Have you noticed a strange taste or odor coming from your filtered water lately? If so, you’re not alone. Many people who use filtered water in their homes have encountered this problem at one point or another. But why does it happen and what can be done to fix it?

If your filtered water tastes funny, it’s probably due to bacteria, an old filter, or contaminants in your water.

Let’s look at these in more detail.

What Causes the Problem?

There are a few potential causes of funny-tasting filtered water, but the most likely culprit is bacteria growth in the filter.

Let’s look at this in more detail.

Bacteria in the Filter

One of the most common causes of bad-tasting water is bacteria growing in the filter. Over time, bacteria can accumulate on the filter and contaminate your drinking water with unpleasant flavors and smells. Bacteria can also be present even if you change your filters regularly.

This is because as filters age, they become less effective at trapping bacteria and other contaminants. To prevent bacterial contamination, it’s important to clean your filter regularly and replace it when necessary.

Filter Not Working Properly

Another possible cause of bad-tasting water is a filter that isn’t working properly. If the filter isn’t able to trap contaminants effectively, then they will be present in the drinking water. This can make the water taste funny or give it an unpleasant odor.

To make sure that your filter is working properly, check it periodically for signs of wear and tear or clogs. If you notice any problems with your filter, replace it immediately so that you don’t have to drink contaminated water. 

Tap Water Contaminants

Finally, if you live in an area with poor tap water quality then it could be affecting the taste of your filtered water as well. Tap water often contains a variety of contaminants such as lead, chlorine, nitrates, and other chemicals which can all affect its flavor and smell.

If your filter isn’t doing its job correctly, these substances could be making their way into your drinking water and giving it an odd taste or smell.

How to Make Filtered Water Taste Good Again

Filtered water should taste just as good as bottled springwater – so if yours doesn’t meet that standard then something needs to change.

Let’s look at the steps you can take to get your filtered water to taste good.

1. Check Your Filter Cartridge

The most common cause of funny-tasting filtered water is an old filter cartridge. As filters get older, they become less effective at removing impurities from your water.

The best way to make sure your filtered water tastes good is to replace the filter regularly – ideally every six months or so. Depending on the type of filter you have installed in your home, you may need to purchase replacement cartridges or entire new units.

2. Flush Out Your System

If you haven’t replaced your filter recently, it’s possible that sediment and other debris have built up inside the system itself, which will also lead to bad-tasting water. To fix this issue, flush out your system by running cold water through it for at least 10 minutes.

This will help remove any accumulated debris and restore the proper flow of fresh, clean water through the system.

3. Check for Leaks

Another possible cause of bad-tasting filtered water is if you have leaks in the pipes or fittings connected to the system itself. To check for leaks, shut off all faucets and appliances that use filtered water and inspect all connections for signs of moisture or leaking fluid.

If any are found, you’ll need to repair them as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage and ensure that your filtered water tastes good again. 

Final Thoughts

If you notice that your filtered water has started tasting funny recently then there are several potential causes to consider. The most likely culprits are bacteria growing in old filters or worn-out filters that aren’t trapping contaminants effectively anymore.

You may also need to look into tapwater contamination if you live in an area with poor-quality tap water sources.

Taking steps like cleaning filters regularly and replacing them when necessary can help ensure that your drinking supply stays pure and safe for consumption.

With proper maintenance and care, you can enjoy tasty filtered water every day without having to worry about any strange tastes or odors.