Serving Round Lake & Walking over to the faucet and knowing that if you turn it on, fresh, clean water that you can drink or use to wash or clean will flow out of it is something we typically take for granted in our daily lives. Reliable access to clean tap water is crucial for maintaining your family’s health and daily comfort.
If you’ve noticed an unusual taste or odor in your tap water, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s coming from the water itself. It’s important to understand the root cause of the issue so that it can be addressed promptly and your tap water is safe.
One simple way to diagnose the problem is to fill a glass with tap water and move away from the sink to see if the smell persists. If it does, the issue is likely with the water.
Water Taste and Smells To Watch Out For
Other common tastes and smells in tap water reflect a potentially different issue. Learning how to identify and distinguish the differences will help diagnose the root cause of the issue.
Chlorine, Chemical, & Medicinal Odors & Tastes
It’s not uncommon for tap water to have a chlorine-like smell or taste. Municipal water supplies often use chlorine to disinfect the water and kill harmful bacteria. While chlorine is effective in ensuring water safety, it can sometimes be too strong.
If your water smells or tastes like chlorine, try flushing your system by letting the tap run for a few minutes. Additionally, using a water filter can help reduce chlorine levels. However, if the smell or taste persists, it might indicate a more serious issue, and it’s best to call a professional to inspect your water supply.
Gasoline & Petroleum Odors & Tastes
A gasoline or petroleum odor in tap water is a red flag and should not be ignored. This smell could indicate contamination from a nearby fuel source, which can be extremely hazardous to your health.
If you detect these odors, immediately stop using the water and contact your main water utility service. They will need to investigate and address any potential leaks or contamination sources to ensure your water is safe to use again.
Sewage Odors & Tastes
If your tap water smells or tastes similar to raw sewage, it could indicate a serious contamination issue. Possible causes include leaks in your sewage system, runoff from nearby landfills, or waste infiltration from sewers.
This is an immediate cause for concern, and you should seek professional help right away. Contaminated water can pose significant health risks, so it’s crucial to have your water tested and the issue resolved as soon as possible.
Protect Your Family With Professional Drain & Sewer Cleaning
Detecting tastes and odors in your water supply can be alarming, but understanding the potential causes and how to take action will help keep your water and your loved ones safe.
Enlisting the help of professionals like our team at Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling, who bring 30+ years of experience and offer 24/7 emergency services, offers peace of mind that your tap water safety is in expert hands. Our licensed and certified technicians are ready to diagnose and resolve your plumbing issues, including foul-smelling or tasting tap water. As a family-operated business, we understand the importance of keeping your family’s drinking water safe. We will work quickly to get your drains cleared, pipes repaired, and your home safe in no time.
Don’t let strange tastes and odors in your tap water go unchecked — Contact Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling to schedule an evaluation today!
