Fix Smelly Drains and Stinky Water in Northwest Arkansas: What’s Causing That Odor?

If your home’s drains or tap water smell less than fresh, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Northwest Arkansas deal with unpleasant sulfur or sewer odors at some point — especially in older homes or during warm, humid months.

Bad smells coming from your drains or water usually point to a buildup of bacteria, sewer gas leaks, or stagnant water. And while these issues can be irritating, they can also indicate a larger plumbing problem that needs professional attention.

At Town & Country Plumbing our licensed and insured team helps homeowners across Rogers, Bentonville, and Fayetteville find the source of those odors and eliminate them for good. Let’s take a closer look at what might be going on — and what you can do about it.

1. Sewer Line or Drain Problems

Sewer odors are one of the most common (and unpleasant) plumbing complaints. They’re often caused by:

Clogged drains or blocked vent pipes
Leaking or cracked pipes under the slab or yard
Loose connections that allow gas to escape
Tree root intrusion in older clay or cast-iron pipes

If the main sewer line backing up is part of the city’s system, it’s the municipality’s responsibility. But if the problem lies in the private line from your home to the street, it’s up to you to fix it.

Typical causes of private line clogs include:

Flushing items like wipes, diapers, or feminine products
Pouring grease or food waste down the sink
Intruding tree roots or deteriorated pipes

Quick fix: Try running hot water and vinegar down each affected drain to clear bacteria buildup.

Long-term fix: Have a professional plumber perform a camera inspection. At Town & Country Plumbing, we offer drain cleaning and hydro-jetting services to safely remove blockages and restore proper flow.

2. Water Heater Odors Caused by Bacteria

If you notice a “rotten egg” smell from your hot water, your water heater is likely the culprit.

This odor usually means sulfate-reducing bacteria have formed inside the tank — often because the temperature is set too low or the system hasn’t been used for a while.

Common causes:

Water heater temperature below 120°F
Corroded anode rod releasing hydrogen sulfide gas
Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank

Quick fix: Set your water heater to 140°F for 24 hours to kill bacteria, then flush the tank.

Permanent fix: Replace the anode rod or schedule professional cleaning. Our technicians provide water heater repair and replacement services across Northwest Arkansas and can inspect your system for corrosion or contamination.

3. Dry or Faulty P-Trap

Another common source of foul odors is a dry P-trap — the curved section of pipe under your sink. The P-trap’s water barrier blocks sewer gases from rising into your home.

If a sink hasn’t been used in weeks (for example, a guest bathroom or laundry room), that water evaporates, allowing odors to escape.

Quick fix: Run water in unused sinks and floor drains every few weeks to keep the traps full.

If the smell persists: You could have a venting issue. A blocked roof vent — often from leaves, debris, or even small animal nests — can break the air seal, forcing gases back indoors.

Our drain cleaning services

can remove obstructions and restore your home’s proper airflow.

Local Water Conditions and Odor Issues in Northwest Arkansas

The water supply in Northwest Arkansas is generally clean, but it’s also rich in natural minerals like sulfur and iron. When combined with sediment buildup in pipes or water heaters, these elements can create that signature “rotten egg” smell.

If you’ve ruled out your drains and fixtures but still notice odor in both hot and cold water, it may be time for a water filtration system. Whole-home filtration removes sulfur compounds, bacteria, and other impurities before they reach your taps.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If smells return after trying basic fixes, the issue is likely deeper in your plumbing system. Call a licensed local plumber when you notice:

Sewer smells coming from multiple drains
Slow or gurgling drains
Rotten egg odors in both hot and cold water
Recurring clogs or backups

Our team at Town & Country Plumbing uses advanced diagnostic tools to identify hidden leaks, venting problems, and bacterial growth — and we’ll resolve the issue quickly and safely.

Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh All Year

You don’t have to live with unpleasant odors in your kitchen or bathroom. With routine plumbing maintenance, water heater care, and occasional professional inspections, you can keep your home’s air fresh and your water clean.

Whether you’re in Bentonville, Rogers, or Fayetteville, our plumbers are ready to help you find and fix the source of your smelly drains or water.

Schedule your plumbing inspection today and let Town & Country Plumbing, Heating & Air make your home odor-free again.

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