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Chemicals or medicinal

Sometimes your water may seem to have a ‘chemical’ taste to it. This can occur due to a breakdown of the water pipes inside your house, rather than the water itself.  

  • A ‘chemical’ taste or smell to your water is due to the interaction between the water and rubber or plastic fittings in your appliances or taps. This interaction can cause small amounts of substances to dissolve into the water, causing the taste or smell, regardless of the age of the fittings. 

  • Places where this can happen are: 

    • Appliance hoses: Rubber or plastic hoses connected to appliances can cause chemical or ‘TCP-type’ tastes, especially if fitted before your taps.  
    • Tap fittings and water tank pipes: Rubber and plastic used in tap washers or pipes that provide drinking water can also affect the taste of your water. Because the ‘break-up’ of these washers isn’t a continuous process, the taste may come and go. 
    • Kettle seals: A taste noticeable only in hot drinks is often caused by seals or coverings in the kettle, particularly in newer models. Boiling the kettle a couple of times and rinsing thoroughly before use can help reduce this. 

    A ‘chemical’ taste or smell can also happen when pipes are not used for extended periods of time - such as between tenancy moves or when on holiday. 

    • Standing water in pipes: Water that has been sitting in pipes for several hours is more likely to pick up tastes from plumbing materials, especially if plastic or rubber components are present. 

    • Flush standing water: First thing in the morning or after water has been sitting in your pipes for several hours, draw fresh water through the system by flushing your taps for 2-3 minutes*. You may even notice a slight change in temperature once the ‘sitting’ water has cleared.  
    • Use approved fittings: Make sure all plumbing fittings are approved by Water Regs UK. These are tested to ensure they don’t affect water taste, smell, or encourage bacterial growth. 
    • Your kettle: A taste in hot drinks may be caused by your kettle, especially in new kettles. If you have a new kettle, fill it up and boil it and discard it twice* before you use it. You can confirm it is coming from your kettle by boiling water in a saucepan and seeing if the taste goes away. 

    *Why not use this water for something else, like watering the garden? 

Watch our video

Hear from our water quality experts on what to do if you're experiencing a chemical taste or smell in your water.

Fuel or oil

If you suspect that the taste or smell you are experiencing is more like ‘fuel’ or ‘oil’, please follow our advice here.

Bitter or metallic

There are a few reasons why your water may have a ‘metallic’ or ‘bitter’ taste to it – find out what to check if this is the case.

Chlorine

Find out what may be causing your water to smell like swimming pool water.

Earthy or musty

If your water appears to have an earthy or musty taste, click here to find out more.

Eggy or sewage

If your water appears to smell eggy or of sewage, click here to find out what might be happening.

My water has changed

If your water has 'changed', find out why this has happened and what you can do to resolve it.

My water looks different

If your water appears discoloured, cloudy or has bits in it, click here to see what could be causing this.