Some people are very sensitive to different water tastes and odors. If you are such a person, your plumbing system might determine whether you find your domestic water appealing. Some of the taste-altering effects of plumbing are relatively harmless, while others may be dangerous. Below are some of the ways your plumbing system may affect your water.
New Plumbing Material
Your water might taste different if you have installed new plumbing materials or done some repairs. Some plumbing materials have distinctive tastes and smell that might leak into the water, especially in the first few days after installation. You should suspect this if the strange smell or odor only affects the fixture connected to the new installation.
Different forms of plastic are the worst offenders. A good example is high-density polythene (HDPE), which makes a good plumbing material due to its flexibility and affordability. Luckily, the foreign smell usually disappears after some days of use.
Bacteria
Bacteria in your water heater might be the culprit if the strange smell and odor affect only the hot water. Bacteria should not normally thrive in water heaters since high discourages the growth of bacteria. However, bacteria might grow in your water heater if you don't use the appliance for a prolonged period or maintain a low temperature for a long time.
Metals in the Water
If your house has metal water pipes, some of the metal might contaminate your water differently. For example, some metals (such as copper) corrode after some usage. Some of the corroded metal might disintegrate and contaminate the water. Similarly, zinc metal can galvanize and disintegrate, and lead metal can dissolve and leach into the water.
Clogged Faucets
Lastly, your water might smell and taste funny because of clogged fixtures. You should suspect clogging if the strange smell and odor only affect a specific fixture. In such a case, you might also notice a reduction in water flow.
Such clogging is especially common with faucets with aerators or screens. The aerators trap tiny debris that encourages microorganisms to grow on the faucets' openings. Over time, the organic materials might accumulate and give your water a moldy smell.
Hopefully, you won't have to deal with unpleasant water due to your plumbing system. Maintain your plumbing system to reduce such risks. If your water tastes funny, contact a plumbing contractor to diagnose and fix any plumbing problems that might be causing the problem.
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