When you turn on faucet, you expect clean, refresh water to flow out. However, you might have recently detected a metallic taste-almost as if old pennies had been soaking in it. The flavor could be so strong that it’s hard to drink, let alone use for cooking or baking.
Instead of tolerating unpleasant water, why not address the issue directly? Identifying the cause of metallic taste is easy, and resolving it isn’t difficult either. The following are main causes of the metallic taste in water and how you can go about it.
Table of Contents
Reasons Your Water Tastes Like Metal
Why does my drinking water have a metallic taste? Many people face the question when they notice water no longer has the usual clean, neutral flavor and instead tastes like it’s been mixed with metal particles. Several factors can contribute to this unusual taste, often related to the water source and the materials used in the plumbing. Here are some common causes.
- Aging, rusty city pipes or older home plumbing
- High metal content
- Low pH levels
- High chlorine levels
- Health conditions
How to Fix the Metallic Taste in Water
So, drinking water has a metallic taste. What should you do? Find alternative water source that offers clean, fresh-tasting water. Then, identify the root cause and take steps to resolve it.
Here are tips to aid figure out source of the metallic taste and how to treat it.
1- Install a Water Filter
Using water filter can significantly lower the levels of dissolved metals, sediment, chlorine byproducts, and other contaminants that impact taste of drinking water. A home water filtration system Los Angeles County CA, is effective in removing range of metals and chemicals. Such include lead, mercury, fluoride, arsenic, iron, chlorine, pesticides, and chlorine byproducts.
2- Flush Pipes and Faucets
Water, if chlorinated or has low pH, can react with metals in galvanized steel, lead, brass, and copper pipes and fittings. When water sits stagnant in home plumbing, metals can gradually leach from the pipe walls and joints into the water. This can lead to an unpleasant metallic taste.
You can reduce this by running faucets for 15-30 seconds before using water for drinking or cooking. Flushing the system brings in fresh water from the main supply, reducing the time water is in contact with your home plumbing, which helps to lessen the metallic contamination causing the off-taste.
3- Test Your Water
Begin by testing your water to gain crucial information about whether metals, chlorine, changes in pH, or other factors are affecting its taste. It will also help you identify if any contaminants exceed recommended health standards.
Why is this vital? Certain heavy metals can harm pregnant women, children, and those with weak immune system. If one in vulnerable groups consumes the water, it’s vital to know the exact levels of contaminants present. Testing is the only way to ensure this.Fortunately, testing is usually affordable or even free through your local water utility.
4- Clean Faucet Aerators
At the end of faucets are small screens called aerators. Designed to mix air into the water stream to prevent splashing and create a steady flow. However, these aerators can trap metal particles over time. As they accumulate, they can eventually be released into the water when you turn the faucet on, causing a strong metallic taste.
To avoid this, regularly clean or replace faucet aerators every few months. You can easily unscrew and remove them to access trapped debris. Soak the aerators in white vinegar and scrub with an old toothbrush to remove buildup.
You may notice visible particles being flushed out, including tiny bits of metal, possibly from corroding pipes. Once cleaned, reinstall the aerator or replace it with a new one to prevent metallic debris from affecting your water’s taste.
Final Thoughts
If the water has a metallic taste, the cause might be harmless. However, it’s not something you should assume. For peace of mind and access to clean, great-tasting water, it’s vital to check source of the issue and consider installing a water filtration system at home.
Read Next: Essential Water Meter Maintenance Tips for Homeowners