THIS FINALLY ANSWERED A PROBLEM I'VE BEEN HAVING FOR 2 WEEKS THAT STARTED SUDDENLY! My filter is almost 3 months old, I'm in SW Florida, AND the tap water is heavily chlorinated. I solely use my zero filter for making ice in my ice trays And I use bottled water to drink. All of a sudden 2 weeks ago, fat side of my freezer, (I have two separate freezer compartments separated completely in my RV fridge) All the ice, the ice trays, the plastic ice bucket, and the plastic drawers in that side of the freezer that I keep the ice in, started wreaking a fish. It's because I make all of my ice trays using my zero water filter/pitcher. My water started tasting a little fishy when I would use ice with it also. All this time I could not figure out what the problem was, I even checked the hoses that go to my RV that my water runs through, and couldn't figure out the problem. This video completely explains it. It turns out it is simply a bad Zero filter!!! THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO!!! THIS EXPLAINED IT ALL PERFECTLY. 🙏🙏🙏 Such a relief!!!
I've had this question for almost 20 years. This is how long I've been using Zero Water. Thank you from Orlando, FL USA. I've always kept on the kitchen counter. Now I will keep it in the fridge.
@@TheScott10012 My family likes room temperature, so the fridge experiment failed. I'm still changing pitcher every 3 months. We have a water cooler with the Zero Water Dual filter on top. That one is every 6 months.
Thank you. You’ve answered the question I’ve been concerned about. I had spoken to Zero Water’s customer service a few times and they really didn’t give me an answer. ZW must get this question a lot…maybe they should refer people to your video.
I'm here because of the fishy smell. Wife complained about it in the tea kettle filled with zero water. Never had an issue with the first filter, just now with this second filter after around 2 months. I keep the water in the refrigerator. BUT, the smell really doesn't appear until the water is heated. So thanks for this video. Next question is whether or not this chemical causing the smell is harmful.
Thanks for sharing this video. I live in an apartment building with old pipes and in an area very close to a sewage plant so filtering our water is an absolute must! My water started tasting off a couple of days back but was testing at .000 so I couldn't understand it. I use a spray bottle filled with filtered water on my face after showering and noticed the fish smell had gotten more off putting. This morning was the last straw though when my breakfast was accompanied by a big hot steaming cuppa FISH tea! Down the drain it went, cleaned out the pitcher, and a new filter went in. Fingers crossed this one lasts longer than the last one and I never have to experience fishy tea ever again! Cheers!
I couldn't figure out why every time I would take a sip of water it tasted like DEATH! I'm not exaggerating. I thought there was something wrong with me! LoL, Thank you for this. I had to hand wash my pitcher then run it through the dishwasher top rack twice. Since where I live was ground zero for hurricane Ian and our water supply is still being treated with heavy chemicals I have been using bottled spring water the whole time. I was keeping the pitcher in the fridge, but I go through water so fast it was easier to start keeping it on the counter. That is when I noticed the change. I just purchased a new filter and It will go back in the fridge from now on. Thanks again!
Unfortunally i bought a lot of filters...a fortune...in 2 or 3 weeks they all smell like dead fish...Thymetylalanine can be a severe health problem for some people.
I have a glass Zerowater and we live in a very hot country. Thailand. I've been using Zerowater for year with no smell. My theory is always keep it full so the filter is always underwater. Each time I use water from it, I top it up again straight away
I kept mine wet and at first thought this is what caused the horrible fish odor after one week with my new Zero…I think it’s just that it gets exposed to sun and my tap water is naturally warm. I’m returning mine.
I always keep my picture in the refrigerator even while it's filtering. My first filter lasts at 3 months before it started smelling like fish. I cleaned the picture and put a new filter in and it only lasted a month before it started smelling like fish. As I said, I do not keep my picture on the counter. I always keep it in the fridge so that I always have cold water to drink. I am still baffled on why it turns so fast.
Thanks for sharing I have the bigger dispenser that I keep in the fridge. The filter would last about 3 1/2 to 4 months. We’re on we’ll water. When it got time to change the filter, we got a sulfur taste and smell to the water.
I want to add in order to lower the chlorine in the tap water, you can leave it evaporate. I fill 3 bottles of water for the day, I don’t cap them to allow the evaporation of chlorine (it takes around 15 minutes) Thank’s for the research, very informative!💦
We have the worst water in Jax, FL. We were using Brita and switched to zero a few years ago. Love the zero water, however, we have to replace the filter every 2 weeks. Needless to say we buy filters in bulk. The fishy smell is quite overwhelming... Thank you for sharing this information! All makes sense now and the pitcher is going in the frig.
