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Post by wemacks on Dec 10, 2021 13:11:09 GMT -5
We purchased a 2021 SportTrek 327VIK in late July (completed - I use that term loosely since radio wires weren't connected and stabilizer motors weren't installed and shoddy cabinet door attachments - in April 2021), we are on an extended vacation and up until about 3 weeks ago never had any concerns with our hot water heater. Now, everytime it reheats we get a sickeningly sweet smell that fills the camper. My husband doesn't think it's propane and we cannot find any melting plastic or bugs or Styrofoam (the casing). We are hooked to a heated hose but that should not cause any issues in the water heater. We are heating via propane and not electric since we are monthly right now.
Has anyone else noticed this? Any thoughts on what it is? It is horrible and since it is located in our bunkroom where our pups, supplies and clothes are for the trip it is very concerning. I'm astonished by the various "wtf" moments we've had in 4 months of ownership.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts, inputs or direction towards a previous post addressing this concern.
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Post by thewolfgang on Dec 10, 2021 15:02:18 GMT -5
Heating up bad smelling water can make the smell be worse. For example, in Florida (IMO), the water always smells bad. The hot water smells worse. Worst case you might want to sanitize your water system, and install a filter between the supply and your camper. You would not believe the gunk I found in a pre-filter (a simple screen).
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marjim
Weekender RV’er
Retired EE, Vietnam Vet, God, Faith, Family & Flag. St. Louis area
Posts: 99
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Post by marjim on Dec 10, 2021 22:13:55 GMT -5
My first thought is that maybe some RV winterizing fluid got into the hot water tank. Have you flushed and rinsed the hot water tank? Maybe pull the annode or open the drain valve and collect a sample in a glass. If its clear and doesnt smell, then I would look at any plastic or insulation around the tank and heater area.
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Post by wemacks on Dec 13, 2021 10:26:34 GMT -5
Thank you both for the fabulous ideas and input!
We are hooked up to the campground water line with heated hose and a great 2 filter system prior to the water entering the camper. We do not use our fresh water tank but I'm certain sanitizing the entire system is something we should probably get done sooner than later. We have definitely been hooked in to some sketchy water sources.
The camper has never had winterizing fluid in it that I am aware of since we took delivery in late July and it had been completed in April. We have been in it on an extended vacation ever since. That said, I'm sure pulling everything apart and flushing/cleaning the heater and components would be a great idea.
Thank you for your suggestions! We're heading towards a warmup and a deep clean/workday around the camper, that'll be the perfect time!
May your holidays be filled with love and light!
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rue
Newbie RV’er
Retired and living large!
Posts: 33
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Post by rue on Dec 13, 2021 21:48:09 GMT -5
As a quick water quality test, heat up some water from the tap on the stove and see if you replicate the smell. At a minimum that will rule out the water source or confirm the problem and it is fast and cheap.
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Post by navylcdr on Dec 14, 2021 23:37:36 GMT -5
You probably have a magnesium or aluminum anode rod installed in the water heater. Anaerobic bacteria in the water will combine with the magnesium or aluminum anode rod and produce hydrogen sulfide gas. Before you sanitize your plumbing, replace the anode rod with zinc: www.amazon.com/Heater-Eau-Aluminum-Suburban-Morflo/dp/B085DQ2D5K |
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3rdof5
Weekender RV’er
Finally camping season!
Posts: 55
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Post by 3rdof5 on Jan 5, 2022 19:42:22 GMT -5
All the replies so far refer to causes for bad smelling water, and all advice has been great. But you say you smell it when its reheating (flame on). Is it possible something got into the heat exchanger (a rodent maybe) and is getting cooked when the flame kicks on? A proper sanitizing of your water system is definitely necessary but I would inspect the water heater more closely both inside the rv and from the outside inspection door.
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Post by navylcdr on Jan 8, 2022 18:22:30 GMT -5
My water heater, when it was new, would set of the CO alarm every time it fired up. The combustion chamber is just a round chamber accessible from outside. Remove a couple of screws and the propane burner assembly comes out. The combustion chamber is about the size of a pint glass. I simply hosed it out with water and some black ash type debris came out. Put it back together and no problems since. I guess if that was setting off the alarm inside my trailer, it would also be possible for something like that to cause a smell in the trailer too.
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