Smelly water is one of the most common issues within the plumbing systems. It usually occurs when people move in to a new house and as soon as they turn the faucet on, they smell a foul odor coming from the water stream. It may smell like fish, rotten eggs, or a pungent odor, ensuring that the water is most likely contaminated with bacteria or mold inside the pipes. As a result, you may find it difficult to use smelly water for cooking or drinking purposes at home.
How to Fix Smelly Water from the Faucets?
If you notice smell from the water stream, the first step is to determine where the foul odor is coming from. To locate the source of the odor, see whether it’s coming from all faucets, some faucets, hot water, or cold water. Once you have figured out the source of the smelly water, here is the list of reasons why you are experiencing smelly water with ways to get rid of its smell at home:
Water Chlorination
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) orders all public water suppliers (PWS) to add some amounts of chlorine to the water in homes and offices for disinfection. Drinking water most likely contains between 0.2 and 2.0 parts per million (ppm) of free chlorine. However, in some cases, it may contain up to 5.0 ppm of chlorine levels. To remove the odor, start by testing the tap water for the levels of free chlorine. If the chlorine levels are above 2.0 ppm, inform your country health department or water supply authority to fix the issue. However, if the chlorine levels are below 2.0 ppm, your tap water is safe for drinking purposes despite the unpleasant smell. It is best to fill some tap water into a pitcher and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours to get rid of the smell.
If the water contains an overpowering chlorine smell despite storing it in the refrigerator, you need to understand that it is due to shock chlorination of the plumbing system. Therefore, consider turning on all the faucets of your home to allow the water flow until the smell goes away.
Sulfer Bacteria
If you notice that the water from your faucets smells like rotten eggs or contains a sewage-like odor, it is most likely due to the growth of sulfer bacteria within your water supply. The bacteria growing in the drain may produce this foul smell due to the accumulation of organic matter into the walls of the drain. In such cases, you can fill water into a glass form the faucet releasing smelly water. If the water in the glass does not have an odor, the smell is most likely coming from the drains. It is best to flush and disinfect the drains by pouring a mixture of vinegar and diluted baking soda down the drain.
Decaying Organic Matter in the Drain
If you notice a fishy smell coming from the drain, it is most likely due to the buildup of organic matter inside the drain. In such cases, your best bet is to seek help from a professional plumbing company. At Mesa Plumbing Company, you will find a list of well-trained plumbers who know how to clean the drains using the right cleaning solutions. By doing so, you don’t need to worry about potential damage, repairs, or replacement of parts within the plumbing system at home. With regular cleaning of you drains, you can increase the lifespan of your drainage system and avoid the risk of foul smell coming from the drains.
If you are looking for a reliable plumber who could look after your drainage system, contact Mesa Plumbing Company. They will book a consultation session through a phone call and their professional plumbers will come to your doorstep to assess your plumbing system to find a solution for smelly water.