why does our water smell fishy?

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why does our water smell fishy?
Author: busterhead (WI) Hi, We have well water. For the last week I have noticed that our water smells fishy. I noticed it on our clothes and in our kitchen sink. Any ideas? thanks!
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Re: why does our water smell fishy?
Author: redwood (CT) Wait for a post by GSchreiber, CWSVI Chances are he will tell you exactly what type of funk is growing in your water system. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Since 1995 (3 years before Google started) PlumbingSupply.com has been THE best plumbing supplier on the web. Please visit our sponsor [www.PlumbingSupply.com]
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Re: why does our water smell fishy?
Author: LemonPlumber (FL) Is the smell limited to the hot side?Good Luck.Do you have common source heat and hot water boiler?
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Re: why does our water smell fishy?
Author: busterhead (WI) I'm not sure if it is limited to the hot side. We have our washing machine set to receive a mix of hot/cold. I will have to investigate that further. I'm not sure if I understand the second part of your question. We have a gas water heater, which is separate from the furnace.
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Re: why does our water smell fishy?
Author: LemonPlumber (FL) If you find it is limited to the hot side ,check to see what type anode rod you have..Treatment of the tank and new dissimilar anode may correct.Good Luck.as Red stated ,there is a certified water specialist who may help farther.
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Re: why does our water smell fishy?
Author: dlh (TX) really? i have never heard of the anode rod making the water smell fishy - - - - - - - PLUMBERS "Protecting The Health Of The Nation"
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Re: why does our water smell fishy?
Author: redwood (CT) Neither have I... Fish pee in water though.... - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Since 1995 (3 years before Google started) PlumbingSupply.com has been THE best plumbing supplier on the web. Please visit our sponsor [www.PlumbingSupply.com]
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Re: why does our water smell fishy?

Author: GSchreiber, CWSVI (MN)

I am not sure about your question. Well water typically will not have a "fishy" odor to it. However, different people (smellers) will interpret an odor differently. You said "I noticed it on our clothes and in our kitchen sink.". Is it in the water itself? If the odor is in the water itself it is necessary to have the water analyzed to determine the causer. It could be bacterial. If it it just on the clothes and in the sink but not in the water then you need to find the source.

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Re: why does our water smell fishy?

Author: busterhead (WI)

Thanks for all of the replies. I realized that maybe I wasn't smelling it in the kitchen sink but on the dish rags that went through the wash machine. I just found out that our sump pump, which is very near our washing machine was accidentally turned off for a few days. maybe something started to grow in the sump pump and worked its way back through the hose to the washer? anyway, I'm treating the washer with bleach. If that doesn't clear it up I will have the water tested. thanks!

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