I have begun to notice in the last day or two that when I turn on any faucet in the house, there is a mildewy smell that goes away after the water runs for a few minutes, and I think it’s the water. Not sure what to do about this…call the city or a plumber or ??
Also, is it safe to shower, brush teeth, etc?
do you have a water softener?
No. We are on city water, no water softener or anything like that
Hm. I have this problem with the water from my garden hose. Is it just because I use it infrequently? Doesn’t happen with the house water, which comes from the same source…and hasn’t happened with other hoses from the same tap.
Well, as a plumber there is a couple things you can have done. Firstly drain your hot water tank (if a boiler, this still applies). Get a hose (from outside, should fit) and put it on the lower most valve. Turn off the water inlet supply and pull the little plug out of the ceiling to cut the power off, or flip the switch at the top of your stairs, or unplug it. Whichever applies. Drain it into a floor drain if you have one, or get a cheap pump and put the house out a window and drain it out. (theres a valve on top to allow air in, opening it will save you alot of time). Drain it twice. It will flush out all the crap at the bottom of your tank. I do it anually at home. Depends on your water though. If you feel incompetant, you can have a plumber do it but expect a 1-2 hour charge + travel if hes far. Than you can have a plumber come put some bleach through your pipes. This will kill an hamful bacteria and get rid of most odors. If your water smells its not safe to drink. If you need too though, just boil it. If its very abnormal, ask your neighbors if they have it too. If not you can tell if its just your house, and not the city. If its the city call them immediately. Im sure its OK to bath in, and cook if your boiling it (kills off harmul things). You can also call any local water treatment place and ask if they will test the water. Usually like 10 bucks. Some are even free if its their water.
Thanks for the info. I am totally incompetent when it comes to household stuff, and don’t have a handy husband (actually don’t have a husband at all!) so I’ll be calling the home warranty folks on Monday. It’ll only cost me $55. Dumb question but how much bleach should I have available for the plumber? It’s an 80-gallon tank.