Why Does My Water Smell… Off?
If your water has a strange odor, musty, metallic, or just unpleasant, there’s usually an underlying cause. We help you figure out what’s going on.
A simple test helps you understand what’s really going on and what to do next.
Water Test Kit with Expert Analysis & Guided Solutions
Water Test Kit with Expert Analysis & Guided Solutions
Simply collect a small water sample at home and send it back with a prepaid label.
We analyze your water and look at the full picture based on what you’re experiencing. Then we walk you through your results in plain language so you know exactly what’s going on.
Based on your results, we put together a clear, practical game plan for your home. That may include specific water systems, filters, or accessories, depending on what your water actually needs. You’ll get exact recommendations designed to fix your issues, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
What we test for:
City Water: pH, Hardness, Total Dissolved Solids, Iron, Copper, Total Chlorine
Well Water: pH, Hardness, Ferric Iron, Ferrous Iron, Total Iron, Total Dissolved Solids, Nitrates, Nitrites, Copper
Get Your Test Kit FREE
We’ll credit 100% of the cost toward any order over $500
What Causes Smelly Water?
Water shouldn’t have a noticeable smell. If it does, something in your water, or your plumbing, is likely causing it.
Common causes include:
- Naturally occurring minerals
Iron and other minerals can create metallic or earthy odors - Bacteria in your water or pipes
Certain bacteria can create unpleasant smells, especially in well water - Chlorine or treatment chemicals
Municipal water can sometimes have a strong chemical smell - Your water heater
Odors that only show up in hot water often point to your heater, not your water source - Stagnant water or plumbing buildup
Water sitting in pipes can develop a smell over time
See exactly how our water test kit works
In this quick walkthrough, we show you what’s included, how to collect your sample, and what happens after you send it back. You’ll also see how our team analyzes your results and recommends the right solution for your home.
- What’s included in your kitading quality
- How to collect and send your sample
- What you’ll get after we analyze your water
Not Just A Water Test Kit
Get your water tested, and a solution built for your home by real experts who actually help you fix it.
- We don’t just give you results, we tell you exactly what to do next
- Speak with a real expert (not AI, not a generic report)
- Get a system recommendation based on your water and your home
- Ongoing support, even after you buy
Why this is different:
Most water tests fall into two categories, and both miss the mark.
- Test strips and basic kits give you quick results, but they’re often inaccurate and leave you guessing what to do next
- Large lab tests go deeper, but they’re expensive, take longer, and still don’t tell you how to actually fix your water
We combine the best of both, accurate testing with real expert guidance, so you get clear answers and a plan.
If you move forward with a system, we’ll credit the full cost of the test back to you.
This Isn't Just a Test, It's A Plan
Who This Is For
This is for homeowners who want to fix their water, not guess.
If you’re noticing things like staining, buildup, or water that smells or tastes off, the next step isn’t picking a system, it’s understanding what’s actually causing it.
Once you know that, everything else becomes clear.
Test first. Then choose the right solution.
It’s a quick, affordable first step.and if you move forward with a system, we’ll credit the full cost of the test back to you.
What We Test For
City Water Testing Includes: pH, Hardness, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Iron, Copper, and Total Chlorine
Well Water Testing Includes: pH, Hardness, Ferric Iron, Ferrous Iron, Total Iron, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Nitrates, Nitrites, and Copper
Your Water Test Kit Guide
We’ve put together a simple guide to help you understand your results when they come in.
It covers what we test for, what’s considered normal, and what different results might mean for your home, so you’re not left guessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my results?
How long does it take to get my results?
Most results are available within 5–10 business days after your sample is received.
Once results are ready, our team reviews them and helps you understand exactly what they mean, not just the numbers, but what they mean for your home and equipment.
What does this water test measure?
What does this water test measure?
Your report will include analysis for:
- Hardness
- Iron & Manganese
- pH & corrosivity
- Sulfur (odor issues)
- Nitrates & Nitrites
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
Is this better than a free water test from a local company?
Is this better than a free water test from a local company?
Free tests are often limited in scope and may be designed to support a specific product sale.
Our testing uses certified lab analysis and is reviewed by an independent team of water specialists. You receive unbiased results and recommendations based on your water, not a sales script.
I’m on city water. Do I still need testing?
I’m on city water. Do I still need testing?
Yes, many homeowners on municipal water still experience:
- Hard water scale
- Chlorine taste and odor
- Corrosion issues
- Pipe staining
City water is treated, but that doesn’t always mean it’s optimized for your plumbing, appliances, or preferences.
Testing helps you make informed decisions instead of guessing.
I’m on well water. Is this required?
I’m on well water. Is this required?
If you're on well water, testing is strongly recommended.
Well water quality can vary significantly depending on location, season, and environmental factors. Regular testing ensures you're protecting your home, plumbing, and health.
What happens after I receive my results?
What happens after I receive my results?
This is where Water eStore is different.
We don’t just email you a PDF and disappear.
Our team:
- Reviews your results with you
- Explains what matters (and what doesn’t)
- Recommends the right solution, if needed
Sometimes that’s a filter.
Sometimes it’s a system.
Sometimes it’s no action at all.
Our goal is clarity, not pushing equipment.
Can I use the results to choose a water system?
Can I use the results to choose a water system?
Yes, and that’s one of the biggest benefits.
Your test results allow us to recommend the correct filtration or treatment system based on real data. That prevents overbuying, underbuying, and unnecessary equipment.
Already Have a Water Test? We’ll Review It.
If you've had your water tested at a local lab or through another service, we can help you make sense of the results and what to do next.
Here’s how it works:
- Upload your test results here, or email them to us at info@waterestore.com
- Our team will review your report and follow up with expert guidance on the right system or filters for your home