Need a little help with water smell

[JohnF]

In my opinion this is not a bacteria problem. This campground is probably required to treat its water supply with chlorine or some other method to kill bacteria. It is more likely a small amount of sulfur in the water supply and can be stopped with a simple carbon filter on the inlet. It is certainly worth a try if they have nothing filtering the water now. Or, it may be time to change the filter.

If their water is carried from another source, the same applies....filter it with carbon.

[tmmar]

I had the issue once a while ago. By putting chlorine into the system and filling the water heater tank with the chlorinated water, it will take the odor out.

[harderd]

Originally Posted by JohnF

In my opinion this is not a bacteria problem. This campground is probably required to treat its water supply with chlorine or some other method to kill bacteria. It is more likely a small amount of sulfur in the water supply and can be stopped with a simple carbon filter on the inlet. It is certainly worth a try if they have nothing filtering the water now. Or, it may be time to change the filter.

If their water is carried from another source, the same applies....filter it with carbon.

It is bacteria that forms in the water heater of the camper from sitting a long time with water in it. Must be sanitized or the smell will keep coming back. It is real, trust me, been through it. Look it up

[crunchman12001]

Originally Posted by crunchman12001

How long did the water sit in your system since the short trips in spring? If I won't be in the camper for a couple weeks, I drain everything so the water does not ferment and get nasty smelling.
crunchman

We still have not heard a response from the OP. My guess is the water was in the water heater and system since "early spring" and it got nasty.
crunchman

[14 CC 38CK]

I used the 1 1/16 size socket and it removed the plug but was also really loose , almost like it needs to be a size smaller so I'm gonna find the right one so it doesent round it off

[Harkerr]

Drain hot water and fresh water tanks. Refill with good fresh water. Purge lines. Should be ok

[harderd]

Originally Posted by Harkerr

Drain hot water and fresh water tanks. Refill with good fresh water. Purge lines. Should be ok

If he has the sulfur smell it won't be OK without sanitizing. It will get better for a bit but just sitting again for 8 hours the smell will come back.

[JohnF]

Originally Posted by harderd

It is bacteria that forms in the water heater of the camper from sitting a long time with water in it. Must be sanitized or the smell will keep coming back. It is real, trust me, been through it. Look it up

It is the source of the water that is providing the bacteria. Sanitizing the camper is only a temporary solution if you continue to draw water from the same source. The bacteria that forms the rotten egg odor is generally harmless, it is the gas that is offensive. It takes very little gas to be detected by your nose. Systems that treat the bacteria on an on going basis are too cumbersome and expensive to put into an RV. Chlorination or any other oxidation method are best kept to households and even then can be a pain to maintain and very costly. The simplest solution is to add a carbon filter to the incoming water. It won’t work 100% of the time but my experience is that they are very effective most of the time. Sure, flush the hot water tank, but put a carbon filter on the inlet side first. I would probably just open the hot water faucet for a few minutes and consider the job done.

Here is a good source of information.
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/wq/wq-11.html

[Genealdr]

If you have a washer/dryer system and do not use it, turn off the water, attach a hose to each faucet one at a time, turn the water on and run water through that section of piping, draining into the toilet or outside. That flushes the line where the water is usually stagnant IF you never use the washer.

[harderd]

John, You could be right but I doubt it. There are those of us that speak from experience and those that don't. You can get a sulfur smell from a water source such as well in certain areas. You can also get it from bacteria in the water heater and that will not just go away. How do I know this, b/c when I purchased a used camper from 800 miles away I tested everything before signing the papers, water heated include on my city provided tap water. The camper then sat for 2 month in the hot sun. On our first camping trip the sulfur smell was awful then it got a little better after the water ran for a while. I thought it was just water in the area. The next day when running the hot water it was very bad again then improved as the water ran. Went home and did not think anything of it. A few moths later we went to the beach where we have stayed for 25 years. the smell was back. I did some research and found out about the bacteria. Sanitized the water heater and never had an issue again. I am sure though this has not convinced you.

[harderd]

Bad Smelling Hot Water - Outback RV Owners Forum

[harderd]

Easily Troubleshoot and Repair a Gas Hot Water Heater

[JohnF]

Originally Posted by crunchman12001

We still have not heard a response from the OP. My guess is the water was in the water heater and system since "early spring" and it got nasty.
crunchman

That’s the truth. Until we get more information from the OP, we’re all just guessing!

[crunchman12001]

Originally Posted by JohnF

That’s the truth. Until we get more information from the OP, we’re all just guessing!

Yup, close this thread until the OP replies.
crunchman

[elind]

PS One trick after I sanitize the system with bleach is to run a cup of White Vinegar with water again and drain it. The vinegar will cut the Chlorine taste out of the water.

[jeff64]

I have a whole house filter system with m and f garden hose threads and a carbon taste, odor and sediment filter in it. Any water going into the TT either at a full hook up site or dry camping situation goes through that filter setup first including any additional water added by jerry cans

[crunchman12001]

Originally Posted by crunchman12001

Yup, close this thread until the OP replies.
crunchman

Bump!

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by crunchman12001

Bump!

If I close the thread, how will the OP reply?

[crunchman12001]

Originally Posted by Herk7769

If I close the thread, how will the OP reply?

He is gone, still has stinky water. Everyone keeps giving soulutions for a newbie that never posted again 39 posts ago.
no biggie, lets see how many post we can get?
crunchman

[tmmar]

OP says he is away and at a campground that only has WIFI at the office so maybe he hasn't had a chance to see the responses or had a chance to reply. Give the OP the benefit of the doubt and keep the thread open.
JMHO