Also PRE FILTER YOUR WATER with a brita filter/any charcoal filter. Let this cheaper coarser filter deal with the bulk of the filtering, let your Zero Water do the finishing. It will make your filter last infinitely longer.
FYI.. We live in one of the coldest parts of Canada... in the Rocky Mountains... and this JUST happened to us! My hubby discovered.. at first thought he was having after taste of his fish oil supplements... Imagine the surprise when he discovered the water in our Zero Filter was the culprit. When he was like, "Here, taste this.." I responded, "Umm..no.. I think not!" lol .. Suffice to say.. our 4 pack of filters arrived at the door 10 mins ago! Hence, some TH-cam research...
Great tip & research thanks. I'm still on my first filters of the Tank version, still shows 000 TDS bought Jan 20th. Its in a middle room so not exposed to much sunshine.
I have always kept mine in the fridge. When I changed to my second filter, there was no smell. I washed everything really well and put the second filter in and back into the fridge. Fish smell in 4 months.
Appreciate the video, just bought a zero and hit with a strong fish odor after 1 week. This is Texas (hot) and pitcher was on the counter in sunlight. This is not worth the hassle, I’m returning it.
My filter is still good after nearly a year. Still 0 dissolved solids, from the included meter. I only use the filtered water for my nespresso. Always kept in the fridge.
I’ve been through around 22 filters and have never had a fishy smell or taste. I also usually replace the filter about every 30-45 days due to us using a lot of water. We refill the pitcher on average 5-8 times a day. Zero is THE BEST father pitcher on the shelf.
Same here. I’ve been using zero for years and have always kept it on the counter. I’m wondering if the city water is adding too much chemicals. We fill it multiple times a day. I will try to put in fridge. Normally it just tastes like a bad lemon when filter is going.
Same problem happen with me , such a garbage filter , I bought this o water filter, 2 months ago, after changing the filter its smells like gutter garbage after 20 days , really bad experience with this product. I threw it after using 2 months
I noticed a slight fishy after taste more then a smell but it's what lead me to Google to find out why. I just purchased the Zerowater two months ago and this is my first filter. However, I live alone and over the past two months I've filled it up about every other day or every third day so maybe that's just how long the filter lasts based on my tap water? I'm hoping a good scrubbing will get the fish smell out of my Zerowater container.
I live in NY on Long Island. Our water come from aquifers. When I first got my Zero Water, it worked great and the filter lasted a long time. When it came time to replace it, the second filter only lasted about 3 or 4 pitchers full until the water was undrinkable. I contacted the manufacturer and they sent replacement filters for free but unfortunately, the same thing happened. The pitcher was always kept in the same place and after many months trying, I finally gave up because it was too expensive to keep wasting these filters for only a few fill ups. My house it temperature regulated, the pitcher was never kept in the sun so my assumption is, the manufacturer changed some aspect of the filter that maybe doesn't react well with my normal tap water.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I bought a few extra filters when I found them on sale and was wondering if there’s a way I needed to store it to avoid some of the issues others talk about. It’s now heating season… I’m moving them right away.😅
My filters only last about 3 months before they get fishy, I keep them in the cold fridge and out of sunlight. Sometimes you can not smell the fishy smell for quite some time if the water is cold, but if you put a little of the water in a cup and pop it in the microwave and boil it, if there is any of that fishy stuff in the water you will smell it in the steam quite easily when you open the microwave. This is how I first came across the fishy smell, I boil it for tea sometimes, I noticed a fishy smell when I opened the microwave, could not figure out what the smell was from, I smelled my filtered water and no fishy smell, untill a couple weeks later. So you can boil a bit in the microwave now and then to get an early heads up on if the filter is going out so you are not drinking it for a couple weeks before it gets detectible in cold water.
Been collecting and filtering rain water that tests 000-003 TDS (that's in an industrial town area) for years now. Our tap water has just read 201 TDS. I use at least 2 liters a day of filtered water and the last 2 filters lasted 15 month and 16 month each. Why waste your filter on chemical laden tap water?
