crescent Springs, Covington, Fort Thomas, Mason, and beyond. With Maximum Quality Guaranteed, your water—and your home—will be in the best hands.