If you encounter an unusual taste in your water, how do you determine where it's coming from? Is it just when connected to town water, only from the tank, or both?
If the taste is just coming from the tank, jump to Step 5.
Step 1 - Run a couple of litres through the hose tap that you are going to be using, then taste that water directly from the tap. If it's okay, go to Step 2.
Not okay? The source water is the issue. Depending on what is causing the taste, you will need a good water filter or a water conditioner - or both to treat the flavour.
Step 2 - Connect your water hose to the tap and taste the water coming out of the hose. It should taste the same as the tap did in Step 1.
If the water from the hose tastes okay, go to Step 3.
If it's not okay and there is a plastic/chemical taste, you will need to replace the hose. Always ensure you are using a food-grade hose. Food grade manufacturers recommend replacing it every 5 years.
Note: We got caught once and had to use a garden hose which tainted our tanks. It took 3 weeks of continual use for the taste to fade out of the tanks!
Step 3 - If you use a filter on your hose line, connect is to the end of your hose and taste the water directly from it. If it tastes okay, go to Step 4.
If this produces a dry, metallic taste, it is generally just oxygen caught in the pores of the carbon. It won't hurt, just make you thirsty. Generally, running several litres of water through the filter to flush out the air will fix this.
If it tastes the same as the tap did in Step 1, replace the filter. If there is a chemical smell, also replace the filter.
Step 4 - It's time to get physical. To prove that the water lines in the rig are okay, you will need to disconnect the tubing from the sink tap under the sink. Do a taste test from here.
If it's okay, your tap has a problem and the simplest fix is to replace it. If it's not okay, it means that the problem is in your pipework... Or is it?
Step 5 - Some water tanks produce a plastic/chemical taste, which can taint your pipework. If possible, disconnect the outlet pipe from the tank and do a taste test directly from the tank. If the taste is coming from the tank, try our tank cleaning tips. (See the FAQ's on our website.)
If it's okay, then your problem lies in the pipework between the tank and your tap outlet.
