Water Heater Odor

[rfield54]

Any recommendations for the correct amount of bleach to enter into the Atwood 6 gallon water heater to ultimately get rid of the egg (sulfur?) smell? My initial thought is to use about 12 oz's mixed with water and entered via the water pump (hose/valve used for winterizing).

Thanks.

[Mrjkq]

To disinfect it's 10% bleach solution. Start there.

[bwpaint]

I believe that is an indication you need a new anode rod in your water heater. About 5 min and 15.00. The newer heaters don't use them, but I had an older trailer where it had to be replaced every couple years.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by bwpaint

I believe that is an indication you need a new anode rod in your water heater. About 5 min and 15.00. The newer heaters don't use them, but I had an older trailer where it had to be replaced every couple years.

Atwood/Bowen water heaters do NOT use anode rods of any kind. Do not ever use one in an Atwood water heater.

The simplest way to eliminate the rotten egg smell of the stale water is to simply remove the plastic drain plug, let the water drain, replace the plastic drain plug, and refill the water heater. At that time, you can add a cup of bleach to the fresh water tank, and fill the water heater using the water pump. After letting everything sit overnight, drain the fresh water tank, and run city water through the system to remove any remaining bleach.

[rfield54]

Thanks for the replies (especially overlander63). I've been using an electric water heater element for years (from the p/o), so last night I soaked the rod in Lime-Away. I like using the electric element, as I'm plugged into shore power fulltime...that, plus hitting the tank with the rv water heater rinser, and letting it sit for a while with about a quart of bleach in the full tank should do it . . .

[Drathaar]

Bleach will not remove the rotten egg smell. Check your documentation. Attwood recommends vinegar, but I just drain and flush it multiple times. I do not leave it full between trips.

The bleach is used to kill any biological life growing in the water system.

[bwpaint]

Sorry didn't realize atwood ONLY mfg aluminum clad tanks.

Atwood instructions for cleaning

Unpleasant Odors
A “rotten egg odor” (hydrogen sulfide) may be produced when the electro
galvanic action of the cladding material releases hydrogen from the water.
If sulfur is present in the water supply the two will combine and produce an
unpleasant smell.
1. Turn off main water supply. Drain the water heater tank and reinstall
drain plug. Remove the pressure-temperature relief valve. Mix solution
of four (4) parts white vinegar to two (2) parts water. (For a 10 gallon
tank, use six (6) gallons vinegar to four (4) gallons water). With a funnel,
carefully pour solution into tank.
2. Cycle water heater with the above solution, letting it run under normal
operation 4-5 times.
3. Remove the drain plug and thoroughly drain all water from the tank.
Flush the water heater to remove any sediment. You may flush the tank
with air pressure or fresh water. Pressure may be applied through either
the inlet or outlet valves on the rear of the tank or through the pressuretemperature
relief valve coupling located on the front of the unit.
To flush tank with air pressure:
Insert your air pressure through the pressure-temperature relief valve
coupling. With the drain valve open, the air pressure will force the
remaining water out of the unit.
To flush tank with water pressure:
Fresh water should be pumped into the tank with either the onboard
pump or external water pressure. Continue this flushing process for
approximately five minutes, allowing the fresh water to agitate the
stagnant water on the bottom of the tank and forcing the deposits
through the drain opening.
4. Replace drain plug and pressure-temperature relief valve.
5. Refill tank with fresh water that contains no sulphur.
The Atwood water heater is designed for use in a Recreation Vehicle. If you use
your vehicle frequently or for long periods of time, flushing the water heater
several times a year will prolong the life of the storage tank.