I had this for the first time yesterday. It was very faint and what it really reminded me of was a dogs water bowl. If you have ever cleaned a dog water bowl there is this smell that is sort of fishy and sort of algae like. My zero water had this smell and there was a very faint taste. I am too cheap/lazy to drive out and get a new filter at 9pm so what I did is kinda weird. I washed everything with soap and water (no soap in the filter of course) multiple times using really hot water. I took the filter and ran water through it forward and back multiple times and PUT IT IN THE MICROWAVE for about 30 seconds. I took the filter out and shook it to move the charcoal around and then did another 30 seconds, then again, and again until the entire filter was warm but not too hot. Since the filter is not microwave safe plastic (to my knowledge) but there is no metal in the filter so it should be relatively safe. Anyways after this I rinsed the filter a few more times and put it back in the pitcher. Now it seems to be working like new. The microwave should kill off any bacteria or enzymes or algae or whatever. While I cant really recommend this to anyone as I have no idea if its safe for long term use or even short term I figured it was worth sharing my experience. However before doing this I ordered a new pitcher(with filter) as my current one is too small so this is only going to be used for a couple of days.
I applaud your effort but... depending what you pay yourself per hour, it might have been cheaper to go out and buy a new filter. I do think the hot water and even microwave was a good germ killing technique. It's just the time evolved that made me say "Nope... where are my car keys." Anyway. I enjoyed reading your comment ❤
That helped A Lot. I was going to throw mine away but after cleaning as you described and replacing filter, my pitcher is working great and smells of nothing at all ❤ Thank you for a great video.
I have well water, that doesn’t have a smell or bad taste unfiltered, it comes up from the ground 40-50f (4.4-10c) I had the zero one filter one month and it smells as fish. The smell is in my electric kettle and I cannot get the stench out.
has anyone tried soaking the pitcher in milk to get rid of the trimethylamine? Or maybe vinegar? I'm trying to figure out a way to get rid of the nastiness in my pitcher before putting in a new filter and I want to be sure it's all gone before I do that. My pitcher doesn't exactly smell, I only notice the fish when I boil water in the kettle
I had the problem 1 time when i first started to use zero water over year ago now and what i think is happening is when you fill the jug up don't put it under the tap with it blasting on top of the filter as it think is moves stuff about inside it and realises the fish smell as i stopped doing it that way and not got it again for over a year now i use a normal jug that i fill up with tap water and fill it trying not to drop it on top of the filter trust me if you do fill it like i did try that bet you wont get the fish smell no more if it happens often.
Very interesting. I came across this video when I googled Zero Water fish smell. I keep mine in the fridge so it's not the heat. I am wondering though, since it has been really hot with drought conditions here in Texas, if that hasn't somehow affected the ground water and, in turn, affected my tap water. Things that make you go "hmmm." 🤔
Mine was absolutely awful. I thought it was my kitchen floor! I drenched everything in bleach and vinegar for days, and couldn't get rid of the smell. I use zero water in my electric tea kettle, and realized I was being hit by the water jug, and the kettle with the smell!
I’ve always kept mine in the fridge. Just pulled mine out to pour some water and it reeked. Put this new filter in about 2 months ago as well so no idea why
There is really high chlorine in my city water. To the point where you can smell it. I haven’t had it that long and I just put a third filter in. They are too expensive to do this. I’m going back to britta.
I use the 2.5 gal pitcher on the counter to and have had the fishy issue a few times. But another issue I have is that some filters stop filtering after about 1 gallon has passed through. It just stops filtering, leaving the remaining water in the top reservoir. This remaining water will not filter through until you remove some of the filtered water. Any idea why this might be happening?
The second time I go to get replacement filters they are doing something odd. It worked fine with the new piture and filter. Replacement filters on Amazon sucks. I got grey water and one of the replacement filters I had leaked at the top. I refuse to spend money on shipping to return crappy products to Amazon.
This was very informative, and helped with the same article you spoke about and posted. I will be more mindful of where I place, and how I use my water filter. Thanks again!
I always keep mine in the fridge and top it off every time I pour from it. I wonder if you put a few ice cubes in the reservoir to make the tap water cold if it would help keep the filter clean longer?
I get suspended solids in my Zero Water after a month or so. The fishy taste also becomes apparent after this duration. At my location, this is my consistent result; no way would it last 8 months.
Mine was a brand new water pitcher with a brand new filter that I bought from the store and the first outpour of water smelled like fish. I washed all parts before using with soap as instructed on the directions. Are you telling me then that the filter was bad when I bought it?
My Zero Water is always in the Fridge and after only a month, I get that fishy smell. It's how I know to change the filter without the meter. Heat may be one cause but it's not the only. If you ever come by another reason, I would be very interested in hearing it ...
