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kg1d_dx's avatar
kg1d_dx
Explorer
Sep 19, 2015

Stinky water

I keep getting that surfer smell when I turn on the hot water. I have had this problem in the past, but a cup of bleach in the tank takes care of the problem. Now I get the smell every time I use the coach. I drain the water after each outing.
How do I eliminate this smell? Or at lease reduce the problem.
  • kg1d dx wrote:
    I keep getting that surfer smell


    Salt water and Sun tan lotion? :)

    Bad anode rod in your water heater?
  • Flush your hot water tank with white vinegar a few times and run the water through your system.
  • If it's only when you use the hot water, do as guidry said.

    And if you have a filter under the sink, wash it well or replace it.

    Re-post if it is not only the hot water.
  • IF you have an Atwood WH (no anode rod) you still need to drain/flush WH.

    Sulfur smell/hot water....that comes from the water heater.

    Sulfur smell/hot & cold water....that comes from fresh water tank and/or water source
  • AFTER you change the anode rod, a bottle of hydrogen peroxide will eliminate the sulfur (surfer..:W) smell with no after taste..Simply pour it in the tank....Dennis
  • THE SMELL IS FROM STAGNANT WATER IN YOUR TANKS AND LINES WHEN THEY ARE NOT DRAINED. THETFORD MAKES A SANITZER KIT THAT WORKS GREAT. AFTER YOU CLEAN THE WATER SYSTEM,DRAIN THE SUPPLY AND WATER HEATER TANKS. BY-PASS THE WATER HEATER, MOST CAMPERS HAVE THEM BUILT IN, THEN BLOW OUT THE LINES.IF MY RV IS NOT GOING TO BE USED FOR MORE THAN THREE DAYS, I DO THE ABOVE PROCEDURE, IT ONLY TAKES FIVE MINUTES. IT HAS BEEN YEARS SINCE MY WIFE HAS HAD TO COMPLAIN ABOUT SMELLY WATER. SHE NOW HAS MOVED ONTO CLOSET SPACE.