It might be rather upsetting to taste plastic when you’re expecting a cool, refreshing sip of water. Investigate the cause if the taste of your tap water is rubber, plastic, or fruity. The majority of the time, strange tastes in tap water are caused by harmless factors, but occasionally, experiencing an unusual taste could indicate a medical issue.
Get in touch with the professionals at Scott Hale for all your plumbing questions and needs.
New Plumbing
New plastic piping or faucets may cause water to taste strange after plumbing work. Different types of plastic, such as HDPE, PEX-a, and PEX-b, are more likely to create a plastic-like smell, while cPVC is less likely. The taste will fade quickly, and the more water is used, the more it will be noticeable. If the plumbing hasn’t been touched in a while, old pipes may be a culprit, as they may cause metallic or mineral tastes. If this is the case, a whole home repipe may be necessary.
You Recently Moved
Municipalities have varying mineral levels and water sources, which can cause unusual tastes in new cities. Most people adjust to the new water taste quickly, but if persistent, consider using a water filter or having a plumber install a new filter in your well water. Water filters can help maintain the taste of your new water.
Plastic Taste in Your Water Bottle
A plastic taste in tap water is likely due to the bottle, not the glass cup. Many discard flavored bottles as they indicate wear. To preserve the bottle, fill it with warm water and a tablespoon of baking soda, let it sit for an hour, and the taste should disappear.
The Right Pipes Make a Big Difference
Choose the right material for your home repipe with a professional plumbing company that uses high-quality parts and installations while keeping costs low.
Reasons Your Water Tastes Weird
Water Tastes Dirty
Fresh tap water may have an earthy taste due to geosmin, a naturally occurring bacteria found in soil and algae. Although it can be a seasonal issue, you don’t need to worry. Geosmin is not toxic and safe to drink.
Water Tastes Like Chlorine
Tap water may taste like pool water due to excessive chlorine levels. Municipal water sources use modest chlorine levels, but it can significantly affect taste. Evaporating chlorine in an open container while left in the refrigerator can give water a fresher taste.
Water Tastes Bitter
Bitterness in water indicates copper, a naturally occurring metal used in plumbing systems. Too much copper can be harmful, with taste peaks at 1.3 mg/L and not a health risk until 60 mg/L. To make sure of its safety, get your water tested and inquire about a free water quality survey from local water service providers.
Water Tastes Metallic
A metallic taste in water indicates the presence of trace metals like iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and lead in older plumbing. These metals are harmless if present in small amounts. However, identifying the cause of the metal taste is crucial, as lead can cause severe illness.
Water Tastes Like Gasoline
If your water smells like gasoline, it may indicate contamination from a nearby fuel source or a dead animal. It’s crucial to address this issue immediately and seek help from a plumber or water treatment service.
Water Tastes Like Rotten Eggs
A persistent rotten egg flavor is a common side effect of sulfur-producing bacteria in drinking water. Although it’s usually safe, it could be the result of a chemical reaction in a water heater as opposed to the water supply. There’s a chance the water tastes awful.
Is Water That Tastes Like Plastic Dangerous?
Drinking water with a strange taste or smell can indicate toxins in the plumbing system, potentially leading to health issues. PVC is a material used in toys and other products that contain phthalates, but its safety is debated. If water resembles plastic, it’s important to identify the cause and remove impurities causing the odor.
If your tap water’s taste and smell are changing, seek expert help to identify the source of the issue. Additionally, inquire about your neighbors’ plumbing practices, including materials used and potential water issues to better understand the issue.
Call Scott Hale if Your Water Tastes Like Plastic
If you are concerned about the taste of your water, contact the experts at Scott Hale. We have the experience, tools, and technicians to help educate you on the signs it’s time to test your water, as well as handle any plumbing issues you may encounter.
