Although the city adds chlorine to your water to kill bacteria, sometimes water can develop a funny smell. When this happens, you will most likely not want to drink it, brush your teeth with it, or use it to cook.
All you want to do is sort out the problem so that you can get back to using water as you normally would. But before you can do this, you need to know what is causing the water to smell funny in the first place.
There are a few different things that could be causing your water to develop a funny smell. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Metallic Smell
Deposits of manganese, iron, or zinc can give your water a metallic smell. This is usually nothing to worry about, as it does not pose a health risk. While iron and zinc may leach into your water from corroding pipes, manganese is often found in groundwater. As your metallic pipes get older, they may start to corrode and release small amounts of metal into your water. This can give the water a metallic smell and a bitter taste. Your water heater may also be to blame, as it can corrode over time and release metals into the water.
Before 1987, lead soldering was commonly used to join pipes. If your home was built before 1987, there is a chance that lead solder was used in your plumbing. Lead can leach into your water and give it a metallic smell. Lead is considered harmful even at low levels and long-term exposure can cause serious health problems. If you suspect that there’s lead in your water, you should replace the lead pipes in your home right away.
Earthy, Musty, or Moldy Smell
If your water smells earthy, moldy, or musty, it may be due to the presence of organic matter such as algae. Algae can grow in lakes and reservoirs, and can also get into your water through sewage contamination. Although organic matter is not necessarily harmful, it can give your water an unpleasant smell. While the city filters out algae from your water, the smell may persist.
Refrigeration may help if your water has an earthy smell. Fill a pitcher with water and store it in the fridge for a few hours. The cooler temperature will help to mask the earthy smell. If the problem persists, you may contact your municipality. If it turns out that algae aren’t the cause of the smell, the presence of bacteria may be to blame. You should clean your water fixtures, taps, and sinks on a regular basis to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
Rotten Egg Smell
The most common cause of water smelling like eggs is the presence of hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide occurs naturally in groundwater and is produced when organic matter decomposes. The sulfides then get absorbed into the water, which can give it a rotten egg smell.
Hydrogen sulfide is not harmful, but it can blacken your water supply and cause your pipes to corrode. If you notice that your water smells like eggs, the first thing you should do is to find out where the problem is coming from. If only your hot water smells like eggs, the problem is most likely with your water heater.
Sulfur reducing bacteria in your water heater can cause the water to smell like eggs. This is so because these bacteria convert sulfur into hydrogen sulfide. You should clean your water heater on a regular basis to prevent this from happening.
Salty Smell
While several minerals can cause your water to smell salty, the most common culprit is chloride. Chloride is found in the earth, and in seawater, and can also enter your water through industrial waste and sewage. If your water starts to smell salty all of a sudden, it could be as a result of sewage contamination.
Water contaminated with sewage tastes salty because sewage is full of sodium and chloride. If you notice that your water tastes and smells salty, it is important to contact your municipality right away. Sewage contamination can cause serious health problems and needs to be addressed immediately.
Other possible reasons why your water smells salty include:
– Your water softener uses too much salt
– Sea water leaked into your water
– Minerals from rainwater got into your water supply
Although funny smells in your water can be due to harmless things like mineral deposits, it is always best to err on the side of caution. If you notice a sudden change in your water’s taste or smell, contact Acme Plumbing right away. We will be able to test your water and determine if there is anything wrong with it.
Contact Acme Plumbing, Starting Today
If you’re concerned about the quality of your water, contact Acme Plumbing today. We will be happy to test your water and recommend the best course of action. We are available 24/7, so don’t hesitate to call us at (919) 688-1348.
