Quick Answer:
If you notice a chemical smell only when you run the kitchen faucet, don’t panic. Start by isolating the source, then clean and flush the faucet and nearby lines. Often the issue is local (the faucet, aerator, or an under-sink device) rather than the whole house. Draw water from multiple kitchen fixtures to isolate the branch and follow the checks below before making any big repairs.
Why This Happens
- Stagnant water in a short branch or in the faucet itself can concentrate residues or off-gassing from new plastics and seals.
- New fixtures, replacement cartridges, or flexible supply lines sometimes give a temporary solvent-like smell as they cure.
- Under-sink filters, ice makers, or a dishwasher connection can introduce or concentrate tastes and odors after service or if a cartridge is overdue for replacement. If you recently changed a filter, see Chlorine taste after filter replacement.
- Some odors are stronger after periods of non-use. If the smell is worse in the morning, see Taste worse in morning.
- Household cleaners, garbage disposal residue, or dishwasher rinse agents can backflow or linger in the sink area and be noticeable at the faucet.
Step-by-Step What to Do
Step 1: Do a quick isolation check
- Draw water from multiple kitchen fixtures to isolate the branch: run cold and hot at the kitchen sink, the side sprayer if present, the pot filler (if you have one), the dishwasher on a short cycle, and the ice maker/cold water dispenser.
- Run taps in other parts of the house (bathroom sink, bathtub) to see whether the smell is confined to the kitchen branch or is house-wide.
Step 2: Smell and note when and how it occurs
- Collect water in a clear glass and smell it close to the surface — do this for hot and cold separately.
- Note if it happens only with cold, only with hot, only after sitting overnight, or after using an appliance.
Step 3: Flush and clean
- Run the faucet on full cold and full hot for 3–5 minutes to flush the lines.
- Remove and clean the aerator screen and any removable faucet parts; trapped debris can cause odors.
- If you have an under-sink filter or softener, temporarily bypass it (per manufacturer instructions) to see if odor stops.
Step 4: Check related appliances and connections
- Inspect the garbage disposal and dishwasher for detergents or stagnant water—run and flush them if needed.
- Smell supply hoses and fittings for signs of chemical residue from recent plumbing work or leaks.
Step 5: Replace small parts if needed
- If odor persists only from the faucet after flushing and cleaning, consider replacing the aerator or faucet cartridge before replacing the whole faucet.
- Keep records of when filters or cartridges were last changed and replace them on schedule.
What Not to Do
- Do not open walls based on a single faucet odor. A localized smell rarely means you need major demolition.
- Do not pour household chemicals down the drain to try to mask or remove an odor—this can create dangerous vapors or damage plumbing components.
- Do not assume a municipal contamination without checking other taps and contacting your water utility; many causes are local to the branch or fixture.
When to Call a Professional
- Call a plumber if the odor persists after flushing, cleaning the aerator, and bypassing under-sink devices.
- Contact your water utility if multiple taps in the house or neighbors show the same chemical smell—this could indicate a treatment or distribution issue.
- Call immediately if anyone in the home experiences physical symptoms (nausea, dizziness) when using the water; stop using the water for drinking until checked.
Safety Notes
- When in doubt, avoid drinking water that smells strongly of chemicals. Use bottled water until the source is found.
- Ventilate the area while testing and avoid breathing concentrated fumes from cleaning products or solvents near the sink.
- If you suspect a hazardous spill or solvent intrusion into plumbing, evacuate and contact appropriate authorities—do not try to handle hazardous chemicals yourself.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Q: Should I stop using the faucet entirely?
A: Avoid drinking from it if the odor is strong; you can use it for rinsing or cleaning after flushing, but use bottled water for consumption until resolved. - Q: Could a new faucet cause a chemical smell?
A: Yes—new plastics and seals can off-gas briefly. Flush thoroughly and run hot water cycles; if it lasts more than a few weeks, consider replacing the cartridge. - Q: Will running the faucet for a long time fix it?
A: Flushing often helps if the issue is stagnant water, but persistent odors that return after a short time likely need further inspection or parts replacement.
Related Articles
If you’re troubleshooting a similar symptom, these guides may help:
For the full directory, see Chlorine or Chemical Taste and Odor.