A swampy, earthy smell in the water comes from organic compounds and the bacteria that make them. The odor is cosmetic but worth tracing.
The source
Earthy and musty odors come from compounds released by algae and bacteria. hard water and humid conditions are common, and coastal salt air accelerates corrosion on fittings In St. Petersburg, the smell can come from the reservoir or the pipes.
The reservoir
Algae in the source water adds the earthy taste and smell during the warm season. hard water and humid conditions are common, and coastal salt air accelerates corrosion on fittings In St. Petersburg, the utility's treatment addresses the seasonal bloom.
The pipes
Bacteria in the home's pipes can produce the odor where the water sits. hard water and humid conditions are common, and coastal salt air accelerates corrosion on fittings In St. Petersburg, the first draw of the day is the strongest.
The heater
The water heater can host the bacteria, especially at low temperatures. hard water and humid conditions are common, and coastal salt air accelerates corrosion on fittings In St. Petersburg, raising the temperature and flushing helps.
The taste
The earthy compounds affect the taste as well as the smell. hard water and humid conditions are common, and coastal salt air accelerates corrosion on fittings In St. Petersburg, carbon filtration removes both.
The fix
Carbon filtration clears the odor, and sanitizing the system addresses the growth. hard water and humid conditions are common, and coastal salt air accelerates corrosion on fittings In St. Petersburg, a pro can install the treatment.
The call
Clear the swampy smell. Call 888-217-3585 and St. Petersburg Home Plumbing Co will match you with a St. Petersburg pro who tests.
Plumbing in St. Petersburg: what to know
In St. Petersburg, hard water and humid conditions are common, and coastal salt air accelerates corrosion on fittings. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Pinellas County — from Gulfport, Kenneth City and South Pasadena to ZIP codes like 33701, 33705, 33712 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in St. Petersburg?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and St. Petersburg Home Plumbing Co will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in St. Petersburg.