Water Tastes Like Metal: Causes & Solutions
If you’ve ever taken a sip of water and noticed a metallic taste, you’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle with this problem and wonder whether their drinking water is safe to consume.
If you’re asking, “Why does my water taste like metal?” you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the common causes of metal-tasting water and what you can do about it.
Common Causes of Metallic Tasting Water
There are many reasons why water can taste like metal. Fortunately, in most cases, this problem isn’t dangerous to your health. However, it can make your water unpleasant to drink and may coincide with staining throughout your home, such as reddish stains on your laundry. Tasting metal in your water can also signal that your plumbing system is in disrepair.
Below, we go into the many possible reasons why your tap water may taste like pennies.
Old or Corroded Plumbing
When water tastes metallic, a common cause is aging pipes. As pipes get older, metals like iron and copper can leach into your water supply, especially if there is corrosion. This often happens in homes with plumbing that’s more than 80 years old.
If you rely on city water, the municipal plumbing infrastructure may be the culprit. These pipe systems are usually old and can become damaged, which causes contaminants to leach into your water.
High Iron Content
Water that tastes like metal may contain high levels of iron, which occurs naturally in groundwater. While iron itself isn’t harmful, it can give your water an unpleasant taste and smell. It can also cause rust-colored stains on fixtures, sinks, tubs, and clothing.
If your water has a high iron content, iron bacteria may also be present. In excess, these bacteria will create slime that can clog your pipes and well pump and stain plumbing fixtures.
High Copper Levels
If your water tastes metallic and you notice a slight blue or green tint, copper might be the cause. Copper often enters drinking water through copper plumbing, especially in homes with new copper pipes or where water sits stagnant for a long time.
The problem can worsen when your water has high levels of chlorine or aluminum. These substances can increase copper leaching from your pipes. While your body needs small amounts of copper, high levels can cause health issues. Running your tap for 30-60 seconds after long periods of non-use can help reduce copper levels in your drinking water.
Recent Plumbing Work
Sometimes, water tastes like metal shortly after plumbing repairs or installations. New metal fittings and pipes can temporarily affect your water’s taste, though this usually improves within a few days.
Low pH Levels
Acidic water (water with a low pH) can cause metal pipes to corrode. This can result in a metallic taste in your tap water, and over time, lead to expensive plumbing repairs. You might also start to see blue-green staining on plumbing fixtures.
Well Water Issues
If you use well water, a metal taste might indicate that your well system needs maintenance. It could also simply be a side effect of changing groundwater conditions. Naturally occurring metals and minerals can accumulate in wells, causing unusual flavors and other issues.
Is Metallic-Tasting Water Bad for You?
As stated above, water that tastes metallic isn’t usually dangerous, but it can point to problems in your water supply. Here’s what you should know:
- Safe Levels
Small amounts of minerals and metals like iron and copper in your water are generally safe and even beneficial for your health. However, very high levels can be concerning and cause some ill effects.
- When To Worry
If your water suddenly develops a strong metallic taste, or if you notice rust-colored stains or blue-green stains in your home, it’s time to have your water tested. These signs could indicate high metal content that might affect your health.
- Testing Is Important
The only way to know for sure what’s causing your metallic-tasting water is to have it professionally tested. At American Aqua, we offer free water testing so you can identify exactly which metals are in your water and in what concentrations.
Solutions for Tap Water That Tastes Metallic
Install a Water Filtration System
A whole-home water filtration system can effectively remove excess metals from your water supply. Different types of filters target specific issues:
- Reverse osmosis water filter systems remove a wide range of contaminants, including metals
- Iron filters specifically target high-iron content
- Carbon filters can improve taste and reduce metal content
- Water softeners can remove excess minerals that might be causing the problem
Fix Plumbing Issues
If corroding pipes are causing your water to taste metallic, replacing old plumbing might be necessary. While this is a bigger investment, it solves the problem at its source and protects your home’s water quality for years to come. This is especially important if there is a chance your home has old lead piping.
Adjust Water pH
For homes with acidic water, installing a pH neutralizer can help prevent metals from leaching into your drinking water. This solution not only improves taste but also protects your plumbing system.
Regular Well Maintenance
If you have a private well, annual maintenance and testing are essential to prevent water contamination. Regular inspections also help to catch problems early on.
When To Call a Professional
Contact our water treatment experts at American Aqua today if you experience:
- Sudden changes in water taste
- Persistent metallic flavor despite flushing your pipes
- Discolored water or staining in your home
- Concerns about your water’s safety
Our professional testing service can identify the cause of your water quality issues quickly and accurately.
Take Action Today
At American Aqua, we help homeowners across Michigan address all types of water quality concerns. Contact us today for a free water analysis and consultation. We’ll help you get back to enjoying clean, fresh-tasting water throughout your home.