• ViperDan
    6
    Anyone know why I'm getting this smell? I filter all the water going into the RV so it's not from the water.
  • Ray
    1.3k
    Sounds like there is sulfur in the water. I don't think all filters can get rid of it, need a special filter I believe. May want to flush the hot water tank and give it a flush out with 50/50 vinegar and water. Also, check the anode rod.
  • ViperDan
    6
    I'll try the vinegar, but how do I get it in there? I haven't seen a rod, it's not on the plug. Am I missing something? This is our first RV so not really up to speed on repairs yet.

    Thanks
  • Ray
    1.3k
    Here is a post I did about it. I have a winterizing kit on my water pump makes it easy. Not sure if your rig has one. They are pretty simple to add. https://www.loveyourrv.com/cleaning-rv-water-heater-tank-vinegar/ I use the vinegar to dissolve hard water deposits I get from the desert well water. Happens even though I filter as the calcium is dissolved in the water. I'm planning on doing mine soon. :)
    If your WH is a Suburban it will have an anode rod, you would have known because you have to pull it to drain them, so you likely have an Atwood, they just have a drain plug.
  • ViperDan
    6
    Awesome, I have a quick connect for my pump that I use for winterizing, I can do it that way. I believe you are right about the Atwood cause it just has a plug. Thanks Ray! If you are passing through WA again on the way back to BC and need to place to stay, we'd happily let you and Ann stay here in Roy for a bit if you want, you can just email me. Thanks again
  • Ray
    1.3k
    Thanks! Let us know if you resolve this rotten egg smell. I've never had it myself.
  • Sean
    8
    ViperDan, Are you on the East Coast?
  • Sean
    8
    We came down the East coast from VT hit egg smell in SC and GA. Currently in southern Florida, no egg smell. I suspect sulfur in the water as well.
  • Danny5
    2
    Egg smell in water is a sure sign of an issue with the water heater. Most likely, you need to check on the Anode Rod. I just went through all this on my Suburban water heater...

    pmtjf8U.jpg
  • Randy Vallis
    57
    We had this problem at a campground that had gypsum/sulphur in its water, double whammy. We resolved the problem by using only propane to heat our water and I have to say it made quiet a difference. as for the hardness I purchased a portable watersoftner. Hope this help.
    Rv
  • Ray
    1.3k
    Wow, you sure got your money's worth out of the old anode rod. :grin:
  • Danny5
    2
    That was only 18months of ownership at a trip a month. Two lessons I learned from other RV owners:

    • Always drain your water
    • Don't use soft water!
  • ViperDan
    6
    I will try Ray's vinegar and water trick this weekend (I get home way too late to try on a week day,) our water heater doesn't have a rod in it so no dice on that trick. Thank you all for the ideas and I will update once I know if the vinegar idea worked or not.
  • Ray
    1.3k
    I just did my water heater today, been neglecting it for over 2 years since I put new one in. My anode rod looked just about the same. :)
  • Lorraine
    70
    In 7 years, we have only had to replace the anode rod once. And the first time was after about 2 years. So long as the rod is not bare, it is still working. Greg checks ours a couple of times a year when he blows out the hot water tank each spring and fall. We just purchased an “On The Go” 16,000 grain water softener and installed it yesterday.
  • ViperDan
    6
    Well it seems like the water/vinegar trick worked, we were in it for a week and didn't smell anything. Thanks for the help everyone!!!!!
  • Ray
    1.3k
    Thanks for updating us. Cheers, Ray
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