Hi all.
This happened several months back as well in June. However, at the time, I had an incredibly old water heater that had not been serviced. I replaced it due to its incredibly advanced age (not due to the smell) and the smell eventually went away.
But this week I noticed my water has suddenly developed the same smell again. However, my new water heater is only a few months old. Surely it doesn't need to be serviced already? It is still outputting very hot water. I have it set to 130F, which is above the temperature that it was set at by default. (I think when I got it, it was set to 120F at first, which I found too cold. So I upped it not long after).
ALL faucets and things with a water supply within the home (ex toilets) exhibit the smell when the water is running. It is not limited to one spigot, floor, or room. Hot water makes it worse (as in showering), but I still notice it with cold water (as in flushing the toilet or room temp water from the tap...I can't get my water super cold where I live though).
The smell reminds me of when I used to swim in a lake or pond. It doesn't smell like sewage and it doesn't smell like fish, but it is not overly pleasant.
Is there a way I can investigate this easily enough without hiring a plumber? And how can I tell if it's safe to drink.
I have city water, NOT well water.
Thanks all.
lake turnover – in spring and fall, water temperatures equalize enough that water near the bottom moves up to the top taking the smells of algae along with it – usually only lasts a week or two each time
EDIT: safety issue – keep your water heater at 140°F or higher to prevent Legionnaires’ disease
I live in a very warm climate (very southern US). I have lived in the region for several years and have not experienced this yet. It has only been after moving into my current place which I did earlier this year. Do you think there's a way I could test your theory? And does that mean it's safe to drink?
I live in the south too and the last time this was a problem the water stank smelled like sulfer. If you've just moved one of the things I'd check is the water heater . That was the problem in my case.
https://www.corroprotec.com/blog/sulfur-smell-in-hot-water/?zcgas=&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw06-oBhC6ARIsAGuzdw1Ow0bUJLwuv76LMUhRGlMQVCFn3GgqmiAxjuejjjDQ7IpEHoq0GeUaArlCEALw_wcB
I just replaced the water heater a few months ago which is why I'm confused at that being a potential cause