Few things are as nauseating as taking a sip of water only to sense something unpleasant. Commonly described as smelling like sewage, a smelly tap could indicate unsafe drinking water or plumbing issues.
It’s understandable to think the tap’s the culprit when the smell only appears after you turn on the faucet, but it could be coming from the drain. We’re here to help you find the smell’s origin and how to address it.
What Causes My Water To Smell Like Sewage?
Bacteria Growth
Food, soap, and other substances in your drain promote bacterial growth, producing a heavy gas. When you turn the tap on, the gas is forced up, giving rise to that unpleasant smell.
Unused Water Heater
If the sewage smell only occurs when you turn the hot valve, the smell may be coming from your water heater. If the heater’s temperature is too low or unused, bacteria can grow. This bacterium is typically not harmful, but it must be addressed to eliminate the sewage smell.
Hydrogen Sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide is a gas infamous for its rotten egg smell. This gas can be toxic, but it is often detected long before it reaches a dangerous level. Hydrogen sulfide is produced by decomposing organic matter in low-oxygen environments, such as sewers.
5 Solutions To Eliminate Sewage Smells in Your Water
Before addressing the issue, you’ll need to determine whether the sewage smell is coming from your tap or your pipes. To do so, fill two cups with water—one from the cold tap and one from the hot tap. Walk away from the sink, then smell the cups.
If you don’t smell sewage from either cup, the smell is coming from the drain. If you smell sewage from the hot water, the smell is coming from the heater. If both cups smell, the issue could be with your water source.
If you use a well, the smell may come from there. If issues persist, get your water tested for contaminants by a state-certified laboratory. You may find that purchasing a water filter, like one of Woder’s, is the best way to tackle that nasty stench and improve overall water quality.
Woder under-sink filters are designed with advanced selective filtration technology and, depending on your chosen model, will remove unwanted contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and even fluoride. However, it’s important to note they will not remove bacteria.
They’re super simple to install; simply connect to your main water faucet’s direct supply line, and that’s it. You’ll have fresh, clean water on tap, with minimal maintenance, bar replacing the cartridge every year or so. While removing contaminants, Woder filters retain essential minerals (the good ones!) that keep your water healthy, fresh, and odor-free.
Also, Woder systems are Gold Seal Certified by WQA, meeting NSF/ANSI 42 standards for chlorine, taste, and odor, and NSF/ANSI 372 standards for lead-free compliance, verified and substantiated by test data.
Clean Your Drain
If the smell comes from your pipes, your issue may be solved with a simple cleaning. First, pour boiling water down the drain to loosen debris. Then, pour ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of white vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz for 10 minutes before pouring more boiling water. This process will disinfect your pipes and hopefully rid the smell.
If you suspect a clogged drain, use a plunger or a drain snake to unclog it. If the sewage smell is coming from multiple drains, there may be a clog in the sewer line, and a professional should be contacted.
Turn Up Your Water Heater
Turning the water heater’s temperature up may solve the sewage smells. To kill the bacteria, turn the temperature to at least 140°F (60°C) for a few hours. Be cautious when increasing the temperature, as you increase the risk of scalding. Remember to lower the temperature to a safe level afterward.
Flush Your Water Heater
Water heaters should be flushed at least once a year to prevent sediment buildup that alters the tap’s smell. Turn the heater off, connect a garden hose to the drain valve, drain a few gallons from the tank, and refill it with fresh water. Repeat the process until it runs clear.
Replace the Anode Rod
The anode rod in a water heater protects the tank from corrosion by diverting corrosive elements away from the tank and to the rod itself. As it corrodes, it can react with sulfates and produce hydrogen sulfide. If you notice a rotten egg smell, the anode rod may need to be replaced.
Shock Chlorination
Shock chlorination is a disinfection process that uses a high chlorine concentration to eliminate bacteria. It is followed by thorough flushing to remove all chlorine. Shock chlorination is recommended only when a contamination has been detected through testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe To Drink Tap Water That Smells Like Sewage?
Hydrogen sulfide is the most common culprit of unpleasant water smells. Due to the low levels typically found in residential sources, it’s not considered a health risk, but it’s not recommended to drink water without knowing the source of the smell.
Woder Filters Improve Taste, and Support Safe Water
If your tap smells like sewage, it’s essential to determine if the smell comes from the water itself or the pipes. That information lets you implement the ideal solutions to meet your needs.
At Woder, we’re passionate about finding the right filter for your needs. Whether you’re looking to remove odors, bad tastes, or contaminants, we have a filter for you.
Visit Woder for US-made water filtration supplies or reach out for business opportunities. Woder helps businesses provide clean drinking water to their organizations. Contact us today for a discounted quote.
