In addition to cleaning the floors and walls in the house, it is extremely important to regularly clean the water reservoir installed on the roof. People usually clean the tank every few months to remove accumulated dirt, moss, and sediment, ensuring clean water in the house. However, often even after thorough tank cleaning, the water starts to emit an unpleasant smell when the tap is opened, and people do not understand what the exact problem is.
In fact, the cause of the water odor is not always a dirty tank. Sometimes the contamination in the household piping system, water filter, water heater, or sink drain can be to blame. Therefore, instead of constantly cleaning the tank, it is necessary to find the true cause of the odor. Below are discussed the causes of water odor after tank cleaning and methods to eliminate it.
Even after cleaning the tank, old water may remain in the pipes. If the water remains stagnant for a long time, it can acquire a musty or damp smell. In this case, you should leave all taps in the house open for some time so that the old water drains from the pipes. If the smell persists, it is recommended to check the entire piping system.
If the smell is present only in hot water but not in cold water, the probable cause is the water heater. Due to prolonged water stagnation and lack of maintenance in the boiler, sulfide bacteria can develop, which gives the water a strong unpleasant odor. In such a situation, it is correct to clean and maintain the water heater.
Sometimes when an odor appears near the sink or washbasin, it seems that the water is spoiled, whereas the real reason lies in drainage contamination. The accumulation of soap, oil, and food residues in the drain pipe promotes the development of bacteria and mold. To check this, fill a glass with water from the tap and take it away from the sink to smell it. If the water in the glass does not smell, the problem is most likely in the drain. If the water in the glass smells, the water supply system needs to be checked.
Taking care of the water filter is as important as cleaning the tank. With prolonged use without replacement, filtering elements can accumulate dirt and various organic substances, which worsens the taste and smell of the water. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the filters of water purification systems, such as reverse osmosis or other types of filters, on time according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Even after cleaning the tank and pipes, the water may have an earthy or swampy smell. This may be related to the water source. The growth of algae and organic substances in sources such as rivers or lakes can change the taste and smell of the water. If the water smell suddenly changes, you should notify the local water utility and request a water quality check.
The choice of a suitable filter or purification method should only be made after determining the root cause of the odor. There is no universal filter that suits all types of odors.
Activated carbon: Can help reduce the content of many organic substances and chlorine in water, improving its taste and reducing unpleasant odors.
Reverse osmosis (RO) filter: Used to reduce the concentration of various dissolved contaminants in water, but it is not the only solution for all types of odors.
Grinsand filter: Can be effective if the rotten egg smell is caused by hydrogen sulfide. It helps oxidize this gas, turning it into particles that can then be filtered out.
Degasifier: Used to remove gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, from water.
