What Causes Smelly Tap Water and How Can You Fix It
Tap water is something we use every day whether it is for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. But what happens when your home tap water starts to smell bad?
Normally it can be very frustrating and even a bit concerning. Smell in tap water is a common problem many people face and it can happen for different reasons. The smell might be earthy, rotten, and even like rotten eggs.
If you have noticed a strange smell or odor coming from your home tap water, do not panic. Usually, there are some simple reasons behind it, and in most cases, it is easy to fix.
In this blog post, we will cover why your home tap water might smell bad and the best ways to fix this issue. So, hang around with us till the very end.
Causes of Smelly Tap Water
If your home tap water has a strange smell, it can be caused by some common reasons. Here are four of the most common reasons:
1. Bacteria in the Water:
Sometimes, bacteria can gradually grow in your home water supply, most probably when it comes from a well or has been sitting in the pipes for too long. These bacteria can produce a smell similar to rotten eggs. However, it is not always harmful, but it can make your water unpleasant to use.
2. Chlorine Levels:
Tap water is usually treated with chlorine to remove germs and make it completely safe to drink. However, if the chlorine level is too high, then your tap water might smell like a swimming pool. This smell is more common in areas with heavily treated water or during certain times of the year.
3. Old Pipes:
Over time, the pipes in your home plumbing system can develop rust or other buildup. This can cause your tap water to smell metallic, musty, or earthy. Moreover, the smell might be even stronger when you first turn on the tap in the morning.
4. Decaying Organic Matter:
Leaves, dirt, and other natural materials can sometimes find their way into your home water supply. As these materials break down, they can give off a musty or muddy smell. Remember this issue is more common in areas with older water systems or after heavy rains.
Best Ways to Treat Smelly Tap Water
If your home tap water smells bad, then don’t worry. There are some of the best ways to treat smelly tap water, depending on the cause. Here are some of the best ways to get rid of it.
1. Flush your Pipes:
Sometimes, water sitting in your pipes for too long can cause a bad smell. To fix this issue, turn on all your home taps and let the water continuously run for a few minutes. This will efficiently flush out any old water and bring in fresh water from the main supply.
2. Clean Your Plumbing System:
If your tap water pipes are old or dirty, then they might be causing a bad smell. To efficiently fix this issue, consider getting your plumbing system cleaned by a professional. They can remove rust, bacteria, and other buildup inside the pipes that might be creating a bad smell.
3. Install a Water Filter:
A water filter can help remove harmful impurities from tap water that causes bad smell. There are multiple types of water filters available such as carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems. These filters can get rid of chlorine, bacteria, or organic matter, making your tap water smell completely fresh and clean.
4. Treat Well-Water:
If you use well water and it smells similar to rotten eggs, then the main problem might be sulfur bacteria. A common solution is to simply add a shock treatment such as chlorine, to the well. This efficiently kills the bacteria and improves the water’s smell. You can also install a specialized filter designed to remove sulfur.
5. Boil your Tap Water:
In case, the smell is minor and temporary, then boiling your tap water can help. This method is especially useful if the smell comes from bacteria or organic materials. Boiling kills germs and improves the water’s taste and smell.
6. Contact Your Water Supplier:
If the smell is directly coming from your main water supply, then you should contact your water supplier. They can test your tap water and let you know if there is an issue with the treatment process or the pipes. They might also recommend solutions for your specific problems.
These methods can help you enjoy fresh-smelling and clean water again. If the problem still persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Final Words:
Smelly tap water can be annoying, but it is usually easy to fix once you know the cause. By flushing your home pipes, or cleaning your plumbing, you can get rid of bad smells and enjoy fresh or clean water again.
However, if the problem still continues, don’t hesitate to contact a professional or your local water supplier. Remember, clean water is important for your overall health and comfort, so take action to fix the issues as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drink water that smells bad?
A bad water smell is a clear indication that it is contaminated. So, it is always best to avoid consuming such water. Otherwise, you may have to suffer from different health issues, especially digestion.
Can I test my tap water for tap water?
Yes, you can easily test the tap water by using a water testing kit. Besides this, you can also take the water sample to a nearby certified laboratory to determine whether it smells bad due to contamination or not.
Can old pipes cause the water to smell bad?
Yes, old pipes are one of the primary sources of bad-smelling tap water. This is because they are often corroded which ultimately results in an unpleasant odor.
How often should I clean my house pipes?
Although, there is no a standard timeframe. A general recommendation to perform the cleaning every few months. This can be especially true if you notice any stagnant water.
