Turning on the tap should bring you a fresh drink, not a mystery smell. A whiff of something sharp, sour or just plain strange is enough to make anyone wonder what’s really in their water—it’s hard to shake the worry that something’s wrong. But before you panic (or start stocking up on bottled water), know that certain odors can actually be a guidepost rather than a source of concern.
“Smells can tell you a lot about what’s going on in your home,” says Scottie Pitts, a general contractor and the owner of Pitts Elite Contracting. He’s dealt with more than a few weird water smells in his 25 years of home construction and remodeling. “Sometimes it’s nothing serious, and other times, it’s a sign that something needs attention.”
Keep reading to learn how to decode your water’s oddest odors—and when it’s time to call in a pro.
Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more home tips, cleaning, humor, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.
If your water smells like chlorine
A sharp chlorine smell (similar to bleach in your laundry) is often just the result of municipal water treatment. “Most cities disinfect their water systems with chlorine; it’s usually not as harmful as people think,” says Pitts. The smell may be more noticeable during seasonal system flushing or right after maintenance.
Safety concerns: Chlorine-treated water is typically safe to drink, though letting it sit uncovered or running the tap for a minute can help the smell dissipate.
When to call an expert: If the odor is unusually strong or persistent, contact your local water utility to confirm maintenance schedules or request a quality test.
If your water smells like rotten eggs
That rotten-egg smell usually means sulfur gas, most often coming from your hot water heater. “It’s typically the anode rod deteriorating inside the tank,” Pitts explains. (Anode rods attract rust-producing ions from water, protecting your hot water tank.) As the element corrodes, it reacts with the water to produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which causes the odor.
Safety concerns: The smell itself isn’t dangerous, but it’s unpleasant and a sign your water heater may be nearing the end of its lifespan (usually seven to 13 years).
When to call an expert: If you consistently smell sulfur, especially if your water heater is older, call a licensed plumber who specializes in hot water heater maintenance. They will inspect the tank, replace the anode rod or recommend a full water heater replacement.
If your water smells like sewage
A sewer-like odor is often mistaken for bad water, but it could actually be coming from your drains. “It’s common in bathrooms or basement sinks that don’t get much use,” Pitts says. When the water in the P-trap (a part of the plumbing system with a u-shaped bend that helps block odors) dries up, it allows sewer gases to escape into your home.
Safety concerns: While unpleasant, it’s usually not a health hazard. Running water regularly keeps the trap filled and prevents the smell.
When to call an expert: If running water doesn’t solve it, call a plumber to inspect your traps or vents for leaks or blockages.
If your water smells musty or earthy
An earthy, damp smell can point to mold, mildew or mineral buildup, especially if you’re on well water or have older plumbing. “Iron and organic matter can collect in your pipes, and over time, it creates that musty scent,” says Pitts.
Safety concerns: The water is generally safe but may taste “off” or stain fixtures.
When to call an expert: If you live in an old home, a plumber experienced with wells and filtration systems can recommend the right water filter or iron-removal system for your home. “You don’t just want a wrench turner,” says Pitts, using the slang term for a general technician or handyperson.
If your water smells fishy
A fishy odor often means trace minerals, like barium and cadmium, are present in your water supply. They’re typically harmless but can affect taste.
Safety concerns: The water is safe for most uses, though some people prefer to filter it for peace of mind.
When to call an expert: If the smell bothers you, have a plumber or water treatment specialist test your water and install a filtration system if needed.
If your water smells metallic
A penny-like smell or taste points to corroded or aging pipes—common in older homes with lead or cast-iron plumbing. “As those pipes deteriorate, small amounts of metal can leach into the water,” says Pitts.
Safety concerns: Lead exposure, even in trace amounts, can be serious, especially if you have children in the home. Don’t drink or cook with the water until it’s tested.
When to call an expert: Contact a licensed plumber immediately. They can assess your system and discuss options for repiping with safer materials, like copper or CPVC.
If your water smells like gas
A faint gasoline or natural gas smell requires immediate attention. “Any time gas comes up, I get concerned about safety,” Pitts says. “If you think you smell gas in your water, stop using it right away.”
Safety concerns: Exposure can result in headaches, dizziness and lightheadedness. Do not run taps, light flames or use electrical appliances until the source is confirmed safe.
When to call an expert: Contact your gas utility right away. They can test for leaks or contamination and ensure your home is safe.
How to keep your water fresh year-round
Even clean water can develop smells without regular upkeep. Pitts recommends having a trusted plumber inspect your system once a year and flush your water heater periodically. “Nine times out of 10, when something’s off with your water, your plumber’s your best friend,” he says.
A whole-house filtration or water-softening system can also prevent odors, protect pipes and make your water taste fresher. If your home is older, don’t ignore subtle changes; your nose often knows before your plumbing does.
As Pitts puts it, “When you have someone who knows your home inside and out, that relationship is priceless. Because when your water starts to smell funny, you’ll want to call someone who’ll pick up.”
RELATED:
- Does Water Expire—And Just How Safe Is It to Drink Old Water?
- This 5-Second Household Test Could Save Your Life—Here’s What to Know
- The Surprising Item You Should Never Put in Your Garbage Disposal—And No, It’s Not Celery
About the expert
|
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Scottie Pitts, owner of Pitts Elite Contracting; interviewed, October 2025
- EPA: “Protect Your Home’s Water”
- USGS: “What can cause our water to have an earthy odor or to smell like rotten eggs?”
- City of Richmond, Virginia: “Why is My Water Cloudy and Smelly?”
- University of Georgia: “Odors in Your Water”
- Culligan Quench: “Why Does My Water Smell Like Fish?”
The post This Is What It Means if the Water in Your House Smells Funny appeared first on Reader's Digest.
from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/LXgzQ5x
Comments
Post a Comment