Why Does My Reverse Osmosis Water Smell Bad?

Reverse osmosis water systems are the most popular way to get clean, filtered drinking water. If you’re lucky enough to have a reverse osmosis system in your home, chances are that it’s been doing an excellent job for you. However, if you notice that your water smells bad or has a funny taste, it may be time for a new filter.

The average lifespan of a reverse osmosis filter is about one year before it needs replacing. This means that if you’ve noticed these signs of wear and tear on your filter, it’s probably time to purchase one from the store or order a replacement online. Here are some reasons why your reverse osmosis water might smell bad or even have a funny taste.

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Why Does My Reverse Osmosis Water Smell Bad?

1) The filter may have become clogged.

Reverse osmosis filters need to be cleaned regularly. If your system is not producing clean water, it’s possible that the filter was not cleaned correctly or has become clogged. This can also cause a funky taste in your water.

2) The water’s pH level may be too high or too low.

If you notice that your reverse osmosis water smells bad and tastes funny, there may be an issue with the pH levels of the water being produced by the system. There are two types of pH in a reverse osmosis system: acid and alkaline. The goal is for the pH levels to be between 7 and 14 for both types of systems. If either one gets too high or too low, it can cause your reverse osmosis water to smell bad or taste funny when it comes out of your tap.

3) The water may have too much calcium or magnesium.

Calcium and magnesium are salts that are in most water sources. They also act as a buffer when the pH levels are too high or too low. If your reverse osmosis system is producing water with a high level of these salts, it could cause your reverse osmosis water to taste bad or smell bad.

Bad Smelling RO Water

Signs of a Bad or Worn Out Filter

Look for these signs of a bad or worn out filter:

1. The water is discolored

If the water coming from your reverse osmosis system is dark brown, it could be a sign that the filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. If your reverse osmosis system has been running for a long time, there’s also a possibility that the sediment in the tank has built up and needs to be removed. This can cause a yellow-orange tint on the water coming out of your faucet.

2. The water is not clear

If your reverse osmosis system produces water that looks cloudy or muddy, there’s a chance that the sediment in the tank has built up and needs to be removed. This can cause a yellow-orange tint on the water coming out of your faucet.

3. The water smells bad or tastes funny

If your reverse osmosis system produces water that smells bad or tastes funny, it could be a sign that the filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. If your reverse osmosis system has been running for a long time, there’s also a possibility that the sediment in the tank has built up and needs to be removed. This can cause a yellow-orange tint on the water coming out of your faucet.

4. The water temperature is too warm or cold

If the temperature of the water coming from your reverse osmosis system is too hot or cold, it could be a sign that the filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. If your reverse osmosis system has been running for a long time, there’s also a possibility that the sediment in the tank has built up and needs to be removed. This can cause a yellow-orange tint on the water coming out of your faucet.

5. The water pressure is too low or high

If your reverse osmosis system produces water that’s too low or high in pressure, it could be a sign that the filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. If your reverse osmosis system has been running for a long time, there’s also a possibility that the sediment in the tank has built up and needs to be removed. This can cause a yellow-orange tint on the water coming out of your faucet.

Here are some top rated replacement filters:

What Happens if You Don’t Replace the Filter?

A reverse osmosis filter is essential to properly filtering all the contaminants out of your water. Without one, you may end up with a lot of different issues. Here are just some of the problems that come with not replacing your filter:

  • The system could stop working altogether
  • You could get sick from bacteria and other contaminants in your water
  • Your water could have a funny taste or smell
  • You might experience a decrease in pressure when the filters starts to leak
  • Your water could have a yellow-orange tint on it

How to Replace Your Filter

If you’re interested in purchasing a new filter for your reverse osmosis system, the process is very simple. Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Wash and rinse your filter with clean water
  2. Disassemble and remove the old filter from the assembly
  3. Inspect the housing of the filter to make sure that it is not clogged and has not come into contact with any contaminants
  4. Place the new filter in its place on top of the old one
  5. Reconnect all internal hoses or tubes that were disconnected during disassembly
  6. Check to make sure all parts fit properly together
  7. Test your water and let it run for 24 hours before you drink or cook with it
  8. Enjoy the benefits of filtered water!

If Your Water Smells, Should You Drink It?

If you notice that your reverse osmosis water smells bad or has a funny taste, it’s probably not safe to drink. This is because the water passing through the filter will always be slightly contaminated with chlorine and other chemicals. When this happens, the water can smell bad and sometimes even taste funky.

However, if you plan on drinking from your reverse osmosis system for several days in a row, you should check your filter first to make sure that it hasn’t worn out. If the filter does need replacing, don’t worry about eating into your food budget. Reverse osmosis filters are affordable and easy to replace.

