Stinky hot water
I used my hot water heater for the first time this weekend (96 Coachmen I bought used). The water has sort of a sulfur smell, im sure it has something to do with sitting for a long period . Any tips on losing the odor?
Forum Discussion
- The smell is from your anode rod. It probably will need to be replaced. They are there to sacrifice themselves for the tank. To get rid of the smell, the easiest and safest way is to add a large bottle or two of hydrogen peroxide to the tank. The smell will be gone and the peroxide is not caustic. Lots of folks use it as a mouthwash. Bleach is caustic and although a small amount in your tank won't hurt, IMHO, peroxide is safer....Dennis
- You'll need to sanitize your water system, including heater, tank, and lines. Easiest is to add 1/4 cup bleach for each 10 gallons of tank capacity. Add in the 6 or 10 gals of heater capacity. Fill the fw tank, then run water at each faucet, hot and cold, until you smell the bleach. Let it sit for a couple of hours, drain, refill and flush the system. Should take care of the odor. If you have your manual it should have instructions as well.
Btw, make sure to drain the water heater of the nasty water first. Might drain the fw tank too if the water had been in there a while.
