|
|
03-17-2009, 09:57 PM
|
#1
|
3 Rivet Member
2007 19' Safari SE
Seal Beach
, California
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 220
|
Rotten egg smell
The last time we were out in the Bambi, we noticed a slight rotten egg smell whenever we turned on the hot water faucet. I'm assuming this is a sign that I need to drain the hot water tank and cycle a tank or two of vinegar through it to clean and deodorize the tank. Any tips on whether this will treat the odor problem? If so, what is the simplest way to use the vinegar (or any commercial alternative) method?
__________________
"I have found through trial and error that I work best under duress. In fact, I work only under duress." -Ed Abbey
Jerry & Susan
2007 19' Bambi SE; 2018 Ford F-350 5.4L SuperCrew 4x4
|
|
|
03-17-2009, 10:36 PM
|
#2
|
Rivet Master
2005 28' Safari S/O
Paradise
, California
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,446
|
Check your owners manual for what Airstream recommends to sanitize your tank. They should have instructions there too. Diluted bleach is the generally accepted method and i usually do mine about once a year. Here is a link to some information...
How to Sanitize Your RV Fresh Water System
__________________
Steve
"THE OLDER I GET, THE BETTER I WAS"
|
|
|
03-17-2009, 11:11 PM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ESCAPE POD
The last time we were out in the Bambi, we noticed a slight rotten egg smell whenever we turned on the hot water faucet. I'm assuming this is a sign that I need to drain the hot water tank and cycle a tank or two of vinegar through it to clean and deodorize the tank. Any tips on whether this will treat the odor problem? If so, what is the simplest way to use the vinegar (or any commercial alternative) method?
|
You may have an LPG leak.
Andy
|
|
|
03-18-2009, 05:02 AM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Mantua
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,062
|
I'm with Andy, please check for a LPG leak. Do you have a LPG detector?jim
|
|
|
03-18-2009, 05:12 AM
|
#5
|
Rivet Master
2006 30' Classic S/O
Currently Looking...
Mohrsville
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,313
|
Definitely check for propane leaks.
Could it have been the water supply at the last campground you were at had an elevated sulfur content?
__________________
Carl, Elaine & Finn The Beagle
2006 30' Classic W Slide & Limited Package Katarina
2006 GMC 2500 HD 6.6 Turbo Diesel Crew Cab 8' Bed
TAC PA-3
S/OS#042
AIR #14487
NQ3U (was KB3UOM)
|
|
|
03-18-2009, 05:46 AM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
2005 28' International CCD
Willoughby
, Ohio
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 543
|
It may be the water source that you were tied into - well water sometimes has sulfur in it in enough concentration to cause that odor - heat makes it worse.
__________________
Steve & Susan
WBCCI# 03876
AIR# 6511
2005 28' CCD, 2011 Sierra 5.3L, Equal-I-Zer
Empty Nesters - spending our money on OURSELVES for a change!
|
|
|
03-18-2009, 07:24 AM
|
#7
|
Tramp Streamer
Commercial Member
1995 28' Excella
Artist
, at Large
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 2,002
|
What came first
Have you checked your egg's?
|
|
|
03-18-2009, 07:46 AM
|
#8
|
Rivet Master
1977 27' Overlander
1973 27' Overlander
1963 19' Globetrotter
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,259
|
If you didn`t drain your water heater,the anode gives you that nasty smell,just run the hot water for about 30 min. and the smell should go away.We go thru that alot with snow birds who are only down a few months of the year,and the water in the heater absorbs the smell from the anode.Do not remove the anode, it is there to protect the tank. Dave
|
|
|
03-22-2009, 07:10 PM
|
#9
|
Rivet Master
1993 34' Excella
1962 16' Bambi
New Haven
, Connecticut
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 600
|
if i ever smell rotten eggs i always check the water level in my batteries.
|
|
|
03-23-2009, 07:48 AM
|
#10
|
Rivet Master
1977 27' Overlander
1973 27' Overlander
1963 19' Globetrotter
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,259
|
Rotten Egg
Quote:
Originally Posted by ESCAPE POD
The last time we were out in the Bambi, we noticed a slight rotten egg smell whenever we turned on the hot water faucet. I'm assuming this is a sign that I need to drain the hot water tank and cycle a tank or two of vinegar through it to clean and deodorize the tank. Any tips on whether this will treat the odor problem? If so, what is the simplest way to use the vinegar (or any commercial alternative) method?
|
OK,don`t leave us hanging,did you find out what it was ? Dave
|
|
|
03-23-2009, 08:05 AM
|
#11
|
Rivet Master
Airstream - Other
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Bosque Farms
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,030
|
Yes, I'd like to see what you found out, too. Basically, folks have recommended looking at 1. propane leak, 2. battery acid (boiled battery?), and 3. heavily mineralized water. (I listed in this order in terms of their immediate danger to person and property.)
It takes some sniffing to distinguish, but when we had a battery acid problem, the smell, while similar to rotten eggs, ultimately indicated (incorrectly) a leak in black-tank fumes containment.
Lynn
__________________
ACI Big Red Number 21043
|
|
|
03-23-2009, 08:07 AM
|
#12
|
Rivet Master
1956 22' Flying Cloud
1953 32' Liner
1955 22' Safari
Valley View
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,971
|
Hot water stink
OK...check your propane...and do it regularly.
