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Fresh water problem

Miss_Sunshine
Explorer
Explorer
I have a 2014 crossroads sunset trail. It’s new to us. I have sanitized and flushed the fresh water at least 4 times. I still have a very strong sulfur small. I use household bleach in the recommended concentration. I use my house water which does not smell like sulfur. It is softened and I run a Super S system which removes any trace of FeSO4. Anyone know what’s wrong or how to fix it?
27 REPLIES 27

Miss_Sunshine
Explorer
Explorer
I sanitized with bleach, then flushed with fresh water. My well water is horribly rusty. So I used softened water. Next I sanitized with vinegar, and flushed with fresh water. I emptied and flushed HWH each time.

I filled up at CG three days ago. The water isn’t horrible. It smells of iron but not a strong sulfur odor. My wife showered and had no complaints. I’m gonna sanitize one more time when I get home. Then I think I’d feel comfortable Using for dishes.

Bobbo
Explorer II
Explorer II
If the water from the campground "seems ok" but the water from your well doesn't, you have your answer.
Bobbo and Lin
2017 F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCab w/Max Tow Package 3.5l EcoBoost V6
2017 Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB

Miss_Sunshine
Explorer
Explorer
It is well water that is softened and goes thru a sulfur system. I don’t know how old the hose is. I did sanitize it. Water that comes out at low spot doesn’t smell.

I sanitized the system with bleach, AGAIN. Flushed with fresh water. Then sanitized with vinegar. Flushed with fresh water. I drained the HWH each time. I filled up at the campground two days ago. Water seems ok. I don’t trust that it’s safe to wash dishes. I’ll sanitize again when I get home.

bguy
Explorer
Explorer
Are you using well water?
---------------------------------------
2011 Ram 1500 Quad Cab, 4x4, 3.55, HEMI
2009 TL-32BHS Trail-Lite by R-Vision

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Explorer III
ksg5000 wrote:
Miss Sunshine wrote:
Smells both hot and cold.
I always sanitize the HWH.
It’s an Atwood. So no anode. Oh, isn’t the lining aluminum? Is it reacting with the softened water?


Tank is glass lined so I doubt that's an issue. If it were me I would try filling the tank from another water source just to rule out your current water source as the problem. Your house may have water softener but it may bypass the outlet your filling the RV from. Also - if you have a built in water filter that maybe the problem.


NO ...Atwood WH Tanks are NOT glass-lined
That would be the Suburban which uses a STEEL tank and glass0-lining to protect steel tank plus anode rod

Atwood uses an ALUMINUM tank that has a zinc cladding so no anode rod is used.


Softener is not your issue
Both cold and hot smell........that is source water supply
How old is your Hose?
Did you sanitize it?
Is it time for your medication or mine?


2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed 'quiet gen'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
US NAVY------USS Decatur DDG31

ksg5000
Explorer
Explorer
Miss Sunshine wrote:
Smells both hot and cold.
I always sanitize the HWH.
It’s an Atwood. So no anode. Oh, isn’t the lining aluminum? Is it reacting with the softened water?


Tank is glass lined so I doubt that's an issue. If it were me I would try filling the tank from another water source just to rule out your current water source as the problem. Your house may have water softener but it may bypass the outlet your filling the RV from. Also - if you have a built in water filter that maybe the problem.
Kevin

jdc1
Explorer II
Explorer II
Maybe you just have a crappy water source.

Miss_Sunshine
Explorer
Explorer
No filter

Lynnmor
Explorer
Explorer
Is there a water filter that may be disgusting?

Miss_Sunshine
Explorer
Explorer
Smells both hot and cold.
I always sanitize the HWH.
It’s an Atwood. So no anode. Oh, isn’t the lining aluminum? Is it reacting with the softened water?

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Explorer III
Is water heater a Suburban with an anode rod?
OEM anode rod is magnesium and can react with microbes in source water ---sulfur smell
Aluminum anode rod as available BUT you have a softener and the aluminum doesn't react well to softened water

So sanitize and flush that water heater whether Suburban or Atwood
Is it time for your medication or mine?


2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed 'quiet gen'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
US NAVY------USS Decatur DDG31

coolmom42
Explorer II
Explorer II
It's possible you did not sanitize and flush your water heater. The sanitizing mixture should go through the water heater, even if it's been drained. Make sure it's not set to bypass, as it probably was when you winterized. All kinds of nasties can grow in there.
Single empty-nester in Middle TN, sometimes with a friend or grandchild on board

ksg5000
Explorer
Explorer
Does it smell for both hot and cold water ... or just hot?
Kevin