I'm going back to my Brita. Very disappointed in zerowater. They have to change their filter. Disgusted by the smell. Are there any health concerns I should be worried about from this contaminated water?
I noticed my water smelling really funny at times. Thought it might be my cup I use (could go a few days between wash, only drank water from it), but kept smelling it even after a fresh wash. I definitely narrowed it down to my water filter, but now after seeing this video I need to change my filter. I haven't changed it in a while as my tap water is already very clean. I didn't know about this stank smell but gonna get a filter next chance I get.
This video Saved my money too early . I had this on my first filter and now I know how to prevent. Since someone in my household placed hot water by mistake and worsened out immediately 300ppm from zero ppm
I now have the problem of my kettle smelling of fish, boiled tap water and rinsed a few times but it’s still there. I don’t want to throw a new Bosch kettle out? Any suggestions pls. Thanks for this video, I couldn’t make out where the fish smell was coming from in my kitchen.
Its not unique to zero water. Brita longlast started doing the same thing. 2 months and you get an old seafood taste and smell to the water. And lots of water contains tiny crustaceans like copepods - they're related to shrimp ! When they die, they smell and taste just like old shrimp.
Thank you lol, I thought I was going insane until my daughter mentioned it to me 😂 I haven't had the filter in for maybe a month but I am a big water drinker so we are constantly refilling. Now I have to clean my ice maker again because I thought it was that at first 🤣
I had been using a pur filter and the water smells like fish, the company wouldn’t give me an answer and I sniffed it and worried that it hurt my lungs
Waterdrop A1 Countertop Reverse Osmosis System, (unboxing, review, plus how to use) th-cam.com/video/glfqIO-SZa0/w-d-xo.html
THIS FINALLY ANSWERED A PROBLEM I'VE BEEN HAVING FOR 2 WEEKS THAT STARTED SUDDENLY! My filter is almost 3 months old, I'm in SW Florida, AND the tap water is heavily chlorinated. I solely use my zero filter for making ice in my ice trays And I use bottled water to drink. All of a sudden 2 weeks ago, fat side of my freezer, (I have two separate freezer compartments separated completely in my RV fridge) All the ice, the ice trays, the plastic ice bucket, and the plastic drawers in that side of the freezer that I keep the ice in, started wreaking a fish. It's because I make all of my ice trays using my zero water filter/pitcher. My water started tasting a little fishy when I would use ice with it also. All this time I could not figure out what the problem was, I even checked the hoses that go to my RV that my water runs through, and couldn't figure out the problem. This video completely explains it. It turns out it is simply a bad Zero filter!!! THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO!!! THIS EXPLAINED IT ALL PERFECTLY. 🙏🙏🙏 Such a relief!!!
Short version, keep your pitcher with filter in the refrigerator or a cool dark area.
I've had this question for almost 20 years. This is how long I've been using Zero Water. Thank you from Orlando, FL USA. I've always kept on the kitchen counter. Now I will keep it in the fridge.
How's it been going?
@@SuperSlimshady1 Too soon to tell a difference. I've always changed them every 90 days.
How about now?
@@TheScott10012 My family likes room temperature, so the fridge experiment failed. I'm still changing pitcher every 3 months. We have a water cooler with the Zero Water Dual filter on top. That one is every 6 months.
Thank you. You’ve answered the question I’ve been concerned about. I had spoken to Zero Water’s customer service a few times and they really didn’t give me an answer. ZW must get this question a lot…maybe they should refer people to your video.
Thanks for doing the research.
I'm here because of the fishy smell. Wife complained about it in the tea kettle filled with zero water. Never had an issue with the first filter, just now with this second filter after around 2 months. I keep the water in the refrigerator. BUT, the smell really doesn't appear until the water is heated. So thanks for this video.
Next question is whether or not this chemical causing the smell is harmful.
Thanks for sharing this video. I live in an apartment building with old pipes and in an area very close to a sewage plant so filtering our water is an absolute must! My water started tasting off a couple of days back but was testing at .000 so I couldn't understand it. I use a spray bottle filled with filtered water on my face after showering and noticed the fish smell had gotten more off putting. This morning was the last straw though when my breakfast was accompanied by a big hot steaming cuppa FISH tea! Down the drain it went, cleaned out the pitcher, and a new filter went in. Fingers crossed this one lasts longer than the last one and I never have to experience fishy tea ever again! Cheers!
same problem...fish smell coming from kettle !!! but water measuring 000
I couldn't figure out why every time I would take a sip of water it tasted like DEATH! I'm not exaggerating. I thought there was something wrong with me! LoL, Thank you for this. I had to hand wash my pitcher then run it through the dishwasher top rack twice. Since where I live was ground zero for hurricane Ian and our water supply is still being treated with heavy chemicals I have been using bottled spring water the whole time. I was keeping the pitcher in the fridge, but I go through water so fast it was easier to start keeping it on the counter. That is when I noticed the change. I just purchased a new filter and It will go back in the fridge from now on. Thanks again!
