You can try flushing your pipes to rid them of any debris or loose contaminants that may be causing the issue, but the problem likely requires a more complex solution. A professional may recommend increasing chlorine levels in your water source or well to balance out the influx of organic material.
Is it okay to drink water that smells like fish?
You would never drink water directly from a pond or lake. There are too many microscopic bacteria swimming around that could get you sick. If your home’s water smells fishy, the same bacteria could be infiltrating your water supply. Organic matter could be the culprit, such as decaying leaves or broken-down plants.
Why would my tap water smell like fish?
Fishy. If your tap water smells like fish, you may be detecting chloramine – a compound of chlorine and ammonia used to disinfect public water sources. Unfortunately, chloramine sometimes causes a fishy odor. Elements like barium and cadmium can also give off a fishlike smell.
What causes stinky water?
In some parts of the country, drinking water can contain hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs. This can occur when water comes into contact with organic matter or with certain minerals, such as pyrite. This situation mostly occurs as groundwater filters through organic material or rocks.
What do you do if your water smells like fish? – Related Questions
How do I stop my water from smelling?
Certain types of algae, fungi, and bacteria can grow in the tank, especially during warm weather, and may affect water odor. Here’s a simple step to avoid this from happening: Cleaning and maintaining the storage/pressure tank periodically can prevent bacteria from growing to levels that cause odor in the water.
Can smelly water make you sick?
When you smell the odor of sulfur in your water, that lets you know that you’re ingesting the waste of bacteria. Sulfur is found in many foods and is considered a vital part of a healthy diet, but too much sulfur in your drinking water can lead to diarrhea and dehydration.
How do I stop my water from smelling like rotten eggs?
How to Get Rid of Rotten Egg Smell in Water
- Flushing Your Tank Out.
- Using Chlorine.
- Replacing Your Anode Rod.
- Installing a Water Softening System.
- Replacing Your Water Heater.
Can I shower if my water smells like rotten eggs?
You can breathe easy (metaphorically speaking) because water with hydrogen sulfide is still safe to drink and bathe in – it’s just going to smell bad. However, the odor of hydrogen sulfide can be similar to that from sewage or other contaminants, which can be pose health risks.
Should I call a plumber if my water smells like rotten eggs?
To get rid of the bad odor, you’ll want to contact a plumber to flush and disinfect your tank. Doing so will remove the bacteria and particles that create hydrogen sulfide. During a water heater flush, a plumber can replace your anode rod if it is corroded to prevent the smell in the future.
What does spoiled water smell like?
Rotten Eggs (Sulfurous), Decayed or Sewage-like Odor. Generally, a rotten egg (or sulfurous), decayed or sewage-like odor in household water is a result of bacterial activity, which can be due to: Bacteria growing in the drain: This is the most common cause of these types of odors.
Why does my water smell like rotten eggs only one faucet?
There are three main reasons for the sulfur smell in one faucet; bacteria in the water heater, bacteria in the water supply, or bacteria in the drainage. If it’s the lattermost, you’re likely to experience this particular odor when you’re near a particular faucet. If that’s the case, you can easily fix it.
Why does my bathroom cold water smell like rotten eggs?
Only cold water smells like sulfur: The major culprit behind cold water smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur is sulfate-reducing bacteria. Poor aeration and corrosion are often factors that increase the growth of this type of bacteria.
How do you flush and disinfect a water heater?
Pour a ½ to 1 gallon of bleach into the water heater through the hot water outlet opening. Install the A420 anode rod. Re-connect the hot water supply line to the hot water outlet on the water heater. Turn on water supply and draw water at each hot water faucet in the residence until a Chlorine odor is noticed.
Why does my hot water stink?
This smell is typically caused by sulfate bacteria that can develop within the tank. This issue usually happens when warm water is left too long in the tank and bacteria builds up in the water. This problem can also happen if you have well water and are not treating the water with chlorine in the well.
Can I flush my water heater myself?
To flush your hot water tank, simply turn on the cold water spigot leading into your hot water tank. Let it run for a few minutes until the water exiting your hose runs clear. This may take a bit. While the water might be running clear and isn’t brown, you may still have some sediment.
What happens if you don’t flush your water heater?
If not regularly flushed, your water heater can corrode more quickly. The sediment can also block or clog the pressure and relief valve (which helps keep your water heater from exploding).
How do I know if my water heater needs to be flushed?
3 Signs it is Time to Drain your Water Heater
- #1. Your water isn’t as hot as it should be. If you are getting lukewarm water, the problem could be lime buildup around your heating elements.
- #2. You’ve noticed sludge in your water.
- #3. It’s been more than 12 months since you last drained it.
How much does it cost to flush your water heater?
What does it cost to flush a water heater? The cost of flushing a water heater can vary quite a lot depending on the area, the quality of the plumber, and the type of water heater. Generally, for most standard water heaters, a flush will cost between $80 and $100.
How often should a water heater be drained?
Experts generally recommend that you drain and remove the sediment from your water heater at least once a year. This helps to ensure the greatest supply of hot water to your home, and also prevents the sediment from corroding the water heater’s components.
Should I flush or drain my water heater?
It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time.