Water can be valuable for all of us, but sometimes it’s not always smell so fresh. If your house’s clogged pipes are the culprit, you may be wondering what to do! Well, there are some simple ways to determine if water is gone bad. Most importantly, though, is how to fix the problem.
Water that smells bad has multiple causes, and finding them can be difficult. You should avoid drinking this water for now as it can harm you, but a simple test can help you know if the foul odor is gone or mask it. The best thing is that you don’t have to guess what’s happening! Read on for specific steps to take that might solve your problem without calling a plumber and might help you decide to purchases a water filtration in Austin TX.
Common Reasons Why Your Water Stinks
Water Quality
You may be wondering why water can smell so foul in the first place. Though tap water is not poisonous, it’s not always clean or healthy for you to drink for many reasons. The main reason is that the water has a high level of iron dissolved in it, which can make your water smell like rotten eggs. This smell is due to the high hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water.
If you notice a fishy smell coming from your water, it is likely due to the presence of Barium or Cadmium. Both of these materials are naturally occurring and can be found in water sources. Barium is a metal that comes from mineral ores, while cadmium can enter pipes through industrial waste or fertilizers.
If your water tastes moldy, it could be due to algae blooming in the water source. Bacterial growth can also cause a moldy taste. Both algae bloom and bacterial growth are more common during summer, as these microorganisms tend to grow in warmer weather.
Low Water Pressure
The pressure of your water can also be low or nonexistent at times, making it difficult for you to get clean, fresh water. Your pipes may simply be getting old and don’t transmit the same pressure anymore, causing a decrease in pressure while traveling through them to your home. Your water may not be as clean once it arrives at your tap because this decrease in flow can allow for water to sit in pipes longer and pick up substances that make it smell or taste bad.
Dirty Pipes
If your pipes are dirty, you will notice a foul odor in your water, usually associated with rust or sediment that has built up inside the pipes. It can happen when the water sits in your pipes for too long; therefore, it can cause corrosion over time. You’ll notice an unpleasant odor in your water if the corrosion gets bad enough.
Pipes in Cold Areas
If your water pipes are located in areas where they are constantly exposed to ice and freeze, you’ll notice that the water will get tinted. This tinted color can be yellow or even red, and it’s because the water has been exposed to moisture, cold, and salt. Over time this will cause corroded pipes and result in terrible smelling water as well.
Bottom Line
It’s always best to use your discretion regarding water consumption. If this is your water source and you think it tastes bad or smells bad, don’t drink it! If the smell is horrible, you will probably also notice that the color might be off too. It may be more of a rust color than anything else and a sign that your pipes are rusty. Signs like this mean it is time to get in contact with an Austin water conditioner installer company that specializes in water filtration in Austin TX such as Austin Water Solutions. We can assist you in finding the best solution for foul-tasting or smelling water, and get you back on track to having purer, fresher water from the comfort of your own home.