My Tap Water Smells Bad, Why?
When we turn on our tap, we expect clean water to come out. Clean water is a crucial part of living a healthy, happy life. The water that comes from our tap goes into our body, food, clothes, yard, and so much more. But what happens when you turn on your tap and you smell a foul odor? It’s unsettling to say the least. That’s why we’re sharing your tap water smells bad and what steps to take if your water has any of these odors.
My Water Smells Like Sulfur
If you start the shower or turn on the tap and smell a strong sulfur odor, the likely culprit is your water heater. It does not matter if you’re turning on the hot or cold water, both lines are connected to the water heater and everything is filtered through the same appliance. Sulfur smells are common in Sacramento homes because the prevalence of hard water. Hard water causes sediment buildup in your water heater’s tank; over time, this sediment buildup can cause the water to absorb a sulfur odor and then emit that smell through your tap. The best way to take care of this issue is to have a plumber come and conduct a yearly flush on your water heater.
My Water Smells Like Sewage
When was the last time you had your drains cleared? If you can’t answer, that’s what could be causing your water’s sewage smell. Over time, hair, soap, food scraps, and other organic matter can build up in your pipes and drains. This debris can emit an odorous gas—that oftentimes smells like sewage. That gas is pushed up through the pipes causing people to think the smell is coming from their water. The best way to test this theory is to fill a glass of water, go to another room without a tap, let the water sit, then smell the water. If the sewage smell dissipates, then the problem is with your drain. If the smell lingers, the problem could be with your water heater.
My Water Smells Like Chlorine
Have you ever turned on your tap water and suddenly think you’re in a public pool? There is a reason for this! If you smell bleach or chlorine, it’s not a trick, you’re actually smelling chlorine. To treat water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires cities to add trace amounts of chlorine to all public water. Chlorine is actually an important part of keeping you, and your community, safe. So, essentially all water that comes into your home has chlorine. If the smell is stronger than normal, it’s possible your water had to travel a greater distance to get to your home, thus increasing the need for a little extra chlorine.
My Water Smells Like Fish
It can be alarming when you turn on your water and smell a fish odor. First, it’s very unpleasant and second, it’s borderline strange. There are a few reasons why your water could be taking on a fish smell. First, if your water has too much ammonia in it, the ammonia will react badly with the chlorine mentioned above and cause a fishy odor. Another cause could be Barium. Barium is a metal found in “naturally occurring mineral deposits.” While this compound does not dissolve in water, it is not considered harmful. A third reason why your water may smell like fish is because of algae blooms in lakes or reservoirs. If you suspect algae may be the reason your water smells, contact your water company and alert them.
Smelling Any of These Weird Odors? Call Bell Brothers!
If you are smelling any of these odors in your tap water, don’t hesitate to call Bell Brothers! We’ll dispatch an expertly trained, licensed plumbing technician to your home as soon as possible. Bell Brothers is a trusted HVAC, plumbing, and window service company proudly assisting our Sacramento, Vacaville, and Stockton community. To schedule an appointment, call (916) 226-9677 and speak to one of our friendly call center representatives today.