Well & Water Questions, Answered

Straight answers from master plumbers. If you don't see your question, call us. (239) 541-0119

Stinky Water & Sulfur Smell

Why does my well water smell like rotten eggs?

That smell is almost always hydrogen sulfide gas. It is very common in Southwest Florida well water. It can come from the groundwater itself, from sulfur bacteria in the well or plumbing, or from a reaction inside your water heater. A water test tells us which one you have and what will actually fix it.

It only stinks when I run the hot water. Why?

When the smell is only on the hot side, the water heater is usually the source. The anode rod inside the tank can react with sulfur in the water and make the smell. Changing the anode rod and flushing the tank often fixes it. If the cold water smells too, the problem is in the well water and needs treatment.

Is sulfur water dangerous?

At the levels usually found in household well water, the rotten egg smell is mainly a nuisance. It does tarnish fixtures, stain sinks black, ruin the taste of coffee and ice, and wear on plumbing. If the smell shows up suddenly or changes, have the water tested.

Will a water softener get rid of the smell?

Usually not by itself. A softener is made for hard water and some iron. Sulfur smell normally needs an aeration or oxidizing filter system, sometimes paired with a softener. We size the system to your water test results.

I already have a filter system and it still smells. Can you help?

Yes. Systems that have not been serviced lose their media or air charge and stop working. We service, re-bed and repair existing filtration and softener systems, and tell you honestly if one is worth saving.

Do you test well water?

Yes. We offer a free well water test so the treatment matches your water, not a sales pitch.

No Water & Emergencies

My house has no water. Is it definitely the pump?

Not always. A bad pressure switch, a tripped breaker, a failed control box or a waterlogged pressure tank can all look like a dead pump. We test the whole system first so you only pay for what's actually broken.

What should I check before I call?

Check the well breaker, look at the pressure gauge, and check whether a filter or softener could be blocking water. Please don't open the pressure switch or control box, because they carry live electricity.

Can I keep resetting the breaker?

Reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and call us. Repeated resets can damage the pump motor.

Well Pumps

Should I repair or replace my pump?

It depends on the pump's age, what failed, and the cost of the repair. We'll explain both options and the price before any work starts.

Why is my pump running all the time?

Usually a leak, a failing pump that can't build pressure, a low water table, or a pressure switch problem.

Pressure Tanks & Switches

Why does my water pressure go up and down?

That's usually a pressure tank losing its air charge or a worn pressure switch. Left alone, it makes the pump cycle constantly and wear out early.

What does a pressure switch do?

It turns your well pump on when pressure drops and off when it reaches the set point. When its contacts burn out, the pump won't start.

Stinky water or no water?

Call (239) 541-0119. Talk to a master plumber, not a call center.