Why Does My Water Smell Like Sewage?
Are you suddenly noticing an unpleasant, sewer-like odor from your tap water? If so, your water probably smells like sewage and you’re not alone. There are a range of possible causes for this issue, so let’s investigate further.
Sulfur and Hydrogen Sulfide
Two of the top culprits of this unpleasant smell are sulfur and hydrogen sulfide gas. While neither pose a health risk to humans, they give your water an extremely unpleasant smell. Both sulfur and hydrogen sulfide are naturally occurring and are often present in small concentrations in drinking water.
Inadequate Maintenance
A smelly water supply can also be caused by problems that occur during the treatment process such as inadequate chlorination. The presence of organic matter, bacteria, and sewage waste can create a “sewage” type taste and odor. It could be that your water supplier is not properly cleaning and maintaining the system, leading to this problem.
Solution
Fortunately, there are ways to improve the smell and quality of your water. Taking the following steps can help you find a solution:
- Call Your Water Supplier: Your first step should be to notify your water supplier about the problem. They should be able to work with you to identify the source of the problem and develop a plan for correcting the issue.
- Install Chlorination: The installation of chlorination can help reduce the probability of bacteria, sewage waste, and viruses in your water supply.
- Install A Water Filter: The installation of a water filter can help reduce the sulfur smell by filtering out both hydrogen sulfide and sulfur.
In summary, smelly tap water can have a range of causes, some of which can be related to inadequate maintenance or water treatment processes. Taking steps such as notifying your water supplier and installing proper filtration or chlorination systems can help to improve the smell and quality of your water.
What causes my water to smell like sewage?
Many different factors can cause water to have a sewage smell, such as a broken sewer line, a city water main contamination, or a problem in your well. If you notice your water smelling like sewage, it is important to have it tested and contact a professional plumbing service to investigate the issue.
What can I do to get rid of a sewage smell coming from my water?
1. Check for signs of a clogged drain or a plumbing issue, since this is often the cause of sewage-like smells.
2. Inspect and clean your drain traps, which are designed to prevent sewer odors from entering your home.
3. Check for any water seepage from outdoors, and make sure your sump pump is in good working order.
4. Replace corroded pipes or those with holes to prevent contaminants from entering your water system.
5. Utilize a water filter system or water purification system.
6. Have a plumber inspect your septic system if the issue persists.
What are some natural ways to get rid of a sewer smell in my water?
1. Check for plumbing leaks and fix them.
2. Check for clogs in drains and plumbing fixture traps and clear them.
3. Install a water filter to remove odor-causing minerals.
4. Use a dechlorinator to remove chlorine from the water.
5. Install activated carbon to absorb odor-causing molecules.
6. Use white vinegar to clean fixtures and pipes.
7. Pour a mixture of baking soda, salt and white vinegar down the drain to neutralize odors.
8. Place a few drops of essential oils into the drain to add a pleasant scent to the water.
9. Use a enzymatic cleaner formulated specifically for sewer smell removal.