Unpleasant smell of tap water. How to improve it?

Unpleasant smell of tap water. How to improve it?

Smelly tap water is quite a common and very persistent problem. If this has happened to you or you want to prevent such situations in the future, be sure to read our post. You will learn what causes water to have an odor and which devices provide invaluable support in the fight against the unpleasant smell of tap water. Properly understanding the causes of the problem and applying the right solutions will allow you to enjoy clean and fresh water inin your home.

Last updated: August 26, 2025

Unpleasant smell of water – main reasons

Does the water smell bad? There can be several reasons for this situation. Firstly, the unpleasant smell of water is caused by volatile substances, primarily gases, and the unpleasant odor can result from the decomposition of both organic and inorganic substances.

However, the smell of water candiffer. Most often it smells:

It is worth remembering: Properly selected filtering devices can significantly improve water quality by eliminating unpleasant odors and contaminants.
  • eggs, mold, mustiness, or sewage (this is primarily related to the release of hydrogen sulfide);
  • rust (this is caused byexcess iron);
  • chemicals (chlorine, acetone, phenol, or petroleum – this most often occurs in the case of well water).

We already know what an unpleasant smell water can have, so it's time for some knowledge on how to get rid of this troublesome problem!

Tap/well water smells – whatWhat to do?

A bad smell is actually the least of our problems. It mainly serves as a warning that the water may be contaminated to a degree that could negatively affect our bodies.

There are several ways to improve the smell of water. So what can be done? Here are our suggestions:

  1. installation of an efficientiron and manganese remover with a multifunctional bed, if the cold water has increased concentrations of iron and manganese;
  2. if iron and manganese in cold water are within normal limits, it means that the main problem is hydrogen sulfide, which can be effectively addressed by a carbon filter;
  3. in the case of smelly hot water, it is necessary to locate the source of the problem (most often it is the water heater), and then replace the magnesium anode with a newer one.or apply a more durable titanium solution (additionally, a very good practice is to chlorinate the system to eliminate bacteria and neutralize hydrogen sulfide);
  4. use of an air diffuser in a water aerator or oil-free compressor to aerate the water and remove anaerobic bacteria;
  5. use of an activated carbon filter in case of excess chlorine.

Remember that if you have problems with unpleasant odors, it is best to consult a specialist. This way, you can be sure that they will be effectively resolved.

It's worth remembering: Take care of the water in your home. It's not worth the risk!

Take care of the water in your home. It's not worth the risk!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main causes of unpleasant water odor?

The main causes are the presence of hydrogen sulfide, excess iron, and chemical contaminants.

How can the smell of tap water be improved?

You can install carbon filters, iron removers, or chlorinate the system.

Can the problem with water odor be solved independently?

Some actions can be taken independently, but for more serious issues, it is advisable to consult an expert.

What filters are best for removing unpleasant odors?

Carbon filters and iron removers are the most effective in eliminating unpleasant odors.

WhenShould you contact a specialist?

It's worth doing when the odor problem persists despite applying basic solutions.

What devices can help improve water quality?

Devices such as carbon filters, iron removers, and aeration systems can significantly improve water quality.

Author: Maciej Waliduda — a specialist in water quality, with many years of experience in consulting and selecting filtration systems.

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