Quick Answer:
A new or replaced filter can change the way your water tastes by releasing carbon fines, changing chlorine levels, or exposing metals already in your pipes. The fastest way to check is to bypass the filter briefly and retest the water. If the taste goes away with the filter out of the line, the filter or its flushing needs attention; if it remains, the issue is likely in the plumbing or supply.
Why This Happens
Common causes include:
- New carbon filters often release tiny carbon particles and odors until flushed; this can create a metallic or odd taste for a short time.
- Removing chlorine or other disinfectants can unmask a faint metallic taste that was previously masked.
- If pipes or fittings are corroded (copper, galvanized steel, or brass), installing a filter can change flow or chemistry and make that corrosion more noticeable.
- Recent service or outages can stir sediments and metals into the water line.
For related reading about general taste issues or outage-related copper problems, see Metallic taste in tap water and Copper taste after water outage.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Stop and smell
Do a quick check: smell and taste only a small sip. If the taste is sharp or you feel unwell, stop using the water for drinking and use bottled water until you confirm safety.
2. Flush the filter per instructions
Run the recommended flush time for the new filter (usually several minutes or a specified number of gallons). Many taste complaints resolve after proper flushing.
3. Bypass the filter briefly and retest taste
Temporarily bypass the filter so water flows from the supply line without passing through the filter media. Take a fresh sample and taste or smell it. This step is crucial:
- If the metallic taste disappears when bypassed, the filter or its installation is the likely cause.
- If the taste remains when bypassed, the source is in the household plumbing or supply and not the filter.
4. Compare faucets and temperatures
Check water from another faucet (cold and hot). Metallic taste that appears only at one tap points to local piping or the faucet itself.
5. Inspect installation and components
Look for loose fittings, plastic protective caps left on the filter, or incorrect cartridges. Confirm the correct cartridge type for metals—most carbon filters do not remove dissolved metals.
6. Consider a short-term replacement or re-flush
If bypass testing shows the filter is the issue, re-install and flush again, or try another manufacturer-approved cartridge. Keep the original cartridge — do not discard it before you finish bypass testing and troubleshooting.
7. Test if the taste persists
If the taste continues after these steps, consider a municipal water quality report, a home test kit for common metals, or sending a sample to a certified lab to measure copper, iron, lead, and other metals.
What Not to Do
- Do not discard filters before bypass testing — you may need the original cartridge for comparison or testing.
- Do not assume boiling removes metals; boiling concentrates some contaminants and will not remove dissolved metals.
- Do not attempt aggressive pipe work or chemical treatments unless you are trained; that can make things worse or unsafe.
When to Call a Professional
- If the metallic taste remains after bypass testing and flushing, call a licensed plumber or your water utility.
- If you see blue-green staining, visible corrosion, or discolored water.
- If anyone has symptoms after drinking the water, or if you have an infant, pregnant household member, or immune-compromised person at home — consult a professional promptly.
- If a lab test shows elevated metal levels; a pro can advise remediation steps like point-of-use metal-specific filters or pipe repair.
Safety Notes
- Use bottled water for drinking and cooking if the taste is strong or you suspect contamination until the issue is resolved.
- Do not rely on smell alone; some metals and contaminants are not detectable by odor.
- Flushing is usually safe, but avoid consuming large amounts of water you suspect are contaminated.
- If you must test water for health-critical use, use certified lab testing rather than only home test strips for definitive results.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why did the taste start right after installing the filter? New filters often need flushing and can release carbon fines or change chemistry, making latent metallic tastes more noticeable.
- Can a carbon filter remove copper? Most standard carbon filters do not reliably remove dissolved metals; specific metal-reduction filters or reverse osmosis units are needed.
- How long should I wait before retesting? After flushing per the manufacturer, bypass and retest immediately; if you re-install, allow the full recommended flush period before using for drinking.
For more related articles, see the Metallic Taste, Copper Taste, or “Pennies” Smell hub.