Tap Water Smells Bad?

Does your tap water smell bad?

Some Essex homes suffer from Tap water that smells salty, metallic, chlorinated or like rotten eggs. The smells are unpleasant, and some homeowners are scared to drink their water because of the smells.

Is Smelly Water Safe To Drink?

In most cases yes the water is safe to drink, (unless it smells salty or like fuel read below) so don’t worry you won’t be poisoned but no one will blame you if you don’t want to drink this water. In this article, you’ll learn why your water smells bad and what you can do about it.

Egg Smells

Run your taps for a few minutes if the smell goes away after a while an incorrectly fitted or broken appliance (washing machine, dishwasher, waste disposal) could be distributing water back into your Plumbing system. Water that smells of Eggs or Fish can also be caused by the build-up of rotten food in the sink drain and overflow. Make sure you keep your sink drains clean by pouring hot water or bleach down the plug hole and overflow (don’t pour both at the same time).

You could have a blockage causing a build up in which case your wastes below the sink will need looking at. Egg smells coming from the hot tap are caused by bacteria in the system; bacteria flourish when hot water’s set at low temperatures or isn’t used that often. You can try turning the temperature up for a few hours and running the taps for a few minutes if the smell persists give us a call and one of our Plumbers will take a look.

Chlorine Smells

Chlorine is added to all UK water. Chlorine kills bacteria and prevents water-bourne diseases ensuring safe drinking water. Homes close to the water treatment works sometimes have water that smells of Chlorine. A Chlorine smell (like a swimming pool) isn’t anything to worry about if you find the smell unbearable put all your drinking water through a water filter which should remove any Chlorine smell or taste.

Metallic Smells

Water can pick up metal tastes and smells especially when it’s been sitting in pipes for a while. First of all, run your taps for a few minutes if the smell/taste disappears completely you know the waters been sitting in the pipes for too long. Cold water pipes that warm-up can cause a metallic smell. Cold pipes heat up by being close to hot water pipes and appliances. Summer heat can be a factor also. Make sure all cold water pipes are insulated. Insulation will protect cold pipes from warming up and freezing in winter. Water tanks (especially old ones) and water heaters can also be the cause of metallic smells if you feel the reason is a tank or heater get a Plumber to check them for you.

Salty Smells

Salty Smelling water is rare but if your water smells of salt don’t drink it as it could be contaminated with salt or sewage contact your local water company and consume bottled water until your mains water supply’s been tested and you’ve been given the all-clear.

Fuel Smells

Water that smells or tastes like Petrol or Diesel is probably contaminated with Petrol or Diesel DO NOT drink the water. Phone your water supplier straight away. For those that live in Essex, Essex & Suffolk Water is your supplier.

Still Not Sure?

Talk to one of our Plumbers who will advise you on any unpleasant smells you’re experiencing in your water supply.