Smelly tap water causing problems (especially when washing dishes)?

Question

I live in an older appartment building in Ontario Canada. My tap water smells and tastes bad. I'm sure it's because the pipes are molding or decomposing. I bought a Brita tap filter which is great for drinking water but is not made for use with hot water. This causes a big problem when washing dishes. I can't have a dishwasher. I usually boil my dish water before use but this takes so long it really turns the job into a chore. What can I do (somewhat cheaply) to fix my water? And no, moving is not an option.

Answer 1

Buy dishwashing gloves. If water is moldy or filthy you may be absorbing it in your skin thru the pores and if that's the problem I'd invest in buying paper plates and dishes in bulk cheap so the residue doesn't ingest in your stomach.

Answer 2

Water can smell and taste bad for a variety of reasons.... you did not mention if you are on a public water supply, or private well....

When water smells bad to begin with... heating it up, will cause the bad smell to get worse -- because whatever is in the water causing the smell (iron, sulfur, etc) is being lifted into the air by evaporation of the warm water.

The most common approach, to dealing with bad smell/taste in the water, is to install a "whole house" water filter, or purification system. Charcoal filters will usually remove most offensive odors, and tastes. If you have a very heavy sediment in the water, then you may want 2 filters... one for sediment, one for taste.

A "whole house" filter is a water filter that is placed in the supply line to the home (or in your case, apartment), before it actually reaches any of the appliances, or faucets. It usually goes into the water line right after the 'shut off valve', to the dwelling. In many cases, you can place it in a convenient location, with a little additional plumbing.

These filters often run between $25 - $50 (US) with replacement filter cartridges averaging $5 - $12 (US).

There is an alternative to using a "whole house" filter... and that is to put smaller 'in-line' filters on both the hot and cold water supply lines, under your sink. (These can even be added to the lines supplying a washing machine, if you are having a similar problem with your clothes absorbing a bad odor from being washed) These smaller, in-line filters may end up costing more in the long run, than a whole house filter....because you are using more of them.. but they are a good way to achieve filtered water, when you cannot, for some reason, install a whole house filter.

Have fun

Answer 3

If you're getting more of a smell with the hot water, there is probably a buildup of sediment in the hot water tank. The water in most of southern Ontario and many places in the north is full of iron, which causes a bad smell (like rotten eggs) when it's heated in a water tank. Some tanks have what is called a sacrificial anode to deal with the problem, but they tend to wear out. If your landlord agrees to it, have the tank replaced or at least serviced. Another thing to look into is a water softener unit. They aren't cheap, but some companies will lease or rent one to you for a reasonable price. It will get rid of the smell and make your water a lot more usable. Check with neighbours (in other buildings in the area). If their water is okay, get your public health office to check yours out.

Answer 4

But an inline whole house filter and install it on your incoming water line ahead of your hot water heat. If problem still presists it might be a sediment clogged rusty hot water heater.

Answer 5

There could be something dead in the water tank