Sulphur Smell from Water System

Question

We have a 10-year old 5th-wheel. About 4 years ago, the hot water smelled like sulphur. I replaced the anode with an aluminum/zinc anode and filled the water heater with undiluted vinegar. We were good to go for 4 years. At the beginning of this season, I sanitized the water system with bleach as usual. About 1 week into our summer travels, the hot water sulphur smell was present. I drained and then filled the water heater with a solution of hydrogen peroxide.

The smell was gone, but only for about 10 days, so I drained the water heater and filled it with undiluted vinegar. After 6 hours, I drained the hot water tank. Of course, the smell was gone.

About 10 days later, the smell was back, but this time we noticed it was also present in the cold water too. So I sanitized the entire system with bleach (1.5 cups in 90 gallons), letting it sit for about 8 hours.

Again, the smell went away, but came back after about 10 days. I treated the entire system again with bleach, but doubled the strength to 3 cups in 90 gallons and let it sit for 24 hours.

Guess what? About 10 days later, the hot water is starting to smell of sulphur again.

Any ideas regarding what will get rid of the smell and keep it gone?

stircrazy · Answer

its probably the same chemical as Captn Phibs.&nbsp; works great, fill the lines let them sit over night, drain and do one rinse the next day and done.&nbsp;&nbsp;

carnationsailor · Answer

I think the suggestion that the bacteria was "holed up" in our unused washer supply lines is exactly right. For 10 years, I included those lines in the sanitation process, but this year I didn't. The lines had come loose somewhere behind the paneling, and turning the valves was turning the water lines as well. I was concerned that I might cause a leak behind the paneling. I needed 3 hands to open these lines: One to hold the spigot with pliers, one to turn the water on, and one to hold a bowl to catch the water.

After getting the suggestion from RamblinReflect, I enlisted my wife to provide the 3rd hand. When I opened the valve, the sulphur smell was extremely strong. Bingo! I found the culprit!

Maybe.

I used Camco's "Spring Fresh" sanitizing product according to the directions and included the washer lines. (I've always included all faucets and the low point drains as well as draining the hot water tank.) Guess what? The sulphur smell came back.

I'm going to go thru the process one more time, but use a stronger solution and leave it in the lines over night instead of the 10 minutes the instructions call for. I'll post the results.

stircrazy · Answer

the only thing I can suggest is trying hydrogen peroxide before the vinegar for an over night soak to kill off the existing bacteria more efficiently.&nbsp;
the other issue is what are you using for water to fill the rv?&nbsp; it takes bacteria to react with the magnesium or aluminum to make the Hydrogen sulfide gas, so if you eliminate the bacteria from getting in there then you eliminate the smell.&nbsp;&nbsp;

carnationsailor · Answer

I don't understand the hydrogen peroxide/vinegar process you suggested. Would I fill the water heater with a hydrogen peroxide solution, let it soak, drain it, and then fill with vinegar?

Regarding the source of water - 10 or so different RV park water systems over the last 2 months.

stircrazy · Answer

ya the hydrogen peroxide will kill off the bacteria, plus loosen any organic material, the vinegar will loosen mineral based deposits.
&nbsp;
this is a common treatment I see on boards and internet searches, I don't have to do it myself as nothing but city water (treated water) goes in my tanks&nbsp;

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Sulphur Smell from Water System

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