26 Oct Why Does Your Water Taste Bad?
10/12/16
By: Karli Willden
Foul tasting water is up there on the list of unpleasant life experiences. If you currently have hard water issues, or you have in the past, this will hit close to home. Nothing is worse than coming inside for a quick drink, only to gulp down a nasty glass of water. So what causes the water to smell or taste how it does? What can be done about it? Here are a few things you should know.
Common Smells or Tastes In Bad Water
- Rotten Eggs
- Earthy/Dirt
- Pool Water/Chlorine Taste
- Copper/Iron
- Mineral Taste
Why Does Your Water Taste or Smell Bad?
Water does not always have a universal flavor. The taste, and even the smell of water, can vary from location to location. Some home residents may complain their water tastes like dirt, chemicals, minerals, or even rotten eggs. Water flavor may be caused from a variety of issues. According to LifeScience.com many of these unsavory flavors “may originate from algae, bacteria, wildfires, minerals, and decaying vegetation, but for the most part these things are not generally dangerous to people’s health.” If you live in an older home with older plumbing, however, there may be a cause for concern. Homes with outdated plumbing, particularly those with lead pipes or polybutylene, could have more serious water contamination issues. Causes of bad tasting water include:
- Minerals
- Algae
- Bacteria
- Chemicals
- Outdated Plumbing
What’s the Solution?
No one should needlessly consume foul tasting water when solutions are available! Installing a new water filter is highly recommended. A water filter can help remove the impurities from the water, improving the quality and taste of the water. If you already have a water filter, it may be time to replace it. Water filters generally will need to be replaced every six months. Another option is to install a water softener. A water softener can be a good solution for hard water, to make it taste better and also to prevent buildup in your pipes or appliances. If you are not sure which solution may be best for you, consider having your water your tested. Possible solutions include:
- Install or Replace Your Water Softener
- Install or Replace Your Water Filter
- Have Your Water Tested
- Have Your Plumbing Checked
Who Can Help?
Mathews Plumbing and Heating can assist you with your drinking water problems. If you are unhappy with how your tap water tastes, give Mathews Plumbing a call at 208-357-3439 and we can discuss which option may be best for your unique situation.