Quick Answer:
If your tap water feels slick right after city crews repaired a street main, it’s most likely residue from pipe cleaners or lubricants used during the repair. Stop using the water for food prep until you flush and confirm the water is clear, and contact your water utility to ask about the exact materials they used.
Why This Happens
When crews work on street mains they sometimes use temporary lubricants, anti-corrosion coatings, or flushing agents to protect the pipe or to help seals seat correctly. These products can travel through the system in small amounts and make water feel slippery or look slightly cloudy. Changes in pressure during repair and the subsequent flushing of the main can dislodge deposits inside pipes and push them into service lines.
If you notice a strange flavor or film, it may be related to routine post-repair flushing rather than contamination. If taste or smell is a concern, see resources about Soapy taste in tap water and Soapy water after outage.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Stop using the water for drinking and cooking
- Use bottled water for drinking and food preparation until you confirm the water is clear and odor-free.
2. Check multiple taps
- Test cold water from an outdoor spigot and an indoor faucet. If only one fixture is affected, the issue may be in that appliance or pipe rather than the main.
3. Flush your cold-water lines
- Open cold taps on each floor and let them run for several minutes until water runs clear and the slick sensation is gone. Start with the lowest fixture and move to the highest if you have a multi-story home.
4. Ask the utility about lubricants used during repair
- Call the water utility or public works department. Ask what products they used, if they performed a flush, and whether they have safety data sheets (SDS) or specific guidance for homeowners.
- Record the time you noticed the issue and any observations (smell, taste, color) to share with them.
5. Run appliances only after clearing
- After lines run clear, run a small cycle on dishwashers or washing machines with no laundry to clear any residual water in their supply lines before normal use.
6. Test if you remain concerned
- If the utility can’t reassure you or residue persists, consider having your water tested by a certified lab for common contaminants and pH/soap-like residues.
What Not to Do
- Do not run appliances until city work residues clear.
- Do not mix household chemicals to try to remove residues from drains — that can create hazardous reactions.
- Avoid using hot water for flushing first; hot water can draw contaminants into water heaters. Start with cold taps.
When to Call a Professional
- Call your water utility if you see persistent slickness, unusual color, strong chemical smells, or if multiple homes in your area are affected.
- Contact a licensed plumber if only your house is affected after the utility confirms the main was flushed. A plumber can inspect service lines, filters, and appliances.
- If anyone in the home feels ill after using the water, seek medical advice and inform your utility.
Safety Notes
- Keep children and pets away from water you suspect is contaminated until it is cleared.
- If the utility provides a safety data sheet (SDS) for a product used, read the precautions and follow disposal and exposure guidance.
- Document communications with the utility (times, names, advice given) in case you need to escalate the issue.
Common Homeowner Questions
- How long will the slick feel last? Usually a few hours to a day after flushing; if it lasts longer contact the utility.
- Is boiling the water helpful? Boiling won’t remove chemical residues or oils; it’s better to flush and check with the utility.
- Should I use filters? Point-of-use filters can help with taste and small residues, but confirm the issue source first to choose the right filter type.