Smelly water from upstairs bathroom faucet/shower.?

Question

I just moved into a 2001-built cottage which has three levels (basement, main floor and upstairs bedrooms/bathroom).

I noticed that when I turn on the water upstairs (both the shower and the faucet), the water is a bit smelly. It's fine after running for a few seconds but there's an initial whiff of what I would describe as "sewer smell" at first. This doesn't happen in the main floor bathroom or the kitchen.

Does anyone know what could be causing it and how it can be stopped? I'm not as much concerned about the odor as I am about the water being safe and clean.

Thanks in advance,
DT

The source of the water is the municipal water supply (Pointe-Claire, QC)

What I find strange is that this smell only comes from one fo the bathrooms and not the other one or the kitchen.

I'm also pretty sure it's not the drain since there is no smell at all before I turn the water on.

Answer 1

You didn't mention where your water comes from but the sewer smell is likely from a trace of sulfur in the water. If you use the water infrequently and the water stands for a time in the pipes or especially in a hotwater heater the sulfer smell intensifies. That is why you don't smell the odor after the water runs for a bit. If that is the case, the water certainly is fine for bathing and bathroom use. Take a sample and have it tested.

Answer 2

The odor is likely coming from the drain not the shower head. Pour some strong detergent and bleach down the drain should help.