What to Do If Your Tap Water Has an Odd Smell
Nothing is more unsettling than turning on the tap and noticing a strange odor coming from your water. Your tap water should be clean, clear, and odorless, but sometimes, plumbing issues or water supply problems can cause unpleasant smells. While some odors are harmless and temporary, others could indicate a more serious issue that needs immediate attention.
This guide will help you identify the source of the smell, understand whether it’s a health concern, and determine when to call a professional plumber.
Common Tap Water Smells and Their Causes
Rotten Egg Smell
If your tap water smells like rotten eggs, the culprit is likely hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas is naturally occurring and forms due to decaying organic matter in the water supply. While hydrogen sulfide isn’t generally dangerous to human health, it can be unpleasant and may corrode pipes over time.
Possible causes:
- Water heater buildup – If the smell is only in your hot water, bacteria may be interacting with the anode rod in your water heater. Draining and flushing the tank often solves this problem.
- Well water contamination – If your home relies on well water, hydrogen sulfide may be present naturally. A water treatment system can help remove it.
- Plumbing system issues – If both hot and cold water smell, the problem could be in your plumbing system or the municipal water supply. A plumber can test your water and recommend solutions.
Salty or Chlorine Smell
A salty smell in your water may be caused by high levels of chloride in the water supply. This can happen due to road salt contamination, seawater intrusion, or wastewater runoff.
Possible causes:
- Water softener malfunction – If your home has a water softener, it may be adding too much salt to the water. Try adjusting the settings or have it inspected by a plumber.
- Municipal water treatment – Water treatment plants often add chlorine to disinfect water, which can sometimes cause a noticeable odor. If it’s too strong, you may need a carbon filtration system to remove excess chlorine.
Metallic Smell
A metallic odor in your tap water usually indicates the presence of iron, zinc, or manganese. These minerals can leach into your water from corroding pipes, old plumbing fixtures, or naturally occurring deposits in groundwater.
Possible causes:
- Aging pipes – Older homes may have galvanized steel or lead pipes that can corrode over time, releasing metal into the water. If your home has lead pipes, you should consider replacing them.
- Water heater sediment buildup – Mineral deposits can accumulate in the water heater over time, leading to a metallic taste and smell. Flushing the water heater annually can help.
- Municipal water supply issues – If the problem occurs suddenly, check with your water provider to see if they are performing maintenance or flushing the system.
Moldy or Musty Smell
If your water smells moldy or musty, it may indicate algae growth or bacterial contamination.
Possible causes:
- Algae in the water source – While municipal water treatment should remove algae, small amounts may slip through, especially after heavy rains or seasonal changes.
- Bacteria buildup in pipes – If you only notice the smell from one faucet, bacteria may be growing in the aerator or plumbing. Try cleaning the faucet with vinegar and hot water to remove any buildup.
- Well water contamination – If you use well water, algae or bacteria may be present. A well water test can determine if additional treatment is needed.
What to Do If Your Tap Water Smells Bad
If your water has an odd smell, follow these steps to diagnose the issue:
- Determine if the smell is in hot or cold water – If only hot water smells bad, your water heater may need maintenance.
- Check if the smell is present in all faucets – If only one tap smells, clean the faucet and aerator.
- Run the water for a few minutes – If the smell goes away, the issue may have been temporary.
- Check with your water provider – If your entire neighborhood is experiencing the same issue, the municipal water supply may be the source of the problem.
- Test your water – If you’re unsure about the safety of your water, a professional plumber can test it and recommend solutions.
When to Call a Plumber
Not all water smells require immediate action, but some indicate serious plumbing or health concerns. Call a professional plumber if:
- The smell persists for more than 24 hours
- You suspect corroded or lead pipes in your home
- You notice discolored water along with the smell
- The odor is accompanied by low water pressure or leaks
- You use well water, and the issue isn’t resolved with a filtration system
At Reichelt Plumbing, we specialize in diagnosing and resolving water quality issues. Whether your water smells like rotten eggs, metal, or something else, our experienced plumbers will find the cause and restore your water’s freshness.
Don’t ignore the signs—if your tap water smells bad, contact Reichelt Plumbing today at (219) 322-4906 for fast and reliable plumbing services!