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butcha's avatar
butcha
Explorer
Jun 11, 2015

RV anti-freeze taste

Last November I winterized my HHII like I always do. Blow out the lines and then put RV anti-freeze in the system. The first of May I flushed out all of the lines but I can't get rid of the anti-freeze taste or smell. I don't usually drink out of the fresh water tank, just to swallow a pill or rinsing when brushing my teeth. I put a strong mixture of chlorine bleach and water into the system and let it stand for about 10 days. The taste is still there. There is not, and never has been any anti-freeze in the fresh water tank. I even drained water into a drinking glass and it is just fine. Does anyone have any idea what I can do to get rid of this problem. My wife suggested white vinegar. I don't remember what brand it was but I sure don't want to use it again. What brand do you all use?
  • JaxDad's avatar
    JaxDad
    Explorer III
    PackerBacker wrote:
    Since we use our camper during winter months also, I winterize and dewinterize several times a year. I've found that it takes a good week of daily showers and bathroom/kitchen sink use to get rid of the taste for the mostpart.


    I use mine numerous times a winter also.

    That's the main reason I DON'T use any pink stuff, just blow the lines clear. Putting the water system back in service requires nothing but adding water to the tank.

    I've got enough on my honey-do list, I don't need to add extra work like rinsing, cleaning, sanitizing and getting rid of funny tastes.
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    JaxDad wrote:
    PackerBacker wrote:
    Since we use our camper during winter months also, I winterize and dewinterize several times a year. I've found that it takes a good week of daily showers and bathroom/kitchen sink use to get rid of the taste for the mostpart.


    I use mine numerous times a winter also.

    That's the main reason I DON'T use any pink stuff, just blow the lines clear. Putting the water system back in service requires nothing but adding water to the tank.

    I've got enough on my honey-do list, I don't need to add extra work like rinsing, cleaning, sanitizing and getting rid of funny tastes.

    I just blew out the lines on our coach two years ago while leaving it in South Carolina for a trip home to Montreal. A plastic fitting in the wet bay froze and split so since then I have been using the pink stuff all the time. Never thought I'd have that issue in South Carolina after blowing out the lines.
  • remdog*1 wrote:
    I then flush with some baking soda.


    And that's the ticket. Baking soda.
  • People tend to forget that they could just drain off (or blow out) the pink stuff immediately after running it through the system. You're using it to displace any remaining water. Once you've pumped it into the system, it's done its job. Drain it. Maybe no bad taste that way? x4 on the baking soda. Also the cheaper pink stuff usually has alcohol in it. Could this cause it to impregnate the plumbing?
  • A lot of people don't realize that there are two types of "pink stuff" available, the cheaper ethanol (alcohol) based version and the better propylene glycol based version. The two types are explained here. Propylene glycol is not toxic and should not be confused with automotive antifreeze.

    The good RV stuff (propylene glycol based) can cost a little more but for the jug or two you need, it's insignificant. It can be harder to find because most vendors stock their shelves with the cheaper product. I found a great price at a local independent RV repair & parts shop last fall and bought enough for 3 or 4 seasons. You also need to read the fine print on a label as it's not immediately obvious which type it is.

    If you want to get rid of the odor, lubricate seals and not have to worry about flammability, use the good pink stuff.

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