Quick Answer:
If your outdoor spigot gives off a rotten-egg or sulfur smell the first time you open it after a period of disuse, it is usually unpleasant but not an immediate sign of catastrophic damage. Start by smelling the first gallon into a clean container, then run the tap to flush the line for about two minutes. If the smell comes from a garden hose or the spigot itself, inspect the rubber hose liner and any attached fittings. If the odor disappears after flushing, the risk of permanent damage is low; if it stays or other problems appear, take further action.
Why This Happens
- Stagnant water sitting in the outdoor piping or a hose can produce hydrogen sulfide from harmless bacteria; that gives a rotten-egg smell.
- Some rubber or plastic hose liners release odors when warm or after sitting unused.
- Water heaters or well water issues can introduce sulfur smells, but that typically affects indoor hot water as well.
- Municipal supply contamination is rare but possible—more likely if neighbors report the same smell.
Step-by-Step What to Do
Smell the first gallon
Catch and smell the first gallon of water into a clean cup or bucket. Doing this keeps you from breathing concentrated vapors at the spigot and tells you whether the smell is in the water itself or just the initial air and standing water in the line.
Flush for 2 minutes
Open the spigot fully and let it run for at least two minutes. If you have a hose attached, remove it first and run the spigot with no hose to isolate the source. Many odors clear within this short flush period as stagnant water is replaced by fresh supply.
Inspect the rubber hose liner
Check any garden hose or quick-connect fittings. Remove and smell the inside of the hose; replace hoses with a strong odor or brittle liner. If the odor is only present when the hose is attached, the hose is the likely source rather than the plumbing.
Check nearby fixtures and pipes
- Turn on an indoor cold tap briefly. If the smell appears indoors, the issue may be upstream and could need professional attention.
- Look for wet spots or new puddles inside or near the foundation—these can signal a leak. If you see unexpected water, consider whether it could be related to a basement pipe leak.
What Not to Do
- Do not drink water that smells strongly of sulfur.
- Do not assume the smell is harmless if it persists after flushing; persistent odor can indicate a contamination source that needs attention.
- Do not attempt aggressive chemical treatments on outdoor spigots and hoses without guidance—some chemicals can damage fittings or harm plants and soils.
When to Call a Professional
- The smell persists after flushing and replacing the hose.
- You detect the odor in indoor taps as well, suggesting an issue with the main supply, water heater, or well system.
- You find leaks, corrosion, or a spigot that won’t shut off or has a loose handle. If the handle simply spins and the valve won’t operate, or if it spins without opening, call a plumber.
- If multiple homes on your street have the same odor, contact your water provider for guidance.
Safety Notes
- Hydrogen sulfide at low household levels smells like rotten eggs and is usually more of a nuisance than a health emergency. Still, do not ingest water that smells strongly of sulfur.
- Keep children and pets away from water that smells bad until you have flushed the line and confirmed the odor is gone.
- If you suspect a natural gas smell (different from rotten-egg water odor and usually stronger), leave the area and call emergency services.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Q: Is this dangerous? A: Not usually, but do not drink the water until the smell is gone.
- Q: Will it harm my pipes? A: A temporary odor alone rarely causes pipe damage.
- Q: How long should I run the spigot? A: Run for at least two minutes; if the smell remains, call a professional.