
The recent Flint water crisis has put the question of tap-water safety back in the headlines, and it has many people concerned about what might be lurking in their tap water. In particular, tap water that smells is cause for suspicion.
Fortunately, even though tap water may smell unusual or unpleasant, it rarely contains hazardous levels of chemicals or microorganisms. But odors emanating from tap water – whether the water comes from a public water supply or a well – can indicate a problem requiring professional attention. We can help you find the source of the problem, but the first step is to follow your nose.
The Smell: Bleach, Chemicals, or Medicine
Public water suppliers chlorinate water to prevent bacterial growth – this can make tap water smell briefly like bleach. The odor should go away if the water is exposed to air for several minutes. Using chlorine to disinfect a well or plumbing system can produce the same smell in your tap water. Usually, all that’s required to eliminate this is to turn on outside faucets and let the water run until the smell is gone.
The Smell: Rotten Eggs, Decayed Material, or Sewage
If your tap water smells like rotten eggs, decayed material, or sewage, it’s most likely the result of:
Bacteria growing in the drain. Organic matter such as hair, soap, and food waste can accumulate on the walls of the drain and serve as a food for bacteria. The bacteria can produce a gas that smells like rotten eggs or sewage.
Bacteria growing in the water heater. This most often occurs when hot water is unused, if the water heater is turned off for a significant period of time, or if the thermostat on the heater is set too low. Sometimes this tap water smell originates from a magnesium heating rod in the hot water tank. If the heater has a magnesium rod, we can replace it with an acceptable alternative such as an aluminum rod.
Bacteria growing in the well: If problems with the drain or water heater are ruled out, the odor might be coming from the water source. Do not use or ingest this water because it could contain harmful bacteria. A defective or improperly located septic system may be present near your well. Contact your county health department or your water supply authority immediately.
The Smell: Musty, Moldy, Earthy, Grassy, or Fishy
Although these smells usually comes from harmless bacteria, humans can detect them at very low levels. They may originate from decaying organic matter in the drain (the usual culprit) or well water polluted by surface drainage. A reservoir/pressure tank may also be the source of such an odor. Cleaning and maintaining the tank periodically can prevent bacteria from growing to smell-able levels.
Occasionally certain types of algae, fungi, and bacteria in the water supply can create water odor. This can happen in a public water supply if insufficient chlorine is being used to disinfect it. Get in touch with your water supply authority or county health department if these smells are present.
The Smell: Fuel or Solvents
These odor problems are rare, but they’re also potentially serious. They may be the result of contamination from a leaking fuel tank near your well, discharge from factories or landfills, or run-off from agriculture. If your tap water smells like fuel or solvents, stop using it immediately and report it to your county health department or public water supply authority.
If you have an odor in your tap water, contact Blissfield Heating and Plumbing or give us a call at (517) 486-3575. Our team of professionals will get to the root of the problem and find the right solution for you!
8593 E US Hwy 223
Blissfield, MI 49228
Phone: (517) 486-3575
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