Unpleasant sulphur or rotten-egg odor
For Suburban Water Heaters, the following is a quote from the Suburban Manual.
“Sulphur water can be caused by a chemical action or by bacteria. The solution to eliminate is chlorination of the water system. Add about six (6) ounces of chlorinated common household liquid bleach to each 10 gallons in the water tank. Then run the chlorinated water throughout the system, opening each faucet one at a time until you smell the chlorine. Let the RV sit for a few days and the chlorine should take care of the problem. Then you will need to take care of the chlorine. Remove the chlorine by flushing the system with fresh water. This may take several attempts. You may consider adding a filtering system that removes chlorine and prevents sulphur water. If the sulphur or rotten egg smell continues, flush the system once again as described above and replace anode rod as necessary.”
For Atwood Water Heaters, the following is a quote from the Atwood Manual.
1. “Turn off main water supply. Drain the water heater tank and reinstall drain plug. Remove the pressure-temperature relief valve. Mix solution of 4 parts white vinegar to two parts 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.
4. 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 pressure temperature relief valve coupling located on the front of the unit.”
