Water can pick up a smell after a power outage because the water heater cooled and the pressure dropped. The smell usually clears with flushing and heat.
The heater
The water heater cools during an outage, and the warm tank can grow bacteria. mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines In National City, the smell shows on the hot side.
The pressure
A pressure drop can disturb sediment in the pipes and the tank. mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines In National City, the disturbance tints the first draws.
The sediment
Stirred sediment from the main or the heater can carry a smell. mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines In National City, flushing the lines clears it.
The restart
After power returns, the heater reheats and the smell often fades. mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines In National City, the cycle restores the water.
The flush
Running the taps and flushing the heater removes the stale water. mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines In National City, the flush is the first step.
The sanitize
If the smell persists, sanitizing the tank kills the growth. mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines In National City, a pro can do it.
The call
Restore the water after the outage. Call 888-217-3585 and National City Plumbing Pros will match you with a National City pro for the fix.
Plumbing in National City: what to know
In National City, mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across San Diego County — from Coronado, Chula Vista and Lemon Grove to ZIP codes like 91950, 92136, 92113 — 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 National City?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and National City Plumbing Pros will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in National City.