Quick Answer:
Stagnant water sitting in pipes while you were away can pick up metals or smells. Start by flushing the lowest fixtures in your house, then run cold and hot taps until water smells and tastes normal. If the metallic taste remains after a full flush, call a plumber or get your water tested.
Why This Happens
When water sits in pipes for days or weeks it can leach small amounts of metal from fittings, loose scale, or the hot water heater lining. Chlorine and other disinfectants also change over time and can leave an odd taste. Hot water can make metal tastes stronger because the heater accelerates corrosion and releases scale. Old plumbing or parts with corrosion are more likely to cause noticeable metallic flavors.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Flush the lowest fixtures first
Open the lowest faucets and hose bibs in the house (basement spigots, laundry room faucets, floor drains) and let them run for several minutes. Flushing from the lowest point pushes stale water out and helps clear the whole system.
2. Move through the house methodically
After the lowest fixtures, open each sink, tub and shower one at a time. Run cold water first, then hot, until the water is clear and the smell or taste is gone. Spend at least 2–5 minutes per fixture, more if the line runs a long distance.
3. Pay special attention to hot water
Run hot taps for several minutes to clear the water heater’s lines. If the issue appears only after using hot water, that points to the heater or its anode rod as the source. If you notice this, check the hot water system and consider professional service. If needed, refer to Metallic taste only in hot water for more focused steps.
4. Check and clean faucet aerators and filters
Mineral deposits and bits of scale can build up in aerators, screens and inline filters. Unscrew aerators, rinse or soak them, and run the tap without the aerator to see if the taste clears.
5. Flush outdoor taps and refrigerator lines
Open outdoor hose bibs and run water for a few minutes. Also run the water dispenser and ice maker lines in refrigerators. Pay attention to any unusual smell at the outdoor spigot or exterior outlets, and inspect those fittings. If you notice odors outside, see advice related to Metallic smell from outdoor spigot.
6. Test and monitor
- Compare the tap water to bottled water if you’re unsure. If the metallic taste persists after flushing, limit use for drinking and cooking.
- If your home has a whole-house filter or softener, follow the manufacturer’s startup and flush procedures after a long shutdown.
What Not to Do
- Do not drink vacation-return water until flushed. Use bottled water or water you have verified is clear and free of off tastes for drinking and cooking.
- Do not add chemicals to your plumbing unless a qualified professional recommends and approves them.
- Do not ignore ongoing discoloration, rust, or a persistent metallic taste — these are signs of a continuing problem.
When to Call a Professional
- If the metallic taste or smell continues after you’ve flushed all fixtures.
- If water is discolored (brown, red) or you see visible corrosion on pipes or fittings.
- If you have older plumbing and are concerned about lead or other metals — a plumber can test, inspect, and recommend replacements or filters.
Safety Notes
- Boiling water does not remove metals or many dissolved minerals. Do not rely on boiling to make metal-tainted water safe.
- If you suspect lead or other hazardous metals, stop using the water for drinking and cooking and get a professional water test.
- When working on faucets or the heater, shut off valves only if you are comfortable doing so; otherwise, wait for a professional to avoid causing leaks or damage.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why does the metallic taste go away after running the tap? — Flushing replaces stagnant water with fresh supply that hasn’t sat in the pipes.
- Is it dangerous to drink this water once it tastes metallic? — It’s best to avoid drinking until you flush; occasional metallic taste is usually not acute poisoning, but persistent metal presence needs testing.
- Can I fix this myself? — Basic flushing and cleaning aerators you can do; persistent issues, discoloration, or signs of corrosion should be handled by a professional.
For more related articles, see the Metallic Taste, Copper Taste, or “Pennies” Smell hub.