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06-15-2015, 03:54 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2014 Interstate Ext. Coach
Basking Ridge
, New Jersey
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 89
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Stinky hot water
Well, I'm going through final preparations for our one lap of America, and testing water functions, water from the hot side is stinky and cloudy (this is before heating). Cold water fresh tank is clear and fresh smelling. I'm not going to taste them so don't worry.
Any ideas about what would cause this and what I should do about it?
Thanks
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SCARLET BISON
Silver 2014.5 Interstate EXT
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06-15-2015, 04:22 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2024 Interstate 19
Fulton
, Maryland
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,872
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Need more info. Is this a new Interstate that you have never used before? Or is it a used unit new to you. If not did you have any problems the last time you used the water heater. Was it winterized this year?
I think your first step would be to drain the water heater from the plug on outside of van under the water heater cover.
- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter
__________________
- - Mike
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2024 Airstream Interstate 19e AWD
Previous: 2013 Airstream Interstate 3500 Ext Lounge
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06-15-2015, 04:36 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
Muskogee
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 749
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Definitely the hot water heater. Probably full of water and left that way but turned off for an extended period. The good news is all you have to do is flush it a few times and the stinky water should be gone.
__________________
2011 Interstate WD/Lounge (since sold).
2020 Leisure Van WonderRTB
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06-15-2015, 05:13 PM
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#4
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2 Rivet Member
2014 Interstate Ext. Coach
Basking Ridge
, New Jersey
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 89
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmillerok1
Definitely the hot water heater. Probably full of water and left that way but turned off for an extended period. The good news is all you have to do is flush it a few times and the stinky water should be gone.
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It is new, was winterized before I picked up. Did the appropriate steps to de-winterize, but yes did leave water in it. Should I not do that if I'm not going to use it for a while? Just leave it drained all the time except for when I'm moving and using it regularly?
whats the best way to flush the tank? just fill and drain it?
__________________
SCARLET BISON
Silver 2014.5 Interstate EXT
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06-15-2015, 07:33 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2011 Interstate Coach
Overland Park
, Kansas
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,798
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scarletbison
It is new, was winterized before I picked up. Did the appropriate steps to de-winterize, but yes did leave water in it. Should I not do that if I'm not going to use it for a while? Just leave it drained all the time except for when I'm moving and using it regularly?
What's the best way to flush the tank? Just fill and drain it?
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I'd fill it and then w/ the pump off, remove the drain plug and drain. Reinstall the plug and fill and drain again. Maybe a third time just to be sure.
Probably wouldn't hurt to sanitize the fresh water system completely when finished.
__________________
Glass half full or half empty to an engineer is the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
2011 Interstate SOLD! Upfitted 2017 Transit 350. SOLD!
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06-15-2015, 08:40 PM
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#6
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Regular Guy
1978 31' Sovereign
Hot Springs
, Arkansas
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 603
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Potable water sanitation was one of my many hats....From an aircraft carrier to a Interstate, the remedy is the same. Nothing will ruin a trip faster than gastroenteritis. Stagnant water grows bacteria and other very bad things.
I would add directly to the water tank 1 (one) ounce of unscented bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite or Calcium Hypochlorite) which is sold in stores at 5-6% strength, for every 15 gallons of tank capacity. Fill the water heater with the pump and allow to run through ALL the faucets until you can smell it. Turn off the water and allow to stand overnight. Drain the system manually or run it to waste the next day. Refill with fresh water, and the smell problem and it's potential health hazards will be eliminated.
Hope this helps.
Clayton
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06-16-2015, 01:06 PM
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#7
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3 Rivet Member
2013 Interstate Coach
Flemington
, New Jersey
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 162
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Grant,
Common problem. Navy is right. Do what he says or go to Walmart and obtain a bottle of water system freshener in their RV/Car section.Flush system once or twice a year to keep it smelling and tasting clean.
Item
__________________
Mario
2013 Interstate
2014 Little Guy 5x10 Silver Shadow
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06-17-2015, 12:57 PM
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#8
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Wise Elder
2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river
, Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,169
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NavyCorpsman
Potable water sanitation was one of my many hats....From an aircraft carrier to a Interstate, the remedy is the same. Nothing will ruin a trip faster than gastroenteritis. Stagnant water grows bacteria and other very bad things.
I would add directly to the water tank 1 (one) ounce of unscented bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite or Calcium Hypochlorite) which is sold in stores at 5-6% strength, for every 15 gallons of tank capacity. Fill the water heater with the pump and allow to run through ALL the faucets until you can smell it. Turn off the water and allow to stand overnight. Drain the system manually or run it to waste the next day. Refill with fresh water, and the smell problem and it's potential health hazards will be eliminated.
Hope this helps.
Clayton
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This.
An overnight contact time might not be strictly necessary (I would use 15 minutes). Exact contact time is a function of free chlorine, pH, and temperature, all of which have to be measured.
__________________
To learn to see below the surface, you must adjust your altitude
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06-17-2015, 04:56 PM
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#9
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2 Rivet Member
2014 Interstate Ext. Coach
Basking Ridge
, New Jersey
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 89
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Thanks everyone. Since I had the time I'm leaving it over night and draining and refilling in the morning. I'm leaving on Monday for our inaugural lap of America
__________________
SCARLET BISON
Silver 2014.5 Interstate EXT
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06-17-2015, 07:26 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2021 25' International
Full timer
, Virginia
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 665
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if it smells of rotten eggs, its an anaerobic bacteria that thrives in the pipes or system. I've had it a few times after leaving the trailer more than three or so weeks between excursions. It's essentially harmless at those levels to humans and will clear after the first day of general flushing of the lines from use. If you worry more than that, you can sanitize your lines via the bleach methods.
__________________
2024 Airstream Globetrotter 30RB
2022 Ford F350 Lariat Diesel
WBCCI 4CU 8118
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06-17-2015, 09:20 PM
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#11
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Free Range Human
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Currently Looking...
Haines
, Oregon
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 736
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scarletbison
Thanks everyone. Since I had the time I'm leaving it over night and draining and refilling in the morning. I'm leaving on Monday for our inaugural lap of America
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Plan on filling and draining about three or four times to ensure you get it flushed of odor.
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06-17-2015, 09:42 PM
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#12
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Regular Guy
1978 31' Sovereign
Hot Springs
, Arkansas
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 603
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scarletbison
Thanks everyone. Since I had the time I'm leaving it over night and draining and refilling in the morning. I'm leaving on Monday for our inaugural lap of America
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I hope you have a safe and fun trip.
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