Does it smell musty?

During seasonal variations in our Water Treatment Plant's source water, we may get an increase in naturally occurring organisms that cause taste and odor problems. Although they are unpleasant to our noses, they are harmless.

If the water you draw from the tap smells but does not smell when you fill a glass and walk away from the faucet, the problem may be the sink.

Often times odors related to garbage disposals or "u traps" are the culprit. Food particles caught in the disposal will rot and give off odors. Also, dishwashers may be a cause of odor since they are plumbed in line with a sink and could be depositing food particles. If you suspect either to be the cause, an easy and efficient way to clean the disposal is to pour 1/2 cup of bleach (residents with septic tanks should not use bleach), vinegar, or baking soda with a couple of ice cubes. Run cold water and the disposal. This will dislodge and flush away any food particles.

If you suspect the dishwasher is the problem check by keeping the door to the dishwasher closed, smell the sink drain then open the dishwasher and smell inside of it. If the dishwasher is the source try doing a rinse cycle without dishes. Also, be sure to scrap and/or rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher or run more frequently to minimize the chance of food particles rotting.

Show All Answers

1. Why is my water white?
2. What are these stains on my fixtures?
3. Why is my water banging in my pipes?
4. Is our water hard?
5. Why does my water smell?
6. Does the water smell like a pool?
7. Does it smell musty?
8. Does the washer smell when you open it even when there isn't anything in it?
9. My fish died is there something wrong with the water?
10. Does our water come from wells?
11. How much does my water cost?
12. How much does it cost to fill a pool?
13. Why don't my clothes smell clean?
14. I need my water shut off, who should I call?
15. Why is my water brown?