When you expect a refreshing taste of cool water, it can be quite jarring to get a plastic taste instead. If your tap water tastes like plastic, fruit, or rubber, it’s wise to get to the bottom of the issue. Most causes of unusual tap water tastes are harmless, but sometimes tasting something unusual is a sign you have a medical condition. Run through this list to discover the possible causes of weird tasting water.
Did You Just Get New Plumbing?
If your water tastes funny after plumbing work, your new faucet may be responsible. New plastic piping or faucets may impart a taste or smell to the water that runs through them. Taste and smell are so interconnected that smelling something may create a taste for you.
Different types of plastic are more likely to create a plastic-like smell in your water. Research has found that HDPE, PEX-a and PEX-b are most likely to impart a plastic taste while cPVC is least likely to do so.
No matter what kind of plastic plumbing you just had installed, the taste will fade quickly, and faster, the more water you use. You don’t need to drink from the sink until the taste is palatable. Just run the faucet when you do your dishes or fill your watering can and the taste will soon stop.
On the other hand, if your plumbing hasn’t been touched in a while, there is a good chance that your old pipes could be a culprit. Most people with older water pipes complain about metallic or mineral tastes, but a plastic taste is also possible. If that’s the case, you might be overdue for a whole home repipe.
Did You Just Move?
Different municipalities have different levels of minerals in their water and take their water from different sources, such as a mountain spring or groundwater. If you’ve just moved to a new city and you find that the water in every tap tastes unusual, it may just have very different mineral content than the water you are used to.
Most people find that they adjust to the taste of water in their new home quickly and stop noticing it. If it is a persistent issue from you, you may consider using a water filter or having your plumber install a new type of filter in your well water.
Is There a Plastic Taste in Your Water Bottle?
If you can taste plastic only when you drink your tap water from a plastic water bottle, and not when you drink it from a glass cup, the water bottle is probably responsible for the taste. Most people will throw out a bottle that has begun to flavor the water as it means the plastic is wearing out. However, if you really want to save the water bottle, you can fill it with warm water and a tablespoon of baking soda. Let it sit for no more than an hour and the taste should be gone.
Didn’t Find Your Answer?
If you still don’t know why your water tastes like plastic, reach out to your plumber. They can find and resolve the taste if something is wrong in your plumbing. If not, it’s wise to reach out to your doctor, as changes in taste can indicate you have a medical issue.
The Right Pipes Make a Big Difference
Choosing the right material for your home repipe can have big ramifications. Our repiping team relies on high-quality PEX parts to keep your costs low and installation quality high. Learn more about our repiping services or call now for a custom bid.
We’re not a nationwide plumbing service, but if you’re in Alamo, Bay Point, Clayton or anywhere in Contra Costa County, you’re in luck! Just call or contact us to get started.
