Why does my garden hose smell like rotten eggs? How to fix an odorous gardening issue
There's a natural reason why your garden hose smells like eggs, but it can be expensive to fix
Watering the plants is many people's favorite gardening task. It's relaxing and meditative and helps your plants to stay at their healthiest.
However, sometimes that calming chore can turn pretty foul smelling. Occasionally, the water coming out our your hose can smell like rotten eggs.
I chatted with our gardening experts about why this happens and how to stop it. The good news is that it's almost always safe. The bad news is that it can be fairly expensive to fix.
Why does my garden hose smell like rotten eggs?
The 'rotten egg' smell is almost always due to hydrogen sulfide gas. This naturally occurring gas results from sulfate-consuming bacteria in your water source, whether it's a well, plumbing system, or groundwater. These bacteria excrete hydrogen sulfate, which smells like rotten eggs.
Another possible cause, but less likely at this time of the year, is rotting leaves in your water source. As they decay, they can make a rotten egg smell. This tends to happen in the fall, as there are more rotting leaves around.
It's incredibly rare, but a more serious contamination is from agriculture or animals. Agricultural runoff from a nearby farm can get into your water source, introducing a wide range of bacteria and chemicals. It's the least likely source, but if you get your water from a well, a dead animal could contaminate your water and create that egg smell.
Is it dangerous?
Gardening expert Drew Swainston told me that 'The smell is pretty foul, but it's not dangerous for your plants. In fact, it won't affect them at all.'
However, it's a terrible smell, so it might make watering a little less enjoyable.
Drew qualified as a journalist and wrote for many websites and publications, before studying for a horticulture qualification. He worked as a professional gardener for several years, specializing in kitchen gardening. He's now bringing his expertise and passion to Homes & Gardens as a member of our team.
How can I stop my garden hose smelling like rotten eggs?
The best short-term fix for a garden hose smelling like eggs is to buy a filter for your outdoor faucet. Hydrogen sulfide gas is unstable and breaks down when aerated. A filter on your faucet can remove the hydrogen sulfide and therefore remove the smell. However, these filters don't last forever, so this isn't a long-term fix.
A water filter like this is a quick, cheap way to remove a rotten egg smell from your hose. This particular model has lots of five-star reviews.
How do I prevent it happening in future?
The best long-term fix is to get your water tested by a professional. A pro can tell you exactly what the issue is by identifying the levels of hydrogen sulfide, manganese, and iron in your water. From there, they can treat your water source and likely install an air injection filter. These pump air into your water which breaks up the hydrogen sulfide and removes the smell, but they're pretty expensive and can be tricky to install if you don't know what you're doing.
If the smell is also in your house, it could be an issue with the manganese anode in your hot water heater. This can be hard to DIY, so it's another case where it's probably fastest and cheapest to call a plumber. However, most outdoor faucets aren't usually connected to hot water, so it's most likely an issue with the groundwater or the well.
Garden hose FAQ
How do I get rid of the plastic smell in a garden hose?
The best way to get rid of the plastic smell in a garden hose is to fill a bucket with a mix of baking soda and water. Leave the hose in the mixture of a day and it should remove the smell.
For more help with watering, take a look at our guide to fixing a garden hose, or our tips on maintaining a garden hose.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
As Head of eCommerce, Alex makes sure our readers find the right information to help them make the best purchase. After graduating from Cambridge University, Alex got his start in reviewing at the iconic Good Housekeeping Institute, testing a wide range of household products and appliances. He then moved to BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, assessing gardening tools, machinery, and wildlife products. Helping people find true quality and genuine value is a real passion.
-
Was this the biggest interior trend of 2024? 5 designers on why this was the year of characterful, colorful and bespoke home decor
These expert designers share their thoughts on the core design trend of 2024 and how to create meaningful, characterful spaces
By Eleanor Richardson Published
-
Ashley Tisdale curated a guide that covers everybody on your gift list – including that hard-to-buy-for friend (and prices start at $13)
The actress selected an assortment of mugs, prints, and blankets as part of society6's curated gifting campaign – and it's a collab we can get behind
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Standing mowers vs riding mowers – a mowing expert reveals which is best
Standing mowers vs riding mowers is a heated debate among landscapers. I spoke to a landscaping expert to find out if standing mowers really are the best
By Alex David Published
-
Leaf blowers vs leaf vacuums – which is best for your yard, and should you bother with either?
It's not obvious which is best between leaf blowers v leaf vaccums. As a product tester, this is all you need to know about these controversial yard tools
By Alex David Published
-
Pruning jasmine in late summer will ensure your plants bloom better than ever next year
Timing is critical when pruning summer-flowering climbers
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Weber vs Traeger – which pellet grill should I buy? Advice from a product tester
They're two titans of the grilling game, but who comes out on top between Weber vs Traeger? As a product tester, this is all you need to know about the brands
By Alex David Published
-
Bougainvillea in miniature – with a little patience, anyone can grow these vibrant plants in bonsai form
Growing bougainvillea bonsai trees can add impact to even the smallest of spaces
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
10 low maintenance, drought tolerant plants – for a beautiful and undemanding landscape
Expert plant picks for a thriving dry garden, that will make life easier and more colorful
By Jacky Parker Published
-
How to grow eastern redbuds – the cherished native tree with striking spring blooms
Adaptable and reliable, eastern redbuds are tough trees that will not disappoint
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Seed storage mistakes – expert advice to help you avoid costly and accidental errors
7 expert tips that will guarantee success when you are harvesting and storing seeds
By Jacky Parker Published