Unfortunally i bought a lot of filters...a fortune...in 2 or 3 weeks they all smell like dead fish...Thymetylalanine can be a severe health problem for some people.
I have a glass Zerowater and we live in a very hot country. Thailand.
I've been using Zerowater for year with no smell. My theory is always keep it full so the filter is always underwater. Each time I use water from it, I top it up again straight away
A light bulb just went off for me- thanks. As far as "wet filters" keep them wet. This seems to be the case for my water filter and my vape filter.
Where do you store you Zero Water pitcher? Inside the refrigerator? Please let us know :)
will try this
I kept mine wet and at first thought this is what caused the horrible fish odor after one week with my new Zero…I think it’s just that it gets exposed to sun and my tap water is naturally warm. I’m returning mine.
I always keep my picture in the refrigerator even while it's filtering. My first filter lasts at 3 months before it started smelling like fish. I cleaned the picture and put a new filter in and it only lasted a month before it started smelling like fish. As I said, I do not keep my picture on the counter. I always keep it in the fridge so that I always have cold water to drink. I am still baffled on why it turns so fast.
Thanks for sharing
I have the bigger dispenser that I keep in the fridge.
The filter would last about 3 1/2 to 4 months.
We’re on we’ll water.
When it got time to change the filter, we got a sulfur taste and smell to the water.
I want to add in order to lower the chlorine in the tap water, you can leave it evaporate. I fill 3 bottles of water for the day, I don’t cap them to allow the evaporation of chlorine (it takes around 15 minutes)
Thank’s for the research, very informative!💦
Wow. Good info!
We have the worst water in Jax, FL. We were using Brita and switched to zero a few years ago. Love the zero water, however, we have to replace the filter every 2 weeks. Needless to say we buy filters in bulk. The fishy smell is quite overwhelming... Thank you for sharing this information! All makes sense now and the pitcher is going in the frig.
Also PRE FILTER YOUR WATER with a brita filter/any charcoal filter. Let this cheaper coarser filter deal with the bulk of the filtering, let your Zero Water do the finishing.
It will make your filter last infinitely longer.
You can also use cleaning vinegar to clean-disinfect-descale the container.
FYI.. We live in one of the coldest parts of Canada... in the Rocky Mountains... and this JUST happened to us! My hubby discovered.. at first thought he was having after taste of his fish oil supplements... Imagine the surprise when he discovered the water in our Zero Filter was the culprit. When he was like, "Here, taste this.." I responded, "Umm..no.. I think not!" lol .. Suffice to say.. our 4 pack of filters arrived at the door 10 mins ago! Hence, some TH-cam research...
Great tip & research thanks. I'm still on my first filters of the Tank version, still shows 000 TDS bought Jan 20th. Its in a middle room so not exposed to much sunshine.
Funnily enough it turned fishy shortly after replying. Need some new cartridges now!
I have always kept mine in the fridge. When I changed to my second filter, there was no smell. I washed everything really well and put the second filter in and back into the fridge. Fish smell in 4 months.
4 months...thats why lol
@@ivyfeenixJoy didn't say how long the first one lasted.
Hey there Joy. Just to ask, how long did the first one last?
Appreciate the video, just bought a zero and hit with a strong fish odor after 1 week. This is Texas (hot) and pitcher was on the counter in sunlight. This is not worth the hassle, I’m returning it.
I’m so glad you posted this bc my Zero Water pitcher/filter stinks!!!!!! I dumped it and sticky with Brita from now on. It smells like dead fish!!!!!
I live in FL and have this issue as well, so definitely follows the hot sunny theory. Thanks for the tip. I'll try the refrigerator method.
My filter is still good after nearly a year. Still 0 dissolved solids, from the included meter. I only use the filtered water for my nespresso. Always kept in the fridge.
I’ve been through around 22 filters and have never had a fishy smell or taste. I also usually replace the filter about every 30-45 days due to us using a lot of water. We refill the pitcher on average 5-8 times a day. Zero is THE BEST father pitcher on the shelf.
