Quick Answer:
If you notice a metallic smell while showering, it can come from hot-water corrosion, minerals in the supply, or the shower riser. A quick, reliable check is to remove the showerhead and run the water directly from the riser into a clean glass. That helps separate a pipe or riser issue from the showerhead or drain.
Why This Happens
- Corrosion in hot-water sections or fittings can release metal-tinged odors. Heat speeds chemical reactions, so smells often show up in the hot water.
- High iron or manganese in supply water, especially from a well, can create metallic odors and discoloration.
- Dissimilar metals meeting in plumbing (galvanic corrosion) or a failing hot-water heater anode can cause a metallic smell.
- Localized problems—like scale or bacteria building up in one fixture—are possible. For example, if the kitchen is affected but other fixtures are fine, check that fixture specifically: Metallic taste only in kitchen.
- Some smells worsen after standing or exposure to air; testing a collected sample later can help confirm this: Taste worsens after sitting overnight.
Step-by-Step What to Do
Step 1 — Note where and when you smell it
- Does the smell happen with hot water only, cold only, or both?
- Is it only the shower or other fixtures too?
- Write down what you notice (color, odor strength, whether water tastes metallic if you try a sip for testing). This helps a plumber or lab test later.
Step 2 — Remove the showerhead
- Turn off the water or set it to a low flow. Protect the finish with a cloth and use an adjustable wrench if needed.
- Unscrew the showerhead and set it aside. Inspect it for rust, black gunk, or scale.
Step 3 — Test the riser water
- Run water directly from the riser into a clear glass. Test both hot and cold separately for at least 30–60 seconds.
- Smell the water and look for discoloration or particles. If the metallic smell is present with the showerhead removed, the issue is likely in the riser, the valve, or the supply plumbing rather than the showerhead or drain.
- Optionally, collect a sample and let it sit in a closed glass container overnight to see if odor or color changes.
Step 4 — Compare other fixtures
- Run and smell water from the kitchen and another bathroom. Differences help narrow the source to the water supply, heater, or a localized pipe.
Step 5 — Basic fixes you can try
- Clean or replace a heavily scaled or corroded showerhead.
- If the smell is only in hot water, flush the water heater per the manufacturer’s instructions to remove sediment (only if you’re comfortable doing this).
- If you have a well, consider sending a water sample to a certified lab for iron, manganese, and bacteria testing.
What Not to Do
- Do not assume shower odors are drain related. Testing the riser water will show whether the source is the supply or the fixture/drain.
- Do not use strong chemical cleaners in the shower while testing; they can mask odors and irritate your respiratory system in a small space.
- Do not cut, solder, or attempt major repairs to pipes unless you are trained—those actions can create hazards and make problems worse.
When to Call a Professional
- Persistent metallic smell after you remove the showerhead and test the riser.
- Visible corrosion, flaking metal, colored or rusty water, or sediment coming from the riser.
- Household members who are pregnant, very young, elderly, or immunocompromised—call a plumber and consider water testing for contaminants like lead or bacteria.
- If you suspect the water heater anode or internal plumbing is failing, a licensed plumber can inspect and recommend safe repairs or part replacements.
Safety Notes
- Run hot-water tests carefully to avoid scalding. Start with cold, then test warm and hot at safe settings.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when removing fixtures or handling rusty parts.
- Don’t drink water you suspect is contaminated; use bottled water until you know the cause.
- If testing indicates lead, bacteria, or other contaminants, follow public-health guidance and the plumber’s instructions for remediation.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why does the smell get worse with hot water? — Heat speeds corrosion and releases dissolved metals, making odors more noticeable in hot water.
- If the riser smells, can I keep using the shower? — Short-term use is usually okay, but stop if water is rusty, discolored, or if anyone is ill; call a plumber.
- Will replacing the showerhead fix it? — Only if the showerhead itself is the source. Removing it and testing the riser shows whether replacement will help.
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.