Sulfur Water's Effect on Dishwashers

Sulfur Water

• Sulfur water is caused by high amounts of hydrogen sulfide in the water. The condition occurs naturally in many areas of the United States and is most likely to pose an issue in homes that don't use a city or municipal water system. Untreated sulfur water is most easily identified due to its strong rotten-egg odor that is caused by the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas in the water supply. Sulfur water also has a bitter or unpleasant taste.

Odor

• Being able to smell the odor of sulfur water while using the water if fairly common. That means you probably will smell the water's rotten-egg odor while running the dishwasher. Over time, dishes and the dishwasher may absorb the odor.

Stains, Discoloration and Corrosion

• Sulfur water is considered to be a form of hard water. Hard water has a high mineral content and causes staining over time due to mineral deposits and buildup. A dishwasher is likely to become stained or discolored due to the presence of sulfur in water. Because hydrogen sulfide is corrosive, it can shorten the life of a dishwasher by corroding the machine's internal components.

Treatments

• Sulfur water can be treated in several ways. The most common method is to introduce chlorine into the water supply. An automatic chemical feed pump that adds chlorine to sulfur water helps to disinfect the water, neutralize the sulfur and remove the related odor. An iron removal filter or aeration system also may help remove sulfur. Before you begin treating your water's sulfur problem, have the water professionally tested for hydrogen sulfide as well as bacteria or other contaminants so that you can treat the problem fully.