Sometimes the smell isn’t bacteria. Sometimes it’s your water heater. If you have well water, the water can contain sulfur-eating bacteria.
These little monsters convert sulfur into hydrogen sulfide gas. That’s what gives hot springs their rotten egg smell. Your sink is basically a mini hot spring.
Cold water fine, hot water stinks? You’ve got sulfur miners in your tank. They love warm, dark places. Your water heater is their spa resort.
A Quick Test for the Truly Curious
Fill a glass with cold water from your sink. Smell it. Then fill a glass with hot water. Smell it.
If only the hot water stinks, your heater needs a sacrifice (anode rod replacement). If both stink, the problem is in the pipes or the well.
This is like being a detective, but your only clue is a foul odor. Sherlock Holmes never had it so smelly.
