Narrowband ingress estimation and characterization using equalizer taps. A equalizer including a feed forward equalizer (FFE) and a decision feedback equalizer (DFE) is implemented to process an input signal thereby generating an output signal. Analysis of the frequency response of the equalizer including the FFE and the DFE of the equalizer allows for the determination of whether or not narrowband ingress exists within the signal received by the equalizer. For example, analysis of the signal output from the equalizer provides for determination of the overall frequency response of the equalizer. In addition, analysis of the respective equalizer coefficients within one or both of the FFE and the DFE of the equalizer may be used to determine the overall frequency response of the equalizer. Narrowband ingress may be identified when the combination of the FFE (having a notch therein) and the DFE provides for an overall flat frequency response.