How to Fix It When Water Smells Bad
A common problem many homeowners are surprised to deal with is water that comes out of their faucet smelling bad. This raises immediate red flags and often results in a call to the plumbers.
Before you get on the phone, however, there are some important tips to implement, smelly water is a common household problem and that can often be inspected by applying a little know-how. Here are the top three causes of smelly water and two things you can do about it.
Hard Water Can Be Softened
Hard water is the number one culprit in most smelly water situations. What is hard water? It’s water that has very high mineral content. Over time, these minerals form a layer on pipes, faucets, and sink bowls.
If left alone and not cleaned off, the minerals can actually start to form an unpleasant scent that filters into your water. One way around this is to install a water softener.
Water softeners are devices that strip hard water of the mineral properties that make it “hard.” Once the odor-causing minerals are stripped away, the odor should cease entirely and you’ll find that you have clear, clean water that is pleasant to the taste.
Clean Your Sink Weekly
Another very common cause of smelly water comes from a source you might not expect – your sink. Kitchen sinks are especially prone to this problem, as they are used to scrape food and disposals can exacerbate the issue. When you put food down the disposal, wash off food, wash dishes, or use your sink for any other type of food preparation, residue and film from the food can coat the sink.
When hot water splashes on the film, it will start to smell, making you think it’s the water when it’s really the sink. The solution is an easy one. Disinfecting your sink frequently should solve the smelly problem entirely. How often should you disinfect? At least once a week or more if you use your sink heavily for food preparation.
What if Only Hot Water Stinks?
If you find that it’s only your hot water that causes you to wrinkle your nose, you probably have a bigger issue than a mineral buildup or sink that needs a good scrub. When hot water starts to smell, it’s a sign that your water heater has problems.
In most cases, that means there’s either rust buildup inside the tank or you have a sediment deposit. This is a job for the professionals only, as tampering with a water heater could cause significant damage to people and property.
Plumbing professionals will be able to diagnose what is contributing to the smell and how to fix it. It could be that your water heater has an excessive buildup of mineral deposits in the tank and needs to be cleaned or replaced altogether. No matter the cause, a plumber will be able to diagnose the issue and propose a solution.
Reliable, On-Time Plumbers
Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling are proud to serve the Elma, NY area for all their plumbing needs. They offer numerous services including sewer repair, water heater installation, drain cleaning, water treatment, and same day service. Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling prides itself on offering upfront pricing, honest recommendations, and friendly service.
