Why does my refrigerator water taste like plastic?

If you notice a plastic taste in your refrigerator’s water dispenser, there are a few potential causes. The most likely culprits include contaminants in the water supply, issues with the water filter, or plastic components inside the refrigerator.

Quick Answers

Here are quick answers to common questions about plastic tastes in refrigerator water:

• What causes refrigerator water to taste like plastic? The main causes are contaminants in the water supply, an expired water filter, or plastic tubing/components inside the fridge.
• How do I fix the plastic taste? Try replacing the water filter, cleaning the water dispenser line, or scheduling a water quality test if the issue persists.
• Is it safe to drink water that tastes like plastic? Generally, small amounts are not dangerous, but a strong plastic taste could mean contaminants are present in the water.
• How can I prevent a plastic taste? Use a high-quality water filter, replace it regularly, and clean the water dispenser to remove buildup.

Contaminants in the Water Supply

One of the most common reasons for off-tastes in water is contamination in the water supply. If there are high levels of certain minerals, organic compounds, or chemicals in your home’s tap water, it can create unpleasant tastes and odors.

Here are some potential water supply contaminants that can cause a plastic taste:

• Chlorine – Disinfectant chemical added to public water supplies
• Plasticizers – Chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates that leach from plastic pipes
• Pipe corrosion – Metal plumbing can corrode and release compounds like copper, iron, and zinc into the water
• Organic compounds – Runoff from farms, landfills, and wastewater can introduce chemicals like pesticides and solvents

The levels of these contaminants considered safe by health agencies are low. But even small amounts can alter the taste, smell, and appearance of water in noticeable ways.

Testing for Water Contaminants

If you suspect contaminants in your water supply are causing plastic tastes, consider having it tested by a professional laboratory. They can identify and measure the levels of specific organic, inorganic, and bacterial compounds in your water.

Some contaminants to test for include:

• Chlorine
• Chloramines
• Lead
• Copper
• Pesticides
• Solvents
• Bacteria like E. coli

Based on the test results, solutions could include installing a reverse osmosis system, UV light purifier, or other high-quality filtration system.

Problems With the Water Filter

If your refrigerator has a built-in water filter, it’s the first line of defense against contaminants and off-tastes. However, filters have a limited lifespan and need changing every 6-12 months.

An expired water filter can cause the following issues leading to plastic tastes:

• Reduced filtering capacity – Lets more contaminants through
• Bacterial growth – Microbes build up and multiply in the filter
• Chemical leaching – The materials in the filter can break down and leach into water

Replacing the water filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations is crucial. After a change, run water through the dispenser for a few minutes to flush the system.

If the plastic taste persists after a filter change, the issue is likely caused by something else.

Signs Your Water Filter Needs Replacing

• Water flow is slower than normal
• Decrease in water pressure
• Ice cubes are smaller than normal
• Unpleasant tastes/odors in water
• Cloudy/discolored water
• Past the manufacturer’s recommended lifetime

Issues With Plastic Components

Plastic tubing and components are used inside refrigerators to deliver water from the supply line to the dispenser. Examples include:

• Water lines
• Solenoid valves
• Water spouts/nozzles
• Water filters and housings
• Inline chemical disinfectants

Over time, these plastic parts can begin to break down and leach chemicals into the water. This can lead to unpleasant plastic tastes and odors.

Preventing Leaching From Plastics

To minimize plastic leaching:

• Use high-quality, food-grade plastics certified as BPA/phthalate-free
• Avoid contact with hot water above 100°F
• Only use plastics for their intended purpose
• Limit exposure to soaps, acids, bases, oxidizers
• Replace older plastic tubing and components

Also, clean the water dispenser periodically with mild soap and water to prevent buildup of chemical deposits. Avoid harsh cleaners that can degrade plastics faster.

How to Fix a Plastic Taste in Refrigerator Water

Here are steps to troubleshoot a plastic odor or taste coming from your refrigerator’s water dispenser:

1. Change the water filter – Replace filters every 6 months or when they show signs of reduced performance.
2. Clean the dispenser – Sanitize and rinse water lines and nozzles with a vinegar solution to remove buildup.
3. Flush the system – Run water through for 5 minutes after replacing filters or cleaning to purge contaminants.
4. Test source water – If the issue persists, have your water tested for contaminants by a professional lab.
5. Clean water supply – Based on test results, install additional filtration like reverse osmosis for your home’s water supply.
6. Replace plastic parts – Consider replacing plastic tubes, valves, and other components touching water if worn out.
7. Call an appliance repair technician – For persistent plastic tastes, have an experienced refrigeration repair person inspect.

Are Plastic Tastes in Water Dangerous?

In most cases, the small amounts of plastic chemicals that can leach into refrigerator water are not dangerous. But here are some potential health risks to be aware of:

• Endocrine disruption – Chemicals like BPA and phthalates can interfere with hormones in the body at high levels.
• Developmental issues – Early life exposure to plasticizers may impact children’s development.
• Carcinogenic compounds – Solvents like benzene found in some plastics are known carcinogens.
• Other contaminants – The plastic taste may be indicative of other harmful compounds like lead, arsenic, chlorine, etc. in the water.

While occasional exposure to small amounts of plastic chemicals is not a major concern, the plastic taste itself should not be ignored. Have your water tested and filtered properly to remove any worrisome contaminants. Consult your doctor with any health concerns.

How to Prevent a Plastic Taste

You can take the following proactive steps to minimize plastic tastes in your refrigerator’s water supply:

• Use a high-capacity water filter – Models certified to remove contaminants, chlorine, lead, chemicals, and microbes are best.
• Change filters regularly – Follow manufacturer’s guide for replacement every 6-12 months.
• Clean dispenser/lines – Periodically sanitize internal components and flush water through.
• Avoid extreme temperatures – Keep refrigerator water below 100°F to prevent plastic leaching.
• Test water annually – Check for contaminants like lead and arsenic to catch issues early.
• Use quality plastics – Choose BPA/phthalate-free plastic components when possible.

Taking these steps provides layers of protection against plastic tastes. But if the issue arises, replace filters, clean the system thoroughly, and test your water to identify the underlying cause.

Conclusion

A plastic taste from the refrigerator water dispenser is usually not a major health concern. In most cases, it is caused by expired filters, easily correctable issues with plastic components, or minor levels of chlorine/chemicals in tap water.

However, a strong plastic flavor or smell could indicate a more serious water contamination problem needing investigation. Have your water supply tested and filtered appropriately to remove concerning levels of organic compounds, heavy metals, bacteria, and other pollutants.

With periodic maintenance, high-quality filtration, and regular testing, you can enjoy fresh, good-tasting water from the refrigerator with confidence.