| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| skunkhome |
Posted - 09/07/2011 : 22:38:04
I was out in my camper the other day and noticed that the water out of the hot water tap had a real rotten egg smell. I believe this is not that unusual when a water heater sits without heat and unused for a period of time. I found instructions in my manual but found them to be most curious and a little confusing.
Step one says to pour in a solution of vinegar and water at a ratio of 4:2. ??????????????? isn't that the same as 2:1. Maybe that is new math or something. The question is... how much? 4 gallons of vinegar and 2 gallons of water? 4cc and 2 cc's? The second step leaves me clueless all together.
I did not add the solution of acid but I did flush the tank and got a lot of crud out initially and then little white flakes of scale from the tank upon flushing. The odor is gone for now but have a sneaking suspicion it will be back. |
| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| BRAD1975 |
Posted - 09/09/2011 : 23:54:40
6 gallon tank....maybe they used the 4:2 ratio hoping it would be easier for old farts to mix 4 gallons of vinegar with 2 gallons of water :P |
| oldron |
Posted - 09/09/2011 : 23:38:04
quote:
Originally posted by Cvans
From my experience I would say John's advise is 100% correct. The only thing I might add is to place a note somewhere in plain sight to remind yourself to refill the heater tank before you turn the power back on. I hope you get the smell out.
It really makes the aluminum tank stink if you turn on the power with out water.Ask my wife how we know that.
Ron |
| B10Dave |
Posted - 09/09/2011 : 23:37:36
Keep it flushed out on a regular basis Phil. We drain our hot water tank and the fresh water tank after every trip and start with fresh water each time. Never had a hint of smell in the hot water system. Dave. |
| skunkhome |
Posted - 09/09/2011 : 20:33:54
Well, I have been reading some more and found that Atwood heaters have aluminum tanks and do not use an anode while the Suburban heaters have steel tanks and utilize an anode. |
| skunkhome |
Posted - 09/08/2011 : 17:05:15
Ours is an Atwood 6 gallon. The parts list has no reference to a sacrificial anode and the only openings on the back are the two water connections and the connections for the circulation from the engine. |
| olcowhand |
Posted - 09/08/2011 : 15:28:22
When I had campers, a simple flushing always worked fine to rid the smell. Vinegar helps dissolve the built up mineral too though, so a good thing to do once a year. |
| Cvans |
Posted - 09/08/2011 : 12:48:18
From my experience I would say John's advise is 100% correct. The only thing I might add is to place a note somewhere in plain sight to remind yourself to refill the heater tank before you turn the power back on. I hope you get the smell out.
|
| midnightpumpkin |
Posted - 09/08/2011 : 09:42:32
Phil,
What brand is the water heater?
Ours is a Suburban brand, it has a magnesium anode that erodes away to prevent corrosion.
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/suburban-anode-rod-replacement/42180
John U |
| skunkhome |
Posted - 09/08/2011 : 08:14:25
Sacrificial anode? Don't know.... If it has one it is on the back. Manual suggest that you drain and flush several times a year for tank longevity. |
| midnightpumpkin |
Posted - 09/07/2011 : 22:43:46
Phil,
I have experienced the stinky hot water syndrome. I simply flushed the tank. After that, I would drain the tank if i knew I wouldn't be using in for a month or more.
Does your water heater have a sacrificial anode? You might give it a look and see if it is still there, they do have to be replaced periodically.
John U |
