Forum Discussion

mabel's avatar
mabel
Explorer
May 30, 2015

Water sanitizeing

I just added bleach to sanitize my water tank, and system, will drain and flush later. I also drained the hot water tank, and refilled with the bleach from the tank. When I drained the hot water tank it smelled like rotten eggs. This happens when it isn't used and stands for awhile. My question is what others opinion is about leaving the bleach solution in the water tank until I will use in a couple of weeks. I plan to drain and flush the rest of the system.

3 Replies

  • The Rotten Egg Smell comes from water that is high in sulfates. Dumping the water when your finished camping is a good idea. If you have Suburban heater with a magnesium rod, changing to aluminum rod may help a bit. Atwoods don't have any sacrificial rods.
  • I usually sanitize the water system in the spring and thats it for the year. I don't think I would want to keep bleach in the water tank for more than overnight. But that may be just me. Bleach comes in a plastic bottle but it is a different type of plastic. My concern would be the bleach being absorbed into the tank and always having the water from the tank smelling of bleach. JMHO, good luck, John
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer III
    The standard is 1/4 cup bleach per 15 gallon capacity of the tank. Fill with water.

    I drive around some to mix the bleach and water, and to splash the solution onto the top of the tank.

    Fill all water lines, toilet lines, shower lines, water heater tank, and let sit for at least 4 hours.

    I don't know if letting the bleach sit in contact with the plastic for weeks will damage the plastic.