Why Some People’s Drinking Water Still Tastes Funny—Even After Filtering

🥴 "Why does my water still taste weird after filtering?"

If you’ve installed a filter but your drinking water still smells off or tastes strange—you're not alone.

Maybe it’s got a metallic, chlorine-like, or even musty taste. Some people even say it tastes like plastic.

Let’s break down why that happens and what you can do to fix it—because clean water should taste clean, too.

🧪 Reason 1: Your Filter Doesn’t Remove Everything

Not all filters are created equal. Many basic filters only reduce chlorine and large sediment. But water contains a lot more than that.

Here’s what might still be in your water:

• Chloramine – A chemical disinfectant used instead of chlorine in many cities. It’s harder to remove and causes a strong chemical taste.
  ➡️ CDC on Chloramines

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – These come from industrial waste or agricultural runoff. Some have strong smells, like plastic or fuel.
  ➡️ EPA on VOCs in Drinking Water

• Metallic tastes from iron, copper or zinc – Often caused by old plumbing, especially in high-rise apartments or older homes.
  ➡️ WHO – Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality

If your filter doesn’t specifically target these contaminants, they might still be in your glass.

🧼 Reason 2: Dirty or Expired Filters

When was the last time you changed your filter?

• Clogged filters can start releasing trapped bacteria and residue back into the water.

• Expired cartridges lose their effectiveness, letting unpleasant tastes or smells come through.

Even worse—bacteria can grow inside filters if they’re not maintained properly. This can create a musty or swampy taste.

📅 Tip: Most filters need changing every 3–6 months, depending on your water source and usage. Always follow your brand’s recommended schedule.

🧫 Reason 3: Biofilm Buildup in the Dispenser or Pipes

Even with a good filter, taste issues can come from the system itself—especially if the unit isn’t cleaned regularly.

Common taste-causing sources include:

• Slime-like biofilm inside the filter housing or faucet head

• Mold in water jugs or fridge dispensers

• Mineral buildup in internal plumbing

Cleaning only the outside of your dispenser isn’t enough. The inside matters most.

🚰 Reason 4: Your Water Source Is Still the Same

A filter can only do so much if the source water quality is poor.

• High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) like sodium, nitrate, or sulfate can give water a salty or bitter aftertaste—even after filtration.

• Contaminated groundwater or nearby construction can change the water composition over time.

Even a top-notch filter might not fix a deeply contaminated water source without multi-stage filtration or reverse osmosis.

✅ How to Fix It: Choose the Right Filter for the Right Job

To truly get great-tasting, clean water, you need to:

🔹 Match the filter to your water issues:

• Activated carbon filters → Good for chlorine, odors, VOCs

• KDF & ceramic filters → Better for heavy metals and bacteria

• Reverse osmosis → Best for total taste neutrality (removes almost everything)

🔹 Maintain your system regularly:

• Replace cartridges as recommended

• Clean inside and outside components

• Flush the system before use after long inactivity

🔹 Use a trusted brand:

Not all filters are independently tested. Look for ones certified by NSF, WQA, or tested for specific contaminants.

💡 Why People Shop Filters at ShopNSave

At ShopNSave, we:

• Offer a wide range of filters for different water problems

• Carry certified brands trusted in Malaysia

• Help you choose based on your local water quality and housing type

• Make it easy to stock up on authentic replacement cartridges

💬 Final Thought: If It Doesn’t Taste Right, Something’s Not Right

Filtered water should be crisp, clean, and tasteless—or at least refreshing.

If your water still tastes off after filtering, don’t just ignore it.
It might be a sign that:

• You need a different filter type

• Your system needs cleaning

• Or your water needs more advanced treatment

💧 Find the Right Filter for You

Shop All Water Filters →