Seems like when I allow the filter to dry out, it sours overnight
@@scottypotty6 I always keep my filter wet never had a problem and I do not have it in sunlight although it's not in the refrigerator
@@scottypotty6yes.....l think this might be the problem. Will experiment and keep it full at all times.
Same here. I’ve been using zero for years and have always kept it on the counter. I’m wondering if the city water is adding too much chemicals. We fill it multiple times a day. I will try to put in fridge. Normally it just tastes like a bad lemon when filter is going.
Same problem happen with me , such a garbage filter , I bought this o water filter, 2 months ago, after changing the filter its smells like gutter garbage after 20 days , really bad experience with this product. I threw it after using 2 months
I noticed a slight fishy after taste more then a smell but it's what lead me to Google to find out why. I just purchased the Zerowater two months ago and this is my first filter. However, I live alone and over the past two months I've filled it up about every other day or every third day so maybe that's just how long the filter lasts based on my tap water? I'm hoping a good scrubbing will get the fish smell out of my Zerowater container.
I live in NY on Long Island. Our water come from aquifers. When I first got my Zero Water, it worked great and the filter lasted a long time. When it came time to replace it, the second filter only lasted about 3 or 4 pitchers full until the water was undrinkable. I contacted the manufacturer and they sent replacement filters for free but unfortunately, the same thing happened. The pitcher was always kept in the same place and after many months trying, I finally gave up because it was too expensive to keep wasting these filters for only a few fill ups. My house it temperature regulated, the pitcher was never kept in the sun so my assumption is, the manufacturer changed some aspect of the filter that maybe doesn't react well with my normal tap water.
Such a perfect onpoint explanation. Thank you. This answered all my questions and will help me fix my fishy problem
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I bought a few extra filters when I found them on sale and was wondering if there’s a way I needed to store it to avoid some of the issues others talk about. It’s now heating season… I’m moving them right away.😅
Oh my Gosh! Thank you so much! The heat thing is exactly what is happening to my filter in Arizona!
Thank you for the info! I’ve also read that it can actually start making YOU smell like fish as well if you continue to ingest it.
My filters only last about 3 months before they get fishy, I keep them in the cold fridge and out of sunlight. Sometimes you can not smell the fishy smell for quite some time if the water is cold, but if you put a little of the water in a cup and pop it in the microwave and boil it, if there is any of that fishy stuff in the water you will smell it in the steam quite easily when you open the microwave. This is how I first came across the fishy smell, I boil it for tea sometimes, I noticed a fishy smell when I opened the microwave, could not figure out what the smell was from, I smelled my filtered water and no fishy smell, untill a couple weeks later. So you can boil a bit in the microwave now and then to get an early heads up on if the filter is going out so you are not drinking it for a couple weeks before it gets detectible in cold water.
Noticed that on my new zerowater. Replaced the filter since it was bad and I'll keep an eye on that
The same thing happened with my 2nd filter, but my 2nd filter was replaced in Fall/Winter here in the U.S.
Thank you for a very understandable explanation! It’s hot here too! Stay hydrated, my friend😊
I left mine by the stove this explains a lot. Thanks a lot!
Life on earth is the cosmic equivalent of not keeping things in a cool, dry place.
Then were just a floating ball of mold lol
Been collecting and filtering rain water that tests 000-003 TDS (that's in an industrial town area) for years now. Our tap water has just read 201 TDS. I use at least 2 liters a day of filtered water and the last 2 filters lasted 15 month and 16 month each. Why waste your filter on chemical laden tap water?
Mine big dispenser is over 10 years old and has no smell. But I clean it regularly.
I always keep mine in the frige....filters seem to last much longer. Never knew about the fishy stuff.
I had this for the first time yesterday. It was very faint and what it really reminded me of was a dogs water bowl. If you have ever cleaned a dog water bowl there is this smell that is sort of fishy and sort of algae like. My zero water had this smell and there was a very faint taste. I am too cheap/lazy to drive out and get a new filter at 9pm so what I did is kinda weird.
I washed everything with soap and water (no soap in the filter of course) multiple times using really hot water. I took the filter and ran water through it forward and back multiple times and PUT IT IN THE MICROWAVE for about 30 seconds. I took the filter out and shook it to move the charcoal around and then did another 30 seconds, then again, and again until the entire filter was warm but not too hot. Since the filter is not microwave safe plastic (to my knowledge) but there is no metal in the filter so it should be relatively safe. Anyways after this I rinsed the filter a few more times and put it back in the pitcher. Now it seems to be working like new.