But, if you want to get rid of the Sulfer smell that is present when you use the hot water....its the anode in the tank. I just went thru that and at the Texas Vintage Rally I had numerous folks look at the problem with me. Thanks to Pat McD. I found out it was the anode in the tank...problem solved. Cleaning, sanitizing, will be a temp. solution.
|
|
|
03-23-2009, 09:32 PM
|
#13
|
3 Rivet Member
2007 19' Safari SE
Seal Beach
, California
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 220
|
Problem under control
Thanks everyone for your concern and helpful advice. You too, 2air! The problem was pretty clearly the hot water tank: cupping your hand under the hot water faucet would yield a sulphur-scented water sample. I drained the tank this past weekend, flushed it using the city water inlet (to save wear-and-tear on the pump). Also added some chlorine dioxide product to the fresh water tank. So far, no repeat of the stink! If it returns, I'll let you know.
-Jerry
__________________
"I have found through trial and error that I work best under duress. In fact, I work only under duress." -Ed Abbey
Jerry & Susan
2007 19' Bambi SE; 2018 Ford F-350 5.4L SuperCrew 4x4
|
|
|
03-24-2009, 06:38 AM
|
#14
|
Aluminum Addict
Gastonia
, North Carolina
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 66
|
It's a bit of a hassle, but if I am not going to use the trailer for a few weekends, I drain the water heater, and the water lines. I never have a problem with odor. Before use, I re-sanitize the water system.
__________________
---AIR # 17817--- DJ
|
|
|
03-24-2009, 06:46 AM
|
#15
|
Rivet Master
2006 30' Classic S/O
Currently Looking...
Mohrsville
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,313
|
Possible 2air sighting???
Quote:
Originally Posted by ESCAPE POD
Thanks everyone for your concern and helpful advice. You too, 2air!
|
Jerry,
Do you mean to tell me you have had a confirmed sighting of 2air??? Folks have been looking for him for quite a while.
If this is in fact true, you may want to post your sighting here...
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f48/...you-46573.html
__________________
Carl, Elaine & Finn The Beagle
2006 30' Classic W Slide & Limited Package Katarina
2006 GMC 2500 HD 6.6 Turbo Diesel Crew Cab 8' Bed
TAC PA-3
S/OS#042
AIR #14487
NQ3U (was KB3UOM)
|
|
|
03-24-2009, 10:41 AM
|
#16
|
3 Rivet Member
2007 19' Safari SE
Seal Beach
, California
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 220
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by DEITZ645
|
My "sighting" was in the form of a private message advising how to solve the "stinky tank" problem. I've also encouraged 2air to jump back into the pool, but I respect his right to "dial it back". I was just glad to hear from him.
-Jerry
__________________
"I have found through trial and error that I work best under duress. In fact, I work only under duress." -Ed Abbey
Jerry & Susan
2007 19' Bambi SE; 2018 Ford F-350 5.4L SuperCrew 4x4
|
|
|
03-24-2009, 11:42 AM
|
#17
|
Rivet Master
2006 30' Classic S/O
Currently Looking...
Mohrsville
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,313
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ESCAPE POD
My "sighting" was in the form of a private message advising how to solve the "stinky tank" problem. I've also encouraged 2air to jump back into the pool, but I respect his right to "dial it back". I was just glad to hear from him.
-Jerry
|
Jerry,
It is just enough to see that he is still counted amongst the living.
__________________
Carl, Elaine & Finn The Beagle
2006 30' Classic W Slide & Limited Package Katarina
2006 GMC 2500 HD 6.6 Turbo Diesel Crew Cab 8' Bed
TAC PA-3
S/OS#042
AIR #14487
NQ3U (was KB3UOM)
|
|
|
03-24-2009, 08:20 PM
|
#18
|
Rivet Master
1993 34' Excella
1962 16' Bambi
New Haven
, Connecticut
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 600
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by DEITZ645
|
I'm sure 2air is lurking at the forums under assumed identities. I wouldn't doubt that he is out there camping under an assumed SOB.
|
|
|
05-18-2009, 07:18 AM
|
#19
|
2 Rivet Member
1984 31' Sovereign
Andover
, Kansas
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 44
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Melody Ranch
OK...check your propane...and do it regularly.
But, if you want to get rid of the Sulfer smell that is present when you use the hot water....its the anode in the tank. I just went thru that and at the Texas Vintage Rally I had numerous folks look at the problem with me. Thanks to Pat McD. I found out it was the anode in the tank...problem solved. Cleaning, sanitizing, will be a temp. solution.
|
OK - We just went out this weekend in our '38 Sovereign and had the same strong "rotten egg smell" from our hot water. I drained the water tank last night and did not find an anode - our Atwood is propane only. Do the propane only tanks not have an anode? We'll try the cleansing part - but any advice on where/if our water heater has an anode would be appreciated. From the looks of the unit, it appears to be original. Thanks! John
|
|
|
05-18-2009, 07:24 AM
|
#20
|
Rivet Master
2006 30' Classic S/O
Currently Looking...
Mohrsville
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,313
|
Alsupp,
Both our Airstreams have Atwoods, the '87 has a prpane only and hte '06 has an electric / propane unit an neither of them have an annode rod. So yours, most likely, will not have one either.
__________________
Carl, Elaine & Finn The Beagle
2006 30' Classic W Slide & Limited Package Katarina
2006 GMC 2500 HD 6.6 Turbo Diesel Crew Cab 8' Bed
TAC PA-3
S/OS#042
AIR #14487
NQ3U (was KB3UOM)
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|