Copper taste in laundry water

Laundry washer filling with copper-tasting water

Quick Answer:

If your laundry water smells or tastes like copper, it can be alarming. Often the cause is local to the hot side: a water heater issue, anodes that are failing, or a recirculation loop that is reacting with piping. It can also come from the supply or a recent heater refill. Do a few simple checks first: collect hot and cold fill water separately, compare smells, and look for staining. Avoid using the water for washing if it smells metallic, and call your water utility or a plumber if the smell persists or clothing is affected.

Why This Happens

  • Corrosion in hot-water systems: Hot water speeds up chemical reactions. A failing anode rod or corrosion inside a tank can give water a metallic or coppery taste.
  • Recirculation loops and stray electrical current: If a home has a hot recirculation loop and there is stray current or dissimilar metals in contact, metal ions can leach into the water.
  • Supply changes or heater refill: After the water heater is drained and refilled, you can sometimes notice a temporary metallic scent as trapped air and metals are flushed. See notes on Metallic odor after heater refill for a related situation.
  • Localized plumbing or fixtures: A bad mixing valve, brass fittings, or a failing laundry hose can impart a metallic taste.
  • Municipal or well water issues: Rarely, the source water can change chemistry and carry a metallic taste to appliances.

Step-by-Step What to Do

Step 1 — Stop using the water for laundry

  • Collect laundry fill water separately. Do not pour it back into the washing machine if it smells metallic.
  • Set aside any clothing that has already been washed in that water and check for staining or discoloration.

Step 2 — Compare hot and cold separately

  • Fill two clean clear containers: one from a cold tap (outdoor spigot or kitchen cold) and one from a hot tap used by the washer.
  • Smell and taste a tiny amount (spit it out) to see whether the metallic taste is only in the hot water or in both.
  • If the cold water is fine but the hot tastes metallic, the problem is likely in the hot system or heater.

Step 3 — Check other outlets

  • Run a cold water tap outside or at a different location to compare. If the outdoor spigot has the same smell, it could be a supply issue—compare with guidance on Metallic smell from outdoor spigot.
  • Note whether only laundry hot is affected or multiple hot fixtures.

Step 4 — Flush and observe

  • Run the hot water for several minutes at a tub or sink to see if the smell lessens. Be careful—water may be very hot.
  • If flushing reduces the smell temporarily but it returns quickly, that points to an ongoing corrosion or anode issue in the heater or loop.

Step 5 — Document and test

  • Take notes: where and when the smell appears, whether clothes are stained, and any recent plumbing or heater work.
  • If possible, have a lab test for metals (copper, lead, iron) or ask your water utility about recent system changes.

What Not to Do

  • Do not wash clothes in copper-tasting water. The metallic content can stain fabrics or set odors into clothing.
  • Do not attempt major heater repairs, anode replacement, or electrical checks on piping unless you are qualified. These can be dangerous.
  • Do not ignore persistent smells or visible staining; they can indicate plumbing corrosion or contamination that needs attention.

When to Call a Professional

  • If the metallic taste is clearly limited to hot water and flushing does not fix it, call a licensed plumber to inspect the water heater and recirculation loop.
  • If clothing is stained, or tests show elevated metal levels, contact a plumber and your water utility immediately.
  • Call an electrician or a plumber experienced in corrosion if you suspect stray electrical current or galvanic corrosion on metal piping.

Safety Notes

  • Handle hot water carefully to avoid scalds. Let water cool before sampling if needed.
  • Use clean containers for sampling and avoid tasting large amounts of questionable water.
  • If you suspect contamination, avoid using that water for drinking, cooking, or washing items that touch your mouth or skin until the issue is resolved.

Common Homeowner Questions

  • Why does only hot water taste metallic? — Hot water reacts more with metal pipes and heater components; the heater or anode rod is a common source.
  • Will the smell go away if I flush the heater? — Sometimes flushing helps temporarily, but persistent smells usually need inspection or repairs.
  • Can this damage my clothes? — Yes, metallic water can stain or leave odors; avoid washing until you find the source.

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.

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