RV anti-freeze taste

[butcha]

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?

[myredracer]

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.

[TurnThePage]

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?

[Campfire_Time]

remdog*1 wrote:
I then flush with some baking soda.

And that's the ticket. Baking soda.

[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.

[JaxDad]

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.

[Beverley_Ken]

popeyemth wrote:
I had the same thing happen once.
Turned out to be the tiny bit trapped in the low point drains that I had failed to flush.
Every time water was run a tiny bit was siphoned out that was just enough to taste.

Similar situation but it was coming from the winterizing/syphon line. Now I draw about a quart of water through this line, all clear now. I also let fresh water flush out the low point drains.

Ken

[Cummins12V98]

rhagfo wrote:
This is the reason we don't use the pink stuff! I just do a very good job of blowing the likes. Pink stuff only in the drains. I use water from the tank or park whichever is more covenant. The water in your tanks is as good as any tap water, and as good as bottled water.

The power of American advertising just amazes me!!

Blow Baby Blow! Never a problem with just air.

[Muddydogs]

Now the trailers in my fleet were older but it appeared to me that the antifreeze soaked into the lines then when it got hot outside some would leach back into the water flow. Once the weather got hot it seemed like every time the trailer set for a couple days the water tasted like antifreeze and was also foamy coming out of the faucet. So about 10 years ago we stopped using antifreeze and just blew the lines which with 30 trailers made since anyway. I don't put antifreeze in my own trailer lines just for this reason. 30 trailers setting outside during harsh Utah winters and we never had a problem with freeze damage.

[RAS43]

remdog*1 wrote:
After I use chlorine I then flush with some baking soda. Maybe that would help

X2 baking soda has worked the best for me. Even removes the chlorine taste.

[Community Alumni]

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.

[rhagfo]

This is the reason we don't use the pink stuff! I just do a very good job of blowing the likes. Pink stuff only in the drains. I use water from the tank or park whichever is more covenant. The water in your tanks is as good as any tap water, and as good as bottled water.

The power of American advertising just amazes me!!

[remdog_1]

After I use chlorine I then flush with some baking soda. Maybe that would help

[GaryWT]

I have never noticed a brand name, just look for the pink stuff. Also never noticed a smell to it but the good thing is it is non toxic. Generally when you sanitize your system you leave the bleach in for 4 or so hours, not 10 days. Did you drain the low point drains? If you left antifreeze in those pipes it will be picked up within the system.

[popeyemth]

I had the same thing happen once.
Turned out to be the tiny bit trapped in the low point drains that I had failed to flush.
Every time water was run a tiny bit was siphoned out that was just enough to taste.