Ensure you have a non-return valve connected to hoses from dishwashers and washing machines to minimise any TCP, metallic or chemical tastes and smells.
Customers occasionally contact Hartlepool Water to report their tap water has an unpleasant taste, often described as TCP, metallic, chemical, medicinal, or bitter. Sometimes this taste occurs only in boiled drinks, or when a glass of water has stood for a long period of time.
These tastes and odours can be caused by the reaction between chlorine, present in tap water and plastic or rubber components found in common household appliances such as kettles, tap washers, and the hoses connecting dishwashers and washing machines to the mans supply.
The problem is extremely simple to solve:
- To confirm whether the kettle is causing the unpleasant taste try making a hot rink with the water boiled in a saucepan and compare the taste with one made from the kettle. If the taste is no longer present then the likely cause is the kettle gasket that seals the elements to the side of the kettle. This is often most noticeable with new kettles. The problem may well go away with time if the kettle is new. Boiling fresh water each time may also help to keep the taste to a minimum.
- To confirm whether the dishwasher or washing machine is the cause, isolate the hose and taste the water again. If this solves the problem, you could fit a non-return valve on the end of the hose where it connects to the pipework.