Eliminating Odor From Camper Water Lines: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to get rid of a rotten egg smell in your camper's water lines, you're not alone. This is a common issue that can be caused by a few different factors. The good news is that there are several ways to address it.

The smell is often caused by a reaction between anaerobic bacteria and magnesium or aluminium anode rods, which produce hydrogen sulfide, resulting in the unpleasant odour. To eliminate the smell, you can use peroxide, a germicide that also happens to be toxic if swallowed, or household vinegar. Alternatively, you can prevