A rotten-egg odour can be associated with hydrogen sulphide. Comparing hot and cold taps helps you describe whether the concern may involve the water heater or the incoming supply. [15] [25]
Compare hot and cold water in two places
Check the kitchen and one other fixture. Note where the smell appears and whether it fades after the tap runs. If it shows up only in hot water, ask a qualified plumber or water-heater technician about the heater. If it also shows up in cold water across the home, note that when you ask about the incoming supply. [15]
Use the right contact for your water supply
For municipal water in Halifax or Dartmouth, check Halifax Water’s taste and odour information and report a persistent change to the utility. For private well water, ask the lab what to test and how to collect the sample. [13] [1]
Write down what changed before requesting a visit
Note any recent heater service, filter changes or other work and share which taps are affected. If lab testing points to a well-water issue, bring the full report to a treatment conversation. See what an ECW home visit covers.
Quick questions
Why is it worse when I turn on hot water?
A water heater can be involved. Compare hot and cold water and ask a qualified technician if the issue is limited to hot water. [15]
Does the smell tell me whether my well water is safe?
Use a laboratory test to assess safety. Taste and smell alone cannot establish whether private well water is safe to drink. [1]