Quick Answer:
If you notice a metallic or flux-like taste right after new copper or soldered work, stop drinking the water, isolate the new section, and flush the line. The taste is commonly from residual flux, small copper particles, or air in the system. In most cases a careful flush and isolation check solves it; if the taste remains, call a plumber or contact your water provider.
Why This Happens
New copper pipe and soldered joints can leave small amounts of flux, solder residue, or loose copper particles in the water until the lines are flushed. Heat from soldering can also cause a temporary metallic flavor. If air pockets remain in the system, oxidized metal particles can concentrate and increase taste. These are usually temporary and not a sign of long-term contamination, but they should be treated cautiously until cleared.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Stop using the water for drinking or cooking
- Use bottled water or another safe source for drinking and food prep until you confirm the taste is gone.
- Leave taps closed except for the ones you will use to flush and test.
2. Bypass newly installed pipe section to isolate
Find the shutoff valves that let you isolate the new section and open the bypass valve or route water around the new piece so the rest of the house remains supplied. If your system has a built-in bypass, use it. The goal is to compare water taste from the bypass versus water that has flowed through the new work.
- If water from the bypass tastes normal, the new section is the likely source.
- If you don’t have a safe bypass or aren’t sure which valves to use, stop and call a professional—do not create improvised high-pressure connections.
3. Flush the new pipe thoroughly
Open a cold-water tap downstream of the new section and let it run at full flow. Flush until the water is clear and any metallic taste diminishes. Typical guidance:
- Flush for 5–10 minutes initially; if taste persists, continue in 5– to 10-minute increments and recheck.
- Check both a faucet and an outdoor hose bib if available; different fixtures can clear at different rates.
4. Test and compare
After flushing, taste-test the water from:
- The bypassed supply (if available)
- The outlet directly downstream of the new pipe
If only the downstream water tastes metallic, the new section still has residue and needs more flushing or attention from your installer.
5. If flushing doesn’t work, take further steps
- Run hot water through the new section for a few minutes—this can help remove oils and flux residues—but only after significant cold-water flushing and if the installer advised it.
- Collect a sample in a clean container and compare it to the bypassed sample to document the problem before calling a pro.
What Not to Do
- Do not pressurize new pipes without flushing. Pressurizing before cleaning can push residue further into the system and risks spreading contaminants or damaging joints.
- Do not attempt makeshift pressurized connections or use blowers to “clear” the pipe—these can cause leaks or safety hazards.
- Do not assume a short rinse is enough—feel free to flush longer if the taste persists, but stop and get help if unsure.
When to Call a Professional
- The metallic taste remains after thorough flushing and isolation tests.
- You discover leaks, pressure loss, or visible solder flux that won’t come out.
- You cannot safely isolate or bypass the new section or you’re unsure about the valves and valves’ positions.
- You have concerns about water safety for infants, pregnant people, or immunocompromised household members.
Safety Notes
- If the water tastes strongly chemical or you smell solvent, stop using it and contact the installer or a professional immediately.
- Use bottled water for drinking and cooking until you are sure the water is clear and tastes normal.
- Avoid DIY solutions that require cutting, reheating, or forcing pipes under pressure—these should be handled by someone experienced.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Will the taste go away on its own?
Often yes—after flushing and a few days of normal use the taste usually disappears. If it doesn’t, have it checked. - Can I drink the water if it tastes metallic?
It’s safer to avoid drinking until you can flush and verify the taste is gone. Use bottled water for sensitive uses. - Are there related issues I should watch for?
Yes—check for discoloration, low pressure, or persistent particles. Also see the notes about Copper taste after water outage and Copper taste in laundry water for similar scenarios and tips.
Related Articles
If you’re troubleshooting a similar symptom, these guides may help:
For the full directory, see Metallic Taste, Copper Taste, or “Pennies” Smell.