The microwave should kill off any bacteria or enzymes or algae or whatever. While I cant really recommend this to anyone as I have no idea if its safe for long term use or even short term I figured it was worth sharing my experience.
However before doing this I ordered a new pitcher(with filter) as my current one is too small so this is only going to be used for a couple of days.
I applaud your effort but... depending what you pay yourself per hour, it might have been cheaper to go out and buy a new filter. I do think the hot water and even microwave was a good germ killing technique. It's just the time evolved that made me say "Nope... where are my car keys." Anyway. I enjoyed reading your comment ❤
what if you run hot water through the filter?
It worked great
incidentally, seems to me, your dog's water bowl needs to be changed more often (try daily, he will appreciate it)
@@splash4891 I don't have a dog. But I have taken care of other people's pets and that fishy smell is just gross.
That helped A Lot. I was going to throw mine away but after cleaning as you described and replacing filter, my pitcher is working great and smells of nothing at all ❤ Thank you for a great video.
I have well water, that doesn’t have a smell or bad taste unfiltered, it comes up from the ground 40-50f (4.4-10c) I had the zero one filter one month and it smells as fish. The smell is in my electric kettle and I cannot get the stench out.
has anyone tried soaking the pitcher in milk to get rid of the trimethylamine? Or maybe vinegar?
I'm trying to figure out a way to get rid of the nastiness in my pitcher before putting in a new filter and I want to be sure it's all gone before I do that. My pitcher doesn't exactly smell, I only notice the fish when I boil water in the kettle
vinegar doesn't work
I had the problem 1 time when i first started to use zero water over year ago now and what i think is happening is when you fill the jug up don't put it under the tap with it blasting on top of the filter as it think is moves stuff about inside it and realises the fish smell as i stopped doing it that way and not got it again for over a year now i use a normal jug that i fill up with tap water and fill it trying not to drop it on top of the filter trust me if you do fill it like i did try that bet you wont get the fish smell no more if it happens often.
So basically Zero Water is not a good option if you prefer room temp water?
We always keep our Brita out in the kitchen.
Very interesting. I came across this video when I googled Zero Water fish smell. I keep mine in the fridge so it's not the heat. I am wondering though, since it has been really hot with drought conditions here in Texas, if that hasn't somehow affected the ground water and, in turn, affected my tap water. Things that make you go "hmmm." 🤔
Mine was absolutely awful. I thought it was my kitchen floor! I drenched everything in bleach and vinegar for days, and couldn't get rid of the smell. I use zero water in my electric tea kettle, and realized I was being hit by the water jug, and the kettle with the smell!
I dnt think it’s only that We’re in winter and mine has done this in less than a month not in sunlight and I had just cleaned it
Excellent bit of detective work, Mr. Holmes would be proud.
It's elementary!
I’ve always kept mine in the fridge. Just pulled mine out to pour some water and it reeked. Put this new filter in about 2 months ago as well so no idea why
I just came across this problem. Thanks for the video!
Planned obsolescence I bought this so I didn’t have to buy so much water now I’m buying filters all the time
Also, how bad is it to drank this water with the fish smell? I noticed the smell from it, but nothing with the taste.
I think I will also keep my spare filter in the fridge to protect it!!
There is really high chlorine in my city water. To the point where you can smell it. I haven’t had it that long and I just put a third filter in. They are too expensive to do this. I’m going back to britta.
Is cleaning with baking soda and vinegar also good
I use the 2.5 gal pitcher on the counter to and have had the fishy issue a few times. But another issue I have is that some filters stop filtering after about 1 gallon has passed through. It just stops filtering, leaving the remaining water in the top reservoir. This remaining water will not filter through until you remove some of the filtered water. Any idea why this might be happening?
This is due to air pockets in the filter. Take the filter out and hit the sides of it to release the air bubbles
I literally took apart my whole kitchen, trying to figure out what that smell was lol
The second time I go to get replacement filters they are doing something odd. It worked fine with the new piture and filter. Replacement filters on Amazon sucks. I got grey water and one of the replacement filters I had leaked at the top. I refuse to spend money on shipping to return crappy products to Amazon.
Thank you for clearing this up for me!!!! I thought I was going crazy!!! Now I have to scrub out my portable ice maker!!!!
Hope it works!
LWT...what is your pre-filter TDS number? Cause I only get about 10 gallons//38L per filter.
Thx
Thank you for sharing this happened to one i bought for my job
Can you tell us if this filters microplastics
Mine last 3 weeks and always in the fridge and the only one that uses it.
