Quick Answer:
A chlorine smell after the curb stop is usually the result of routine disinfection when water was shut off and turned back on. It’s commonly temporary. As a first step, run water after curb stop and smell a sample. If the odor fades after flushing your plumbing for a few minutes, there is likely no ongoing chemical surge.
Why This Happens
When water mains or service lines are worked on, utilities commonly use chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the line before returning it to service. That disinfectant can concentrate near the curb stop or in small pockets of pipe and show up as a sharp smell when you first open a tap. The smell can also come from disturbed sediments or reactions with old pipe material.
Small particles can appear when flow starts again—see Grit after turning water back on. If something feels slick or different in texture, consider Oily feel after smart shutoff as a similar problem to check for.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Stay calm and avoid using taps for cooking
If you notice a chlorine smell, avoid using the water for drinking or cooking until you confirm the odor is gone.
2. Run cold water at the closest outside tap
Open a cold outdoor spigot or the nearest tap slowly and let it run for several minutes. This helps push residue out of the service line and curb stop.
3. Run water after curb stop and smell a sample
Collect a small sample in a clean cup from a tap that’s been running for a few minutes and smell it away from your face. Do not taste it. If the smell is faint or gone, continue to run other inside taps briefly to clear the system.
4. Flush interior taps, starting with cold water
Run cold water at each sink and bathtub for 2–5 minutes or until the smell disappears. If you have municipal instructions, follow their recommended flushing times (sometimes longer for whole-house clears).
5. Check hot water separately
Do not use hot water for cooking or bathing until the cold-water flush clears the smell. Once cold water is normal, run the hot water taps to purge the hot-water tank if needed.
6. Monitor and document
- Note which taps smelled strongest and how long it took to clear.
- If the smell returns later, record the times and conditions to share with your water utility or plumber.
What Not to Do
- Do not mix chemicals to mask chlorine.
- Do not pour household cleaners or bleach into the plumbing to “neutralize” the smell—this can create unsafe byproducts or damage fixtures.
- Do not ignore strong or persistent odors, especially if accompanied by taste issues, discoloration, or health symptoms.
When to Call a Professional
- Contact your water utility first if the smell covers the neighborhood or if you suspect line work occurred nearby.
- Call a licensed plumber if the odor persists after thorough flushing at multiple taps, or if you see discolored water, oily films, or sediment that won’t clear.
- Seek immediate help if household members experience breathing difficulty, severe nausea, or other acute symptoms after exposure.
Safety Notes
- Smelling a faint chlorine odor is common after line work and usually not an emergency.
- Do not ingest water that smells strongly of chlorine until it clears. Use bottled water for drinking and cooking if in doubt.
- Ventilate any indoor area where the smell is strong. Wash skin or eyes with fresh water if irritation occurs and seek medical advice for persistent symptoms.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why does it smell stronger at the curb stop than inside? — The disinfectant can be concentrated near the point of entry; flow into the house dilutes it.
- How long should flushing take? — Typically a few minutes per tap; if it lasts longer than a few hours or returns, contact the utility or a plumber.
- Is it safe to shower if I detect chlorine? — Avoid bathing if the smell is strong; short showers are usually fine once the cold-water smell is gone, but avoid using hot water until cleared.