Water has a rotten egg (sulfur) smell even after softening.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Hydrogen sulfide is usually noticeable at low levels; high levels can be hazardous in confined spaces.
Source identification:
- Test water for hydrogen sulfide before and after the softener.
- Check if odor is present only in hot water (often indicates water heater issue).
System limitations:
- Standard Kinetico softeners are not designed to remove significant hydrogen sulfide.
Resolution: Install a dedicated sulfur filter or oxidizing system ahead of the softener. Shock-chlorinate the plumbing and water heater if bacterial growth is suspected. Resin replacement may be needed if heavily fouled.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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