If Your Water Smells Bad, Here Are Some Possible Causes

If your water smells bad, it can be a very concerning problem as a homeowner. However, it’s important to pinpoint why your water smells bad, as a strange or foul odor from your can indicate one of several different potential problems.

The best way to identify why your water smells bad is to contact a local plumber, like our team here at Pipes & Plugs. But here are some methods you can use to narrow down the cause of your issue.

Is It Your Water or Your Drains?

First, homeowners should make sure that the odor is coming from your water and not your drains. Fill one glass with cold water and another with hot water, then step away from the sink (ideally into another room) and swirl the water around. 

If the smell goes away from both glasses, the problem is not with your water but most likely with your drains. Materials like hair, soap, and food waste can build on the walls of your drain and create a nasty stench. 

If this is the case, you’ll want to have your drains flushed and disinfected. For thorough drain cleaning service, give Pipes & Plugs a call.

Getting to the Source

If the odor doesn’t go away, then the problem is indeed with your water. Here’s how to narrow down the issue further:

• Bad smell in hot water only = bacteria in your water heater 
• Bad smell in softened water only = bacteria in your water softener 
• Bad smell in water from all fixtures = potential issue with your water supply

These are only generalizations, however, and not all cases will be the same. A trained plumber will be able to accurately pinpoint the source of your issue.

My Tap Water Smells Like…

The way that your water smells “bad” or off can help narrow down the root cause of your problem. Here are some common types of smells that indicate various plumbing issues:

• Tap water smells like rotten eggs: This generally indicates the presence of sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide. Sulfur bacteria can accumulate in your water heater or in your main water supply.
• Tap water smells fishy or musty: Various organic pollutants can cause a fishy or musty smell. Your water should smell fresh when it comes from the tap. If it doesn’t, there could be a problem with your water softener or the overall sanitation of your plumbing system.
• Tap water smells like chlorine: Various municipalities use chlorine as a disinfectant, and it can sometimes contaminate the water of homeowners. A filtration system can help to prevent this.
• Tap water smells like sewage: If your tap water or your drains smell like sewage, this can be cause for major concern. While more isolated issues like a clogged drain can cause this smell, it may also indicate an issue with sewage backing up into your home, making your water unsafe to drink. Contact a plumber immediately.

Call Pipes & Plugs for an Inspection!

We hope this information will help you solve any water odor issues you have in your home. For a thorough plumbing inspection in Lafayette or New Iberia, contact Pipes & Plugs today!