Bathroom Tap Water Smells Musty
Using a water softener can make it even worse.
Bathroom tap water smells musty. Typically algae will be filtered out of the water during the treatment process but a residual smell often remains behind and this is what you are experiencing. Concerning seasonal changes it is sometimes hard for water companies to prevent the quality of the water changing at certain times of the year. A common cause is from decaying organic material that has found its way into your pipework from the water s source releasing the earthy aromas when you turn on the tap. Generally the smell is the worst thing that can happen if your water is musty.
The metal decaying from the pipes could affect the smell. Decaying matter in your drain. Although these algae blooms are not usually harmful to humans water that tastes or smells of dirt is not pleasant to drink. During the summer rivers and reservoirs can take on a musty or earthy smell and change that can sometimes get through to your tap as treatment is not at optimal levels during hot weather.
Try to identify if your water source has been switched or if algal blooms have affected your water system s water supply. These fungal growths cause the same musty odor in damp basements. Industrial compounds can cause that water smells like petroleum or even have a medicinal smell. Certain types of bacteria in water will react with the anode rod in your water heater creating a rotten egg smell.
The musty smell in your bathroom is caused by mold or mildew. A bleaching solution can scrub away mildew on top of. Algae bloom or geosmin occurs when algae grow in a city s water supply source. Bathtubs can also occasionally get a mildew smell if they re not properly sealed and if small amounts of water get between the wall and the tub.
If your water smells musty it could be from erosion in your water pipes. Common locations for growth include inside the shower on walls behind towels or picture frames or on the ceiling. Reasons your water may smell moldy include. They thrive in moist poorly ventilated areas especially in bathrooms.
Natural odor can also be described as a musty or earthy smell or water can have a fishy grassy or cucumber like smell. Often environmental conditions play a key role in producing the foul odor but mechanical issues may also be to blame. This can be caused by the presence of naphthalene or various benzenes and phenols. But if it lingers and becomes stronger a bigger problem may be on your hands.
Identifying the exact cause of the unpleasant aroma can help you achieve peace of mind and set. A new aluminum zinc alloy anode rod in your water heater might do the trick just make sure the smell is coming from your hot water before spending money to attempt a fix. It is not unheard of that people sometimes find their tap water has a musty dirty or even rotten egg smell. While generally safe to use and drink musty smelling water can in rare circumstances be attributed to pollution making the musty smell an indicator of a greater problem.
Mold and mildew are typically dark colored and grow in feathery looking patches. Water smells musty moldy earthy grassy or fishy when your water smells this way it is very likely that bacteria is present. It might be a good idea to have your water tested too.