Noticing a strange taste or smell from your filtered water? An overdue filter, a new cartridge, changes in the water supply or a plumbing issue could be behind it.
If you’ve installed a water filter because you want better-tasting drinking water, the last thing you expect is for the filtered water to suddenly taste or smell unusual.
Before assuming the filtration system has failed, there are a few simple things worth checking.
A change in filtered water taste or smell can be caused by an overdue filter, a recently installed cartridge, changes in the incoming water or an issue with the filtration system or plumbing. Checking the filter and manufacturer’s maintenance instructions is a good place to start.
1. Your Filter May Need Replacing
Water filters don’t last forever. As a cartridge reaches the end of its recommended service life, you may notice changes in water taste, smell or flow.
Check:
- When the filter was last replaced
- The manufacturer’s recommended replacement period
- Whether your system has a filter-life indicator
- Whether water flow has also become slower
Don’t assume every filter needs replacing at the same interval. Replacement requirements vary between systems, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. A New Filter May Need Flushing
Did the strange taste start straight after replacing the filter?
The new cartridge may simply need to be flushed before normal use.
Some filtration systems require flushing after a cartridge change to remove air or initial residues. The process varies between products, so check the manufacturer’s instructions before using the new filter.
If the taste or smell continues after the recommended flushing process, check that the cartridge has been installed correctly.
3. The Filter May Not Be Designed for the Problem
Here’s something many homeowners don’t realise: Not all water filters do the same job.
Different filtration technologies are designed to reduce different substances. Activated carbon, for example, is commonly used to help control compounds that affect taste and odour.
So if you’re still noticing an unusual taste or smell, check what your particular filter is designed to reduce. A filter can be working as intended without addressing every possible water-quality concern.
4. It May Not Be the Filter at All
Sometimes the filter gets blamed for a problem that starts somewhere else.
Think about where you’re noticing the change. Is it:
- Only from the filtered tap?
- Coming from several taps?
- Happening after the water has been sitting unused?
- Something that started suddenly?
- Associated with a recent plumbing change?
For Perth homeowners, changes in water taste and smell can have several causes. Water Corporation provides information on a range of possible causes affecting Perth’s water, including naturally occurring compounds in groundwater.
If the same taste or smell is present from multiple taps, replacing the filter may not solve the problem.
5. Check the Filter and Connections
A quick visual inspection can sometimes tell you whether something isn’t right.
Look for:
- Leaks around the filter housing
- Loose connections
- A damaged cartridge or housing
- Unusual particles in the water
- A noticeable drop in water flow
If you recently replaced the cartridge, also check that it is seated and connected according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can Taste or Smell Tell You If Water Is Safe?
Not necessarily. An unusual taste or smell doesn’t automatically mean the water is unsafe, and water that looks, tastes and smells normal isn’t automatically proof that it is safe.
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines explain that appearance, taste and odour can be useful indicators of water quality, but they cannot by themselves establish whether water is safe. If you notice a sudden or persistent change that you can’t explain, it’s better to investigate rather than simply ignore it.
What Can You Check First?
Before calling a plumber, run through this quick checklist:
- Check when the filter was last replaced.
- Check the manufacturer’s replacement and maintenance instructions.
- If it’s a new cartridge, check whether it needs flushing.
- Look for leaks or loose connections.
- Compare the filtered water with water from another tap.
- Check whether the problem affects one tap or several.
These simple checks can help narrow down what’s causing the change.
When Should You Call a Plumber?
If the unusual taste or smell continues, you’ve noticed leaks or changes in water flow, or you’re unsure whether the filtration system is correctly connected to your home’s plumbing, professional advice can help identify the cause.
A plumber can also help if you’re considering a new filtration system and aren’t sure what type of setup is suitable for your home.
Considering Water Filtration for Your Perth Home?
If you’re looking at installing a new water filtration system or need help with an existing setup, Perth Local Plumbing & Gas can help with water filtration and related plumbing services across Perth.
FAQs
1. Why does my filtered water suddenly taste different?
A change in taste can be caused by an overdue filter, a recently installed cartridge that requires flushing, changes in the incoming water or a filtration system that isn’t designed for the specific water-quality concern.
2. Why does my filtered water smell strange?
An unusual smell may be related to the filter, water source or plumbing system. Check the filter’s age and manufacturer’s maintenance instructions first. If the smell persists, further investigation may be appropriate.
3. Should I replace my water filter if the taste changes?
A change in taste can be a sign that the filter needs replacement, particularly if it is near or beyond the manufacturer’s recommended service interval. However, taste alone doesn’t establish whether water is safe or unsafe.
4. Does every water filter remove bad tastes and smells?
No. Different filtration systems are designed to address different substances. Activated carbon filtration is commonly used for improving taste and odour, but you should check the specific product’s claims and applicable certification.
5. Can a water filter make water taste worse?
It can happen if a filter is overdue for replacement, hasn’t been installed or flushed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or isn’t suited to the water-quality issue being addressed.
Final thoughts
If the change persists or occurs alongside leaks, flow problems or other plumbing concerns, professional assessment can help identify whether the filtration system or another part of the plumbing needs attention.
