Why Does My Water Stink?

[JimDavisHouston]

Hi Guys.

Got a 2015 Travato. I don't drink the water at all. When I fill my fresh water tank, I add about an ounce of Clorox, and the water has a slight chlorine scent to it. However, when I run my Hot water, it reeks of a strong Sulfur smell.

I seldom use the Hot Water tank since it only runs on 110v, but I run the water from time to time to keep it circulated. The smell is always there. Strong at first, then eases a bit, but always there.

Anyone else have this?

[eric1514]

Hydrogen Sulfide and bacteria. Don't leave water in it unless you are going to use it. I'm talking about the water heater.

Just rinse it several times with fresh water by draining it and refilling. It will clear up. When you are done, drain it again and leave it empty.

Eric

[booster]

If you have a magnesium anode rod, you may want to replace it with an aluminum one. The magnesium are very prone to the rotten egg smell of the hydrogen sulphide. IIRC, the chlorine just makes the smell worse.

[briancummings]

Does your tank have an Anode in it? If so I'm guessing it is shot and needs to be replaced. Just had that same problem myself and that was the cause.

[eric1514]

No anode in that particular heater.

[JimDavisHouston]

Thanks guys.

When I get home from this trip, I'll flush it real good, and check it out.

[eric1514]

Since you don't like using it, you could always turn the bypass valve to "bypass" and never fill it. That way you'd never have to drain it. Just be careful and never turn on the heating element.

Eric

[JimDavisHouston]

Good Idea Eric.

The holding water is usually warm enough for me in the shower. Easier to fill the sink, and nuke a cup of water to dump in for shaving.

I'll use the tank once or twice a year when my wife comes along.