Why My Water Smells Like Bleach

If you’ve ever noticed a strong bleach-like smell coming from your tap water, you’re not alone. This is a common issue that many homeowners experience and is usually caused by a variety of factors. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why your water smells like bleach, and what you can do to fix it.

First and foremost, a bleach smell in water is typically caused by a high level of chlorine. This chemical is commonly used to disinfect water supplies, so it’s not uncommon for the smell to be present. However, if the chlorine levels are too high, this can cause a strong bleach-like odor. Additionally, other chemicals such as chloramines and hydrogen sulfide can also cause a Bleach Smell in Water if they are present in high concentrations.

If you’re noticing Bleach Smell in Water, the first step is to test your water for chlorine levels. You can do this with a simple home testing kit or have it tested professionally by your local water supplier. If the chlorine levels are higher than the recommended safety levels, then you will need to take action.

Fast Facts:

• The strong smell of bleach in your water is caused by the presence of chlorine, a water disinfectant.
• High levels of chlorine can also occur if your water is coming from a well or if you have a home water treatment system.
• The smell of bleach in your water is not necessarily dangerous, but it can be unpleasant and may cause some people to be concerned about the safety of their water.
• The smell of bleach in your water can also be caused by bacteria in your pipes.
• If you’re concerned about the smell of bleach in your water, you should contact your local water department or a water treatment professional for advice.

The Presence of Chlorine

The strong smell of bleach in your water is often caused by the presence of chlorine, which is added to municipal water supplies to disinfect and kill harmful bacteria. The chlorine levels are mandated to be kept at a specific level in order to ensure that the water is safe for consumption. However, if the chlorine levels are too high, it can create a strong bleach-like smell.

High levels of chlorine in well water or home water treatment systems

Another possible cause of a bleach-like smell in water is high levels of chlorine in well water or home water treatment systems. Well water can naturally contain bacteria, and home water treatment systems may be adding too much chlorine in order to disinfect the water. This can lead to higher-than-normal levels of chlorine in the water and create a bleach-like smell.

The smell of bleach in water is not necessarily dangerous

While the smell of bleach in your water can be unpleasant and concerning, it is important to note that it is not necessarily dangerous. Chlorine is used to disinfect water and make it safe for consumption, and even though it can create a strong smell, it is not harmful to consume at the levels typically found in tap water.

Bacteria in pipes can cause a bleach-like smell

In some cases, the smell of bleach in water can be caused by bacteria that have grown inside your pipes. These bacteria can release a gas that has a similar smell to bleach. This is more common in homes that have older or corroded pipes.

Contacting your local water department or a water treatment professional

If you’re concerned about the smell of bleach in your water, it’s a good idea to contact your local water department or a water treatment professional for advice. They will be able to test your water to determine the cause of the smell and recommend a course of action to address the issue. It’s also a good idea to have your well water tested if you suspect it could be the source of the smell.

What can be done about the chlorine smell?

There are a few things to address a chlorine smell in your water:

1. Run the water: One of the simplest solutions is to run the water from your tap for a few minutes. This will help to flush out any excess chlorine that may have built up in your pipes.
2. Use a water filter: Installing a water filter, such as a carbon filter, can help remove the chlorine and its smell from your water.
3. Adjust the settings on your water treatment system: If you have a home water treatment system, adjust the settings to reduce the amount of chlorine added to your water.
4. Install a dechlorination system: Installing a dechlorination system in your home can help to remove chlorine from your water and eliminate the smell.
5. Contact your local water department: If you are unable to remove the smell of chlorine from your water through the above methods, you should contact your local water department. They can test your water and may be able to adjust the chlorine levels or recommend other solutions.

It is important to note that chlorine is added to the water to disinfect it and make it safe for consumption, so it is not recommended to remove all the chlorine, but to lower the levels to a comfortable smell and outcome.

Final Thoughts

The best way to get rid of the Bleach Smell in Water is with a water filter. A quality water filtration system can remove chlorine and other chemicals from your tap water, leaving you with clean and odor-free drinking water. Additionally, a carbon filter can also help absorb any odors. If you have an older home, it may be worth investing in a dechlorination system to ensure your water is free from chlorine and other chemicals.

‘Finally, if these solutions don’t seem to work, contact your local water department or water treatment professional for advice on how to address the issue.

DIY Links

3M Aqua-Pure Whole House

3M Aqua-Pure Under Sink

References:

1. “Why Does My Tap Water Smell Like Chlorine?” by The Spruce. (https://www.thespruce.com/chlorine-odor-in-tap-water-2215282)
2. “Chlorine Odor in Tap Water” by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/chlorine-odor-tap-water)
3. “Chlorine in Drinking Water” by the World Health Organization (WHO) (https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chlorine.pdf)
4. “Water Quality: What Causes Chlorine Smell in Tap Water?” by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) (https://www.awwa.org/resources-tools/water-qa-and-advice/water-quality/chlorine-odor-in-tap-water)

These references can provide you with more information about the causes and solutions for a chlorine smell in tap water, as well as general information about water quality and treatment. It’s always recommended to check information from official sources as they have more reliable and accurate information.

***Just a reminder, myexcellentwaterfilter.com is an affiliate and informational site. We may or may not make a commission on the products and links within the discussions on this site. All the information here is solely to help inform you and provide access! It doesn’t cost you any more and helps support this site. Please leave any comments or questions you have below!