If your water smells odd, looks cloudy, or comes out discolored after you turn it back on, it can be alarming. In most cases, this is temporary and caused by air, sediment, or disturbed minerals in the pipes — not contaminated water.
The issue usually clears with a few simple steps.
Quick Answer:
After a water shutoff, water may look cloudy or smell unusual due to trapped air or loosened sediment in the pipes. Running cold water for several minutes usually clears the issue and restores normal water quality.
Why This Happens
When water is shut off, pressure drops and pipes partially drain. When water is restored, the returning flow can stir up material that normally sits harmlessly inside the plumbing.
Common causes include:
- Air bubbles trapped in the water
- Sediment loosened from pipe walls
- Minerals disturbed inside water heaters
- Temporary changes from municipal supply lines
This often happens after turning your water back on after shutting it off, especially if multiple fixtures were opened at once.
Step-by-Step: What to Do If Water Looks or Smells Off
Step 1: Run Cold Water First
Choose the cold-water side of a sink and let it run for 2–5 minutes.
Watch for:
- Cloudiness clearing
- Smell fading
- Water returning to normal clarity
Cloudy water caused by air usually clears quickly.
Step 2: Check Multiple Faucets
Run cold water at:
- A kitchen sink
- A bathroom sink
- A bathtub or shower
If all fixtures improve, the issue is system-wide and temporary.
If only one fixture is affected, the problem may be localized — similar to only one faucet having low water pressure.
Step 3: Flush the Hot Water Lines
If the issue is only with hot water:
- Run the hot tap for several minutes
- Avoid drinking hot water until it runs clear
Sediment can settle inside water heaters during a shutoff and get stirred up when water returns.
Step 4: Remove and Clean Faucet Aerators
If discoloration or odor persists at one faucet:
- Remove the aerator
- Rinse out trapped debris
- Reinstall once water runs clear
This is common if you’ve also experienced faucets spitting air after turning the water back on.
Step 5: Wait a Short Period
In many cases, municipal systems need time to stabilize after maintenance or pressure changes.
If water continues to improve over 30–60 minutes, it’s usually safe.
What Not to Do
- Don’t drink or cook with discolored water
- Don’t panic and assume contamination immediately
- Don’t ignore strong sulfur or sewage odors
- Don’t run appliances until water is clear
Temporary discoloration is common — strong or persistent odors are not.
When to Call a Professional
Call a plumber or water utility if:
- Water smells like sewage or sulfur
- Discoloration lasts several hours
- Only hot water smells or looks rusty
- Neighbors report similar issues
If the problem coincides with problems after restoring water to the house across multiple fixtures, it may be related to supply-side work.
Safety Notes
- Always restore water slowly at the main valve
- Keep one faucet open during restoration
- Avoid drinking water until it runs clear
- Flush toilets and sinks before normal use
These steps reduce sediment movement and air buildup.
Common Homeowner Questions
Is cloudy water dangerous?
No. Cloudiness is often caused by air bubbles and clears quickly.
Why does my water smell metallic?
Sediment or minerals stirred up during the shutoff can temporarily affect smell.
How long should I wait before using the water?
Once water runs clear and odor-free for several minutes, it’s usually safe.