The city's sniff test
The city's Water Plant FAQ suggests this: fill a clean glass with cold water at the tap in question, walk out of the area, and smell the glass. If the water in the glass has no odor, the smell is coming from somewhere else, most often bacteria growing in the sink's p-trap. If the glass itself smells, call the Winson Water Plant at 305-953-2854.
Do the same with hot water. If only the hot glass smells, look at the water heater.
Matching the result to a cause
| Result | Likely cause | First step |
|---|---|---|
| Neither glass smells | Drain or p-trap | Clean the drain; run water in unused drains |
| Hot glass only | Water heater anode reaction | Flush the heater; ask a plumber about the rod |
| Cold glass smells, city water | Rare | Call the Winson plant |
| Smell on a well or sprinklers | Hydrogen sulfide in groundwater | Test the well |
Why water heaters smell
Tank heaters have a sacrificial anode rod, often magnesium, to protect against corrosion. In warm, still water, some bacteria react with it and produce hydrogen sulfide. It is most noticeable in a rarely used bathroom or after a trip. A plumber can flush the tank or swap the rod type; check the manufacturer's guidance first.
Wells and irrigation
Raw groundwater can carry hydrogen sulfide, which is exactly why the city aerates before treating. A private or irrigation well skips that step, so a sulfur smell around sprinklers or at a well-fed tap is common. Treatment is chosen from the well's test, often aeration or oxidation plus filtration. See aeration vs. filtration and well water in North Miami.
Simple steps first
- Run water into floor drains, guest sinks and showers that are rarely used so traps stay full.
- Clean the overflow and stopper of the sink that smells.
- After a trip, flush each hot tap for a few minutes.
If the smell continues, test before buying anything.
What Jorge checks
Hot and cold samples, chloramine, pH and iron, plus the water heater's age and type. If a drain or the heater is the cause, he says so, and you will not need a filter for it. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://northmiamifl.gov/m/faq?cat=22
https://www.northmiamifl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23256/Water-Quality-Report-2025-PDF
https://www.northmiamifl.gov/281/Water-Plant
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist