Non-Typical Solutions Report post Posted September 16, 2023 I went to winterize my camp trailer today and when I pulled out my plug the water stunk like sewer! I’ve had this trailer for several years and never had that kind of smell! I replaced the anode probably two years ago! Looks like it needs replaced again! I’m pretty rookie at this stuff! Any ideas? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
5guyshunting Report post Posted September 16, 2023 I just replaced my water heater after 21 years. Never drained it or noticed stinky water. I do always drain the main tanks. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
forepaw Report post Posted September 16, 2023 An anode should last a lot longer than 2 yrs. Just a guess, but I would suspect either your fresh water holding tank has been mistreated in the past, in terms of attempts to disinfect/sanitize, or else you topped off at some point with drinking water high in sulfates (SO4). In a warm, moist environment, sulfate - reducing bacteria can convert sulfates in water basically to weak sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The sewer smell you mention might be due to the H2 component (H2S, hydrogen sulfide). The acidic nature of the converted sulfate is what destroyed your anode. If anyone on the forum is a chemist or sanitary engineer they can correct or clarify. You might want to contact RV Magazine (used to be Trailer Life) and I'll bet they can easily diagnose and get you fixed up. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crazymonkey Report post Posted September 16, 2023 Your anoide rod that goes in the hot water tank is usually once a year . Some are 6 months depending on lenght and use . You can clean the tanks with bleach. There is a mix ratio water to bleach . Make sure to run your pumps and any water sources to get the bleach and water into everything . Usually it's a 24 hour process . Then drain it all and flush it out and you should be good to go . Make sure to fill the water tanks to the top for best results. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roosevelt Mark Report post Posted September 17, 2023 7 hours ago, forepaw said: An anode should last a lot longer than 2 yrs. Just a guess, but I would suspect either your fresh water holding tank has been mistreated in the past, in terms of attempts to disinfect/sanitize, or else you topped off at some point with drinking water high in sulfates (SO4). In a warm, moist environment, sulfate - reducing bacteria can convert sulfates in water basically to weak sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The sewer smell you mention might be due to the H2 component (H2S, hydrogen sulfide). The acidic nature of the converted sulfate is what destroyed your anode. If anyone on the forum is a chemist or sanitary engineer they can correct or clarify. You might want to contact RV Magazine (used to be Trailer Life) and I'll bet they can easily diagnose and get you fixed up. What he said. Don't ever leave fresh water in your tank. Drain it and try to dry it out, depending on your system . . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ctafoya Report post Posted September 17, 2023 Yup, the last two responses. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
