# Chemical smell in cold water supply after bathroom remodel—PEX related? **URL:** \ **Category:** Trade Talk\ **Tags:** diy-se\ **Created:** [August 12, 2025, 11:30am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/chemical-smell-in-cold-water-supply-after-bathroom-remodel-pex-related/20482 "2025-08-12T11:30:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![reno\_questions](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/reno_questions/32/2758_2.png) [@reno\_questions](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/reno_questions)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2025, 11:30am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/chemical-smell-in-cold-water-supply-after-bathroom-remodel-pex-related/20482/1 "2025-08-12T11:30:43Z")
After renovating the bathroom, I’ve noticed a chemical or plastic-like smell coming from the cold water supply. Is it possible that the new PEX piping, the adhesives used, or perhaps stagnant water in the lines are responsible for this odor? What flushing and disinfection methods should I employ to resolve this issue effectively? ---
**Author:** ![Joyboy03j](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/joyboy03j/32/2900_2.png) [@Joyboy03j](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joyboy03j)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 12:02pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/chemical-smell-in-cold-water-supply-after-bathroom-remodel-pex-related/20482/2 "2025-08-13T12:02:28Z")
Yes, new PEX, adhesives, or stagnant water can cause that smell. Flush lines with fresh water, then disinfect with a mild bleach solution and rinse well. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_Michael1](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/tim_michael1/32/6294_2.png) [@Tim\_Michael1](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Tim_Michael1)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 1:16pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/chemical-smell-in-cold-water-supply-after-bathroom-remodel-pex-related/20482/3 "2025-08-13T13:16:16Z")
So, new PEX pipes sometimes make your water taste or smell like plastic, especially when it’s cold and has been sitting for a while. Don’t worry, it’s just from stuff left over from making the pipes, and it’s not harmful. Just flush your pipes by running all the taps a lot for a few days. It usually goes away in a week or two. Hot water helps it clear up faster, so try that too. ---
**Author:** ![Theodore\_3456](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/theodore_3456/32/2821_2.png) [@Theodore\_3456](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Theodore_3456)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 1:29pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/chemical-smell-in-cold-water-supply-after-bathroom-remodel-pex-related/20482/4 "2025-08-13T13:29:21Z")
Yes new PEX can leach odors. Flushing lines and time usually resolve it. ---
**Author:** ![Jakurasmith](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/jakurasmith/32/585_2.png) [@Jakurasmith](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Jakurasmith)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 7:59pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/chemical-smell-in-cold-water-supply-after-bathroom-remodel-pex-related/20482/5 "2025-08-13T19:59:31Z")
The smell may come from new PEX, adhesives, or standing water. Flush the cold lines well, disinfect with a light chlorine mix, then flush again until the odor is gone. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_curtis](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/tim_curtis/32/2766_2.png) [@Tim\_curtis](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Tim_curtis)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2025, 3:47pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/chemical-smell-in-cold-water-supply-after-bathroom-remodel-pex-related/20482/6 "2025-08-14T15:47:11Z")
Yes it’s often linked to new PEX or flexible supply lines leaching small amounts of manufacturing residues (like methyl tert-butyl ether or other organics) into the water, especially if plumbing sat stagnant after installation. This usually fades after weeks of flushing, but persistent odors may point to low-flow dead ends, high water temperature during curing, or poor-quality tubing not meeting NSF/CSA drinking-water standards.