Metallic Tasting Water Could Be a Sign of Rusty Pipes

Summertime is the best time for a tall glass of cool water, but if you find metallic-tasting water instead of a refreshing drink, it’s cause for concern. There are some common reasons for that off-putting taste, but the most common is rusty pipes. Here’s a breakdown of how and why that happens.

Metal in the Water

When your water tastes like metal, it’s more than likely due to metal coming from your pipes that leaches into your water supply when your pipes are rusty. The type of metal depends on what type of pipes you have. Rusted pipes are most often iron, and that iron taste in the water is what you’ll find when the pipes start to corrode.

Can it Cause Health Issues?

Water that tastes like metal isn’t generally a health concern unless you have lead or zinc pipes. Iron pipes can make the water taste hideous, but you don’t have to worry about being dangerous.

How to Get Rid of the Bad Taste

There are a couple of ways to manage the iron taste in your water. First, you can install a whole-home water filtration system that will filter the water that comes into your home, improving it in all taps. Second, if the rust in your pipes is significant, it could require major pipe repair or re-piping in your home.

If your tap water tastes like metal, you don’t have to start buying bottled water and avoid the tap. Instead, an assessment of your plumbing is essential to determining the cause of the issue and the necessary repairs. Contact the team at Hill Plumbing and Air now to schedule a service call with an experienced plumber.