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According to a recent report, more than 23% of households have reported an unpleasant taste in their drinking water. For something we use daily—cooking, cleaning, staying hydrated, it’s easy to take the quality of our tap water for granted until it starts tasting off.
A strange or metallic taste isn’t just off-putting; it can also be a clue that something’s not quite right with your plumbing or water supply. From chemical treatments to corroded pipes, there are a few key reasons your tap water taste might shift.
Let’s explore what might be behind that metallic-tasting water.
Strange flavours in tap water can be off-putting, but they don’t always mean a serious problem. Still, knowing what different tastes might be telling you is important.
If your tap water tastes salty or metallic, it can be alarming. A strong or bitter flavour might seem unsafe, but the taste alone doesn’t confirm danger. Some odd flavours come from harmless minerals or pipes, while others might suggest that something less friendly affects your water supply.
A metallic water taste might stem from corroded fittings, ageing pipes, or a recent change in your local system. It’s not unusual for tap water to taste different after heavy rainfall or maintenance work. If your tap water tastes metallic or has been off for over a day, it’s worth looking into.
Getting your water tested is the easiest way to determine what’s going on. Tap water quality isn’t the same across the country, so your area’s water supply may be different from what you’re used to.
When tap water tastes bad or has an odd aftertaste, there’s usually a reason. These are the most common sources of metallic-tasting water in homes.
Corroded parts of the water system can affect more than just flavour. If you’re using plastic pipes alongside older metal ones, there’s a chance you’ll get mixed results, sometimes a slightly sweet flavour, other times something closer to rust.
If your water tastes salty or just doesn’t taste fresh, you may be experiencing hard water effects. While drinking water typically should taste fresh and clean, minerals can make that harder to achieve.
Your heater might be the source if the strange taste only shows up when using hot water. Flushing the tank or having it checked could restore that refreshing drinking water quality and keep your system running smoother. Drinking great-tasting water shouldn’t be a guessing game.
Most local water suppliers use chlorine to clean and safe our drinking water. It’s a key part of the water treatment process and helps protect against harmful bacteria. But sometimes, it leaves more than just peace of mind behind.
A strong chlorine taste often appears after heavy rain or system flushing. When your local water utility performs routine maintenance, you might notice a shift in the taste of your tap water. This is usually temporary, but it can be off-putting, especially if you’re not used to it.
Some suppliers use chloramine, a mix of chlorine and ammonia, for longer-lasting disinfection. This can cause a subtle metallic taste that lingers in the background. While it helps with water treatment, it may react with trace metals in old pipes, adding to the flavour.
If you’re sensitive to taste or smell, a water filter or water softener might help. These can remove metal contaminants and improve the overall drinking experience. Still unsure? Your local water supplier should have detailed information about what’s in your water and why.
If your tap water has a plastic taste, it might be coming from more than just your plumbing. New plastic pipes, fittings or even recently installed appliances can cause this temporary flavour. It’s common after construction or renovation, especially when water hasn’t flowed through the system regularly.
Water stored in plastic containers or run through certain filters may also pick up a similar taste. This happens when materials begin to leach into the water, particularly in warmer conditions or after prolonged contact.
While the flavour often fades after a few weeks of regular use, it’s worth monitoring. If the plastic taste lingers or gets stronger, it could indicate a deeper issue with the materials used in your tap water setup.
When comparing spring water to tap water, taste is often the first difference people notice. Spring water usually has a cleaner, more natural flavour, thanks to minimal treatment and the absence of additives. Tap water taste, on the other hand, can be influenced by factors like rusty city pipes, stagnant water or local water quality changes.
Some choose bottled spring water to avoid issues like an acidic taste, salty taste or when tap water tastes metallic. But relying on bottled water can get expensive and isn’t always the best environmental choice.
Tap water in most areas is safe to drink and easy to improve. Using activated carbon filters or testing your supply with a pH level test kit can make a big difference. Keep in mind that ph levels vary and things like sulfates occur naturally. Long-term, tap water is more sustainable, convenient and cost-friendly than buying spring water.
If your tap water suddenly has a strange taste that resembles metal, there are a few simple checks you can do before calling in a professional.
A metallic flavour that only appears when using hot water might indicate a problem with your water heater. Sediment build-up or reactions with copper and iron pipes inside the heater can leave water tasting metallic. This may also lead to an acidic taste, especially if the unit is older.
Fill a clean glass from the tap and let it sit for 30 seconds. Smell and taste the water. If the metallic flavour fades or changes, it could be related to total dissolved solids or trace elements like calcium chloride or potassium chloride from the treatment plant.
Check with others nearby. If several homes notice metallic-tasting water, the issue could be linked to the local system or a temporary shift in the treatment process. Private well systems might also cause changes when sodium chloride levels or harmful contaminants rise.
There are a few things you can try at home to improve the taste of your tap water before calling in the experts.
Tinkering with older metal pipes or water heaters can cause more harm than good. If the bitter taste or metallic flavour persists or worsens, the water might no longer be safe to drink.
A licensed plumber can inspect the system, find the source of the problem, and recommend a proper fix. You don’t need to wait for things to get worse before taking action. Clean, safe-to-drink water should always be the standard.
If your tap water keeps leaving a metallic taste or doesn’t smell right, it’s time to stop guessing. A persistent issue could mean problems with old pipes, your water heater or something deeper in the system. Ignoring strange changes in your drinking water can lead to bigger plumbing troubles and possible health risks.
Professional water testing and a thorough inspection can give you peace of mind. If your water’s gone from fresh to funky, don’t wait. Gold Coast Plumbing Company offers expert inspections and emergency plumbing services for odd-tasting tap water and more. Let us help you keep things flowing and tasting just right.
