Stinky Water Well

[imported_Charliechan]

We recently had a 430' water well dug on our place in West Point, Texas. The water is clear and cold, but has a really bad sulphur smell and taste, especially when it's heated in the water heater. The well guys said we could use an aerator or a chlorinator to remove the smell. I lean to you rural experts for some experienced advice.

Thanks,

Charlie W.
Walther Western Winds Ranch

 

[lamarbur]

around here most older homes, thqt is 20 yrs or older, use shallow wells. When they smell, taste different people pour in two gallons of bleech, let the well sit 24 hrs, flush the water through a couple of sinks in the house, until the bleech smell disapates and this usually does the trick. 430 ft driven well, I wouldn't know if bleech would work or not.. Better ask around your neighborhood and find out what is the popular fix for your problem

 

[tawilson]

I took the anode out of my water heater. It was gross.

 

[tc35dforme]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Gypsum....yup, you drilled into sheetrock !!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Most likely the sulfur is from the well water perculating through gypsum. The water picks up sulphur compounds that disolve. Look here for info on Gypsum.

The bad news is that the stank is stinky. The good news is that its not really bad for you ( if you can drink it without gagging /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

"Sulphate (SO4): Sulphur, the "S-part" of sulphate, is essential in maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails. It also aids the liver in bile secretion.
Deficiency of Sulphate: Lack of sulphur inhibits the body to repair damaged cells properly. "

The use of an aerator is great as the sulpher compounds readily oxidize ( when combined with air ). The prove this, draw a small glass of water and let it sit on the counter for a few minutes. Now draw another fresh glass and compare sulphur stank. I'll bet you'll notice the difference.

You may also find that the levels of sulpher will vary by use and may even diminish.

Check out your PH and other mineral content at a water test shop. I'll bet you have pretty 'rich' water and may need additional treatment.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

I grew up with sulphur in Ohio. If your well went deep you hit sulphur.. Some folks would drill a well before they built to avoid it. If that was the water they got they didn't build.

It will cause a problem with the water heater anode. Even though it (voids the warranty) remove it and put in a 3/4 plug.

If you have Sulphur, my Dad lived to 94 drinking that stuff. Can't hurt you. You will get used to it unless it is a real "black flake" type.

And, if you happen to eat a dozen boiled eggs and wash it down with beer and get a gas problem, nobody will notice.

Well, maybe. If they do, then you don't really have a stinky well problem.

I guess I am just saying don't think you have a problem if only the Hot Water stinks........

Tom

 

[OhioTC18]

Yes try removing the anode on the water tank or replace it with a magnesium..?? one that is for sulphur water.
The water heater will go bad sooner because you just removed the sacrificial rod they put in for that purpose, but works for me /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[shvl73]

Our water has the sulphur smell as well. It's real nice in the morning shower as you wash your face. I have also noticed a similar smell after a few cold ones but I keep blaming the dog.

 

[_RaT_]

Tom, Shvl73, those were pretty funny comments. Sounds like this sulphur thing has some upsides to it.

 

[PineRidge]

Pulling the anode from the hot water heater will help but it will also void the warranty. Course you can always keep it around and if the tank fails before the warranty period ends screw it back in before you call the service tech. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[jinman]

Charlie, my water in Sunset, TX has a brief odor if it sits in the pipes for awhile. What I mean by that is if I have a faucet in my house that I haven't used in a few days, when I turn on the water, I'll get that sulphur smell. Have you tried flushing your well by letting the water run for 10 or 12 hours? When my well was new, thats what my well man told me to do. My well is 385 ft deep and is into the Trinity Sands. I'm not sure what the reservoir is in your location.