As of today October 2024 I have been using zero water filters for five years never did I have any kind of fishy smell.
This was very informative, and helped with the same article you spoke about and posted. I will be more mindful of where I place, and how I use my water filter. Thanks again!
Glad I watched. Great video. Thanks!
I always keep mine in the fridge and top it off every time I pour from it. I wonder if you put a few ice cubes in the reservoir to make the tap water cold if it would help keep the filter clean longer?
I get suspended solids in my Zero Water after a month or so. The fishy taste also becomes apparent after this duration. At my location, this is my consistent result; no way would it last 8 months.
Hahaha, this happen to me, But I found out that it was because I put hot/warm water in it, lol.
Thank you, ive Just bought one today.
Hi mate, did you ever do a follow up filter to test your findings?
and I just bought 8 filter package, I will have to store it in the freezer because I live in a hot climate.
Mine was a brand new water pitcher with a brand new filter that I bought from the store and the first outpour of water smelled like fish. I washed all parts before using with soap as instructed on the directions. Are you telling me then that the filter was bad when I bought it?
My Zero Water is always in the Fridge and after only a month, I get that fishy smell. It's how I know to change the filter without the meter. Heat may be one cause but it's not the only. If you ever come by another reason, I would be very interested in hearing it ...
This happened to me but kept mine in the fridge.
Why dont you keep your water filter in the fridge
Instructions in filter packaging state to not refrigerate your filter.
My tap water TDS is really high here 350, a zero water filter only lasts 7 days, so a bit expensive..what is your TDS?
It's low, around 60.
Ours ain't terrible at 231 but in an rv, u get ur water from a rubber hose
So, is there no way to alleviate it ince ot happens? This is a sign that the filter is no longer working as intended?
Are restaurants using 0 water to cook the rice or are they using dirty tap water
takeaway food not an option.
Thank you thank you very much!
Vinegar is great to clean with. That is what I do when the fish comes back`
I just ordered the big 9L glass Zero water filter system before watching this and boooy am i gonna have a rough time cleaning that m(******)r 🤣
I'm going back to my Brita. Very disappointed in zerowater. They have to change their filter. Disgusted by the smell. Are there any health concerns I should be worried about from this contaminated water?
Same here I drank it for a couple months
This is happening me three times. We all got scam. This is so bad I’m going back to the Britta to.
Is this thing a water softener?
Do you use clearly filtered pitcher?
Does indeed help, thank you!
I noticed my water smelling really funny at times. Thought it might be my cup I use (could go a few days between wash, only drank water from it), but kept smelling it even after a fresh wash. I definitely narrowed it down to my water filter, but now after seeing this video I need to change my filter. I haven't changed it in a while as my tap water is already very clean. I didn't know about this stank smell but gonna get a filter next chance I get.
Great explanation. Case closed.
Why isnt the explanation with the product .
Thankyou for doing this video friend God bless you
This video Saved my money too early . I had this on my first filter and now I know how to prevent.
Since someone in my household placed hot water by mistake and worsened out immediately 300ppm from zero ppm
I now have the problem of my kettle smelling of fish, boiled tap water and rinsed a few times but it’s still there. I don’t want to throw a new Bosch kettle out? Any suggestions pls. Thanks for this video, I couldn’t make out where the fish smell was coming from in my kitchen.
Citric acid based kettle descaler might do it?
Do you guys used zero water? Even in restaurant's, party or when youre camping.
Its not unique to zero water. Brita longlast started doing the same thing. 2 months and you get an old seafood taste and smell to the water. And lots of water contains tiny crustaceans like copepods - they're related to shrimp ! When they die, they smell and taste just like old shrimp.
Fish heads fish heads rolly-polly fish heads, fish heads fish heads eat them up yum…
Thank you lol, I thought I was going insane until my daughter mentioned it to me 😂 I haven't had the filter in for maybe a month but I am a big water drinker so we are constantly refilling. Now I have to clean my ice maker again because I thought it was that at first 🤣
Switch to Brita zero water is terrible for you!!!
I use pur and drank the fishy smelling water for like a month now I have anxiety about it
Super helpful, thank you 😊
If you keep a pure piece of silve bezel strip r 99. 9999 in the jug it reduces bacteria I do this with my zero water filter
can you use colloidal silver?
I had been using a pur filter and the water smells like fish, the company wouldn’t give me an answer and I sniffed it and worried that it hurt my lungs
I also drank it a couple of months