My Water Smells Musty: Causes & Solutions
Have you noticed your tap water smells musty or has a moldy taste? Does the unpleasant odor remind you of damp leaves or mildew? If the answer to these questions is yes, then your water supply may be contaminated.
You may be surprised to find out this is a common issue, especially for Michigan homeowners who use well water. Fortunately, these bad flavors and odors aren’t usually signs of anything dangerous hiding in your water. However, they can make using your tap water unpleasant.
If you’re wondering why your water smells musty, continue reading to learn about the common causes and solutions.
Understanding Why Your Water Smells Musty
When your drinking water smells like mildew, the culprit is usually microscopic bacteria or algae in your water system. While these organisms typically aren’t harmful, they create organic compounds that cause distinctive earthy or moldy tastes and smells in water. Side effects often become more noticeable during the summer months when bacteria grow readily in water systems.
However, different water sources can develop musty odors for different reasons. Understanding where these smells come from helps identify the best solution for your situation.
Common Situations Where Water Can Smell Weird
Well Water Issues
Well water often picks up naturally occurring bacteria from soil, groundwater, and decaying matter. Unlike municipal water, well water doesn’t go through regular chemical treatment, making it more susceptible to bacterial growth. During rainy seasons or after flooding, problems can intensify as surface water carries more organic matter into your well system.
Buildup in Your Hot Water Heater
When your hot water smells musty, your water heater might be the source of the problem. Sediment builds up at the bottom of water heaters over time, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. This explains why you might notice stronger odors when running hot water versus cold water from the same tap.
Stagnant Water
Less-used faucets in guest bathrooms or outdoor spigots can develop musty smells. When water sits in pipes for long periods, bacteria have more time to grow. Running these taps regularly can help reduce odors, but it won’t solve the underlying issue.
Seasonal Changes
Many homeowners notice their tap water smells more like mildew during the hot summer months. Higher temperatures create ideal conditions for bacterial growth in water systems. Additionally, spring thaws and heavy rains can wash more organic material into wells.
Aging Plumbing Systems
Old pipes can harbor bacteria within corrosion or mineral buildup along their inner walls. Over time, these colonies of bacteria create biofilms that contribute to moldy tastes in water. Even if your water source is clean, these pipe conditions can affect your water’s taste and smell.
Compromised Water System
While it’s more common with well water, municipal water sources can develop musty odors, too.
If a water distribution system ever becomes compromised, sediment can enter. This sediment often contains decaying plant material that releases earthy-smelling compounds into water. Even treated city water isn’t immune to this problem, as these materials can enter the system through aging infrastructure or during maintenance.
How To Get Rid of Musty Water Smells in Your House
While some homeowners try DIY treatments for musty water, professional water treatment is often the most effective solution.
A whole-home water filtration system can eliminate the causes of musty-smelling water while ensuring every tap in your house delivers fresh, clean water. At Pure Water Works, you can customize your entire system to solve all types of water quality concerns.
For example, we offer activated carbon filters, which excel at removing organic compounds that cause musty smells. These systems work like a powerful magnet, attracting and trapping unwanted substances.
For well users dealing with bacteria-related odors, ultraviolet (UV) light treatment is an effective solution. UV systems eliminate bacteria without adding chemicals to your water, ensuring safe, fresh-tasting water throughout your home.
A reverse osmosis drinking water system is another great option. These systems are proficient at removing most bacteria and odors.
If your water source requires a combination of treatment methods, we can install a multi-step filtration system. Every home’s water issues are unique. Our experts will test your water to identify the exact cause of musty odors and recommend the most effective solution. We consider your water source, plumbing conditions, and specific concerns to design a system that meets your needs.
Contact Us
Contact our team at Pure Water Works today to schedule a free water test. If your water tastes moldy or smells musty, we can help find the source of the problem and address it quickly!