You might have noticed that your Zero Water filter smells like fish. You’re not alone – many people notice this smell when their water is filtered through a Zero Water filter. But what causes the smell, and why does it happen? We’ll answer those questions below!
The ZeroWater Filter, What Is It?
The ZeroWater Filter is a product that uses ion-exchange technology to remove dissolved minerals from water.
This makes the water taste cleaner, and also removes any strange odors it may have. It’s not uncommon for this filtration process to leave behind an unusual or unpleasant smell of its own – which many people find smells like fish!
How Do The Five-Step System Work?
The five-step Zero Water Filter system is designed to remove dissolved minerals from the water. A majority of chemical reactions have a pH range that falls between 0 and 14 on the scale, with each number representing tenfold change in acidity or alkalinity.
The typical tap water pH ranges from around six to seven which is mildly acidic, while purified drinking water typically has a neutral pH close to seven.
The Ionization Process – What Is It?
In order for ion exchange filters like ours to work properly they must be prepped before use by running three gallons of filtered tap water through them and back into your sink faucet.
After this process you should notice an immediate difference when it comes time to drink your newly filtered water!
Natural Minerals in Drinking Water: The smelly culprits are hydrogen sulfide, iron bacteria or certain types of algae – all naturally occurring minerals that can occasionally bring on the fishy smell if their levels rise too high.
In general these are harmless constituents so there is no need for concern over what might be causing the odor; but sometimes a home’s plumbing system may be the problem.
In our experience, most of the time this issue is caused by a water-to-faucet joint that has been oxidized and allowed to accumulate sediment.
When you turn on your faucet it releases these minerals into the water which then flows through your pipes.
A simple fix for this would be to have an experienced plumber replace these parts with new components – but before you call one over check out how we’ve solved the same problem!
What Causing Fish Smell in the ZeroWater Filter?
The smell could be coming from several places. But one of the most common ones is because there are filters with anion resins, which release trimethylamine. That is a type of gas that smells like rotten fish.
If the smell is coming from your tap, it may simply be mineral deposits. And most of the time this issue is caused by a water-to-faucet joint that has been oxidized and allowed to accumulate sediment.
When you turn on your faucet it releases these minerals into the water which then flows through your pipes.
Does the company aware of this problem?
ZeroWater does not mention this as a potential problem. However, the company mentioned this problem on their website. It was clear that they were aware of it then.
Official solution
You should replace the filter if you have too much TDS (total dissolved solids) in your tap water (water chemistry varies by source and how it is treated locally by your town or municipality). It’s important to periodically test your filtered water with a meter to check. When the meter reads 006 or higher, replace the filter.
How to Remove Fish Smell in the ZeroWater Filter
The best way to remove the fishy smell is by simply running water through it. This will flush out any buildup or residue that could be causing the problem.
If you find your ZeroWater filter still smells like rotten fish, then take a few minutes and check these simple steps:
Is your tap dripping?
This can allow sediment from minerals in the pipes to accumulate on joint fittings which release into water when you turn on faucet.
Does the smell only come through after long periods of use (hours)?
If so, this may mean there are mineral deposits building up inside your filter cartridge because it not getting enough fresh air and drying time between uses. Check for grayish clumps around filters receptacles if this the case.
Solution 1 – Cleaning Your ZeroWater Filter
The first thing you should do if you notice a bad taste or smell coming from your filter is clean it thoroughly. To make a cleaning solution, mix ammonia and lemon. Wash the plastic parts with this. Rest them overnight. Rinse them off the next day.
Solution 2 – Fill half
Fill the water reservoir up less than half-way. It is not as convenient, but the filters last a lot longer without any fishy smell!
Solution 3 – Clean Your Faucet Joints, Hoses & Plumbing
If you find that these steps don’t work, there may be a buildup of minerals on your faucet joints which is causing the problem (again). So removing this would require an experienced plumber to come over and do some dirty work! But before doing so we recommend giving our tips another try.
Final Words
Despite the fact that it may not be a permanent solution, you could try it. Maybe it will work so the smell doesn’t come back.
If your ZeroWater filter has been smelling like fish, there are a few simple things to try before calling in an expert (although we do have steps above).
Other than this minor problem, it’s important to know how to use and care for your water filtration system so as not to worsen any problems!
We hope one of them helps with solving this issue for you! And please let us know if they did by commenting below or emailing [email protected] . We love hearing feedback!
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