Sort it out with two glasses
| Result | Points to |
|---|---|
| Hot glass smells, cold does not | Water heater |
| Neither glass smells, but the sink does | Drain or trap |
| Both smell | Supply or plumbing; test and report |
| Only outdoors near sprinklers | Irrigation well |
Water heaters
Tank water heaters have a sacrificial anode rod, often magnesium. Bacteria in warm water can react with it and release hydrogen sulfide, especially when hot water sits unused for days. A plumber can flush the tank or change the rod type; check the manufacturer's guidance because changes can affect the warranty. A whole-home filter usually does not fix this, since the gas forms after the water is filtered.
Homes that sit empty for weeks notice it most. Running each hot tap for several minutes after a trip, or having a plumber flush the tank before you leave, often prevents it. Raising the heater temperature briefly is another approach plumbers use; follow the manufacturer's guidance and protect against scalding.
Drains
Older homes sometimes have dried-out traps in guest bathrooms or floor drains, letting sewer gas in. Run water in every rarely used drain. If the smell persists at one fixture, a plumber should check the trap and vent.
Irrigation wells
A private well for sprinklers draws untreated groundwater that can carry hydrogen sulfide and iron. Miami-Dade's outdoor watering restrictions apply to private wells: two days a week by address, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. If the yard smell bothers you, an aeration or oxidizing stage on the irrigation line is one option. See orange stains and aeration vs. filtration.
If cold water smells
Call West Miami's Water & Sewer Department at (305) 266-1122 so they can check the line, and have the tap tested. WASD's process includes chloramine disinfection and filtration before the water reaches the city.
Report it rather than living with it. A real change in the supply is something the city wants to know about, and a home test helps both of you see whether the cause is inside or outside the house.
Have Jorge check
He tests hot and cold taps, total chlorine, iron and pH, and looks at the heater's age and use. If the heater is the cause, he will tell you. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
https://westmiamifl.govoffice3.com/vertical/Sites/%7B43D8A331-4B65-45FE-843C-E0F6FE3CD0E8%7D/uploads/2025_WATER_QUALITY_REPORT_FOR_THE_CITY_OF_WEST_MIAMI.pdf
https://cityofwestmiami.gov/water-division
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/water/conservation/outdoor-water-restrictions.page
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist