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    peterandtracy's Avatar
    peterandtracy Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jul 3, 2010, 03:51 PM
    Strong chemical smell from new copper pipes.
    We just had new copper pipe installed that feeds cold water to our kitchen faucet. As soon as the work was complete, we noticed a strong chemical smell to the water. Our contractor suggested letting the water run for about 15min, but we've now done that a few times and the smell has not gone away. Does anyone know what the cause is? Is it a health risk? Will it eventually go away (it was installed 3 days ago). Any help would be appreciated.
    Thanks!
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #2

    Jul 3, 2010, 07:13 PM

    Chlorine? Does it smell like bleach?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #3

    Jul 4, 2010, 06:14 AM

    Does the hot water out of the faucet smell as well? Let me know, Tom
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #4

    Jul 4, 2010, 07:06 AM

    KISS is asking you to describe the smell? Was there any of the joints soldered? Back to you, Tom
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #5

    Jul 4, 2010, 08:56 PM

    Bump. Check comments.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #6

    Jul 4, 2010, 09:32 PM

    Chlorine smells a little like petroleum. It also would not be present in the hot water because the anode rod will get rid of most of it.

    Occaisionally (rare) water treatment plants end up putting an excess of chlorine in the water. If you have been in a heavily chlorinated pool and took in some water you'd know what it tastes like.

    My best guess at this point is a chlorination glitch. We just had one recently.

    Also, the water company routinely disenfects pipes and that could also be the cause. I doubt it's the plumber.

    Might take 2 weeks to go away.

    You might call the water dept and ask if there was a chlorine glitch or they disenfected pipes serving you.
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