Hot water smells like petroleum gas

[pigletat100acres]

We just purchased a 2008 Forest River Berkshire 390BH and took it for the first trip last weekend. When we took a hot shower, there was a distinct petroleum gas smell coming from the water. It was not a rotten egg sulfur smell - it was definitely a petroleum type gas smell. It was only from the hot water when the hot water heater was on. The cold water did not smell and it did not taste bad. It is currently in the shop getting some minor repairs and they are stumped as to what it is. Any ideas??? thanks!

[emm-dee]

I've heard some discussions about the anodizing rod sometimes has a bad reaction to certain water. Don't know the reason, something about bad well water, water from copper or lead pipes, or whatever. As a test, try removing the rod, get all new water into the heater then see if it still stinks. If that solves the problem I guess you could leave the rod out but I'm sure that will induce other problems down the road...and shorten the life of the heater.

Just a suggestion, and others more knowledgeable will be able to come up with a solution if the problem gets fixed.

[Phil57]

Originally Posted by pigletat100acres

We just purchased a 2008 Forest River Berkshire 390BH and took it for the first trip last weekend. When we took a hot shower, there was a distinct petroleum gas smell coming from the water. It was not a rotten egg sulfur smell - it was definitely a petroleum type gas smell. It was only from the hot water when the hot water heater was on. The cold water did not smell and it did not taste bad. It is currently in the shop getting some minor repairs and they are stumped as to what it is. Any ideas??? thanks!

It's hard to tell without more info. What water heater do you have. Is it a tank or tankles? If it's a tank type I agree change the anode rod. In either case flush the system and sanitize it.

[Subsailor]

Maybe some "left over" RV antifreeze either in the tank or if it is tankless, left in some of the hot water lines. The RV antifreeze smell changes quite a bit from brand to brand and could be considered to have a bit of a petroleum type smell. In any case, a good flush and sanitizing should assist like Phil said.

[bend302]

Do you have an "aqua hot" system? That might be diesel you smell. Try making sure water heater is on electric only.

Bill

[Phil57]

No aqua hot on Berkshires.

[Phil57]

It sure gets confusing with the same post in different places.