Why Does My Water Smell Off?

When everything is working properly, turning on any faucet should provide you with clear and odorless water. However, certain plumbing and water supply issues can cause water to smell off. Strange odors don’t usually go away on their own, and left unresolved, the problem can worsen.

There are many reasons why your water may smell off, and each scent can be traced to a specific culprit. Read on to learn about the potential causes of water odor and what you can do to fix the problem.

• Why Your Water Smells Like Chlorine

Chlorine is commonly used to disinfect municipal water supplies. If your water smells like chlorine, it's likely due to an excess of this disinfectant. While it's generally safe, you can reduce the odor by leaving a container of water uncovered in the fridge, allowing the chlorine to dissipate.

• Why Your Water Smells like Sulfur

Sulfur odors often indicate the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas in your water. This can be caused by natural processes in groundwater or bacterial activity in your plumbing. The solution to this problem is to have a plumber install a water treatment system, like a water softener or activated carbon filter.

• Why Your Water Smells Like Sewage

The most common reason for a sewage-like smell in tap water is a sewage leak or contamination. It's crucial to address this issue promptly, as it may indicate a problem with your sewage system or nearby sewage infrastructure. You should contact a professional plumbing service to investigate and resolve the source of the odor.

• Why Your Water Smells Like Metal

If you notice a metallic or bitter taste or smell in your water, it’s probably due to corroded plumbing pipes or increased concentrations of copper or zinc. This problem is more likely to occur if your home has older galvanized iron pipes. These pipes can release iron or other metals into your water, causing a strange smell. Consider replacing old and corroded pipes and installing a water filtration system to improve water quality. Here at Neighborhood Plumbing, we can help you with pipe repair and broken pipe replacement.

• Why Your Water Smells Like Gasoline

A gasoline-like smell in your water may indicate contamination from nearby fuel storage tanks or hazardous waste sites. This is a serious health concern and should be addressed as quickly as possible. If you notice a gasoline-like smell in your water, contact your local water authority immediately to test your water for contaminants and take appropriate actions to ensure your water's safety.

• Why Your Water Smells Mouldy or Musty

Your tap water should smell fresh, not damp, like it’s contaminated with decaying organic matter. A moldy or musty odor can be a sign of microbial growth in your plumbing or water system. Stagnant water in pipes or appliances can encourage mold and mildew growth. To prevent a moldy smell in your water, regularly clean and disinfect your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

When to Call a Plumber

It’s never a good sign when your water smells off. Instead of ignoring the problem and hoping it will go away on its own, reach out to a professional plumbing service for an inspection. Here at Neighborhood Plumbing, we have the expertise, experience, and tools to diagnose the source of the smell and fix the problem so you can go back to enjoying clean, safe, and odorless water. Whether the problem is a corroded water heater, damaged water pipes, or sewage contamination, we have what it takes to provide you with a reliable solution. We are your go-to source for all of your plumbing needs, including leak detection, sewer line repair, broken pipe replacement, water leak repair, drain cleaning, and more.