Quick Answer:
If you taste a metallic or coppery flavor after new copper piping was installed, it’s usually surface residue from solder, flux, or small amounts of oxidation. First steps: collect the first run-off, flush the new fittings, and clean the faucet aerator. Many cases clear after a thorough flush; if the taste or discoloration persists, take further action below.
Why This Happens
New copper is clean metal. When water sits in new tubing or flows across newly soldered joints, it can pick up tiny amounts of metal or residues that create a metallic taste. Common causes include:
- Flux or solder residue left inside joints during installation.
- Oxidation forming on fresh copper surfaces.
- Stagnant water in sections that weren’t fully flushed after work.
- Water with low pH or very soft water that more readily dissolves metal ions.
If you notice an odd odor with the taste, see Pennies smell from faucet. If the sensation is only at one sink, compare other fixtures or check Metallic taste only in kitchen.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Collect and flush the first water
Flush new copper joints thoroughly into a bucket. Collect the initial water run-off for disposal or testing. This removes the most concentrated residues before they reach your drinking water.
2. Run cold water for several minutes
After emptying the bucket, run cold water at full flow for at least 5–10 minutes at the affected fixture. Check the taste and color periodically. If the water clears and the taste diminishes, repeat at other fixtures.
3. Clean faucet parts
- Turn off the water, remove the aerator or screen, and rinse any debris into the bucket. Sediment and flux particles often collect there and cause taste issues.
- Reinstall the cleaned aerator and run cold water again.
4. Compare other taps and the hot water
Check cold water at other faucets. If only one fixture tastes metallic, the issue is local. Avoid using hot water from that tap for cooking until the taste is gone, since hot water leaches metals more readily.
5. If the taste persists
- Run additional flushing cycles (longer runs, several times a day) and record changes.
- Consider having the first-collected sample tested for copper if taste or discoloration continues.
- If you see blue-green staining, leaks, or visible corrosion, stop using the water for drinking and contact a professional.
What Not to Do
- Do not leave flux residue inside new copper joints.
- Do not drink or cook with hot water from the affected tap until you’re sure the taste is gone.
- Do not pour strong acids or harsh chemicals into the plumbing to “clean” the lines yourself.
- Do not attempt to re-solder or alter joints unless you are experienced with plumbing soldering and safety procedures.
When to Call a Professional
- If the metallic taste or discoloration remains after thorough flushing and aerator cleaning.
- If multiple fixtures show the same problem or you see blue/green staining on sinks or fixtures.
- If you find active leaks, loose joints, or evidence that flux was pushed into the interior of the piping during the job.
- If a water test shows elevated copper levels or other contaminants.
Safety Notes
- Short-term exposure to mildly metallic-tasting water is usually not dangerous, but avoid drinking it until it clears, especially for infants, pregnant people, and those with compromised immune systems.
- If anyone develops stomach upset or other symptoms after drinking the water, seek medical advice and stop using that water source for drinking immediately.
- When in doubt, collect a water sample (after the initial run-off) and have it tested by a certified lab or your local health department.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Will the metallic taste go away? — Usually yes, after a thorough flush and cleaning of the aerator; persistent taste may need testing or a plumber.
- How long should I flush the lines? — Start with 5–10 minutes at the affected tap, then repeat and check other fixtures; longer if discoloration or taste remains.
- Is this an emergency? — Not usually, but stop drinking the affected water if the taste is strong, you see discoloration, or if vulnerable household members are present; call a professional if it persists.
Related Articles
If you’re troubleshooting a similar symptom, these guides may help:
For the full directory, see Metallic Taste, Copper Taste, or “Pennies” Smell.