If you notice that your water smells or tastes bad, you should take the following steps:

  1. Check the filter to see if it needs replacing. If the filter is fine, then your reverse osmosis system is probably just dirty. Clean it with a sponge and some water.
  2. Turn off the water supply and drain out all of the water in the pipes and storage tank. Then, run fresh water through them to flush out any remaining contaminants in your system.
  3. Restart your system by turning on the power switch on the back of your unit. Then, run a few gallons of clean water through it to make sure that all parts are working properly again before drinking from it again!

How Do You Get Rid of Smelly Water Filters?

If your water smells bad or has a funny taste, it’s time to replace the filter. If you notice that your filter is cloudy or discolored, it is also likely time for a new filter. Once you know you need a new filter, here are some tips on how to get rid of the smelly water.

The first step to getting rid of your bad smelling water is to turn off the system and let it run until the water runs clear. This clears out any sediment that may be clogging up the filters in order for them to work properly again. Afterward, fill up a container with cold water and add single-source chlorine bleach at a concentration of 1/8 teaspoon per gallon of cold tap water and stir until dissolved. Then pour this mixture over the top of your filters and let them sit overnight so they can soak up all the chlorine solution. The next day, rinse them out thoroughly under running cold tap water before replacing them back in place on your reverse osmosis system.

If you are still experiencing a bad smell after following this process, it is most likely the result of a problem with your water softener or your home plumbing. You may want to consider getting some water test strips and testing your water before and after following these steps to see if you can determine what is causing the odor.

Why Does My RO Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

One of the most common reasons why your RO water smells like rotten eggs is if you’re using hard water. Hard water is water that contains minerals, like calcium and magnesium, that “stick” to the inside of the pipes. This can cause a buildup of mineral deposits in your filters. The other thing that might be causing this terrible odor is if you have chlorine in your system. Chlorine can cause bad odors and tastes.

Another reason for a bad taste or odor may be if the filter has reached capacity after being used for an extended period of time. Filters will get clogged and unable to function properly when they reach their capacity. When this happens, the RO system will start to produce dirty, smelly water. If this happens, it’s time to replace your filter with a new one!

Stinky rotten egg, sulfur smelling water cheap and easy fix!

How to fix smelly water

How Do You Fix RO Filtered Water That Smells Like Rotten Eggs?

The most important thing you can do to fix this problem is to make sure that your RO water system is functioning properly. You can do this by testing your water before and after following these steps to see if you can determine what is causing the odor.

How Do I Test My Ro Filtered Water for Smell?

There are many ways to test your RO filtered water for smell, but the easiest way is by taking a sample of your filtered water and placing it into a clean glass jar. If the water smells like rotten eggs, then you have another issue with your RO system that needs to be fixed!

What Should I Do if My RO Filtered Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs?

If you have a bad smelling or tasting problem with your RO filtered water, you should immediately turn off your RO system and replace the filter. You also need to contact a professional plumber to figure out why your RO filtered water is smelling like rotten eggs. If you see any debris in your filter or if it looks dirty, then you need to replace it with a new one.

How Do You Get Sulfur Smell Out of Water?

Sulfur smell in water is a result of dissolved sulfate ions and it can be caused by several things. The most common causes of sulfur smell in water are:

  • Hard water
  • High mineral content in your water supply

Do not use the RO system for more than two weeks without replacing the filter as recommended. Another reason for this is that after two weeks, it takes about 3-6 months for the minerals to precipitate out of the RO filtered water and accumulate on the filters. When this happens you need to replace your filter with a new one. You also need to keep your RO system clean, because if you do not, eventually you will have a buildup of sediment on your filters or they will clog.

Here are some steps to take to get rid of sulfur smell from water:

  • If the smell is coming from your tap, try to run the hot water for a couple of minutes. This will help to release some of the odor.
  • If you have hard water, then you need to soften it with a softener or degreaser. You can also try using a charcoal filter in addition to your RO system.
  • If you have high mineral content in your water supply, then you need to use a carbon filter with it. However, if this is not possible then simply let it sit and let the minerals precipitate out of the filtered water and accumulate on the filters. When this happens you need to replace your filters with new ones.
HOW to Get Rid of SULPHUR SMELL from WELL WATER

Getting rid of sulfur smell from your water

Conclusion

Reverse osmosis (RO) water is a great way to save water and help the environment. But if your RO water has a foul odor, it can be difficult to drink. In this article I explained the causes of bad-smelling RO water, what you can do to fix it, and other reasons you might notice a sulfur or odd smell in your home water.

Meet the author: Jessica Chen

Jessica is a fishing enthusiast and yoga fanatic who enjoys traveling the world and reading books about Buddhism. She has a passion for writing, food, and wine. “Winter is my favorite season. I love sitting by the fire with a good book and a warm cup of hot chocolate.” Learn more about Jessica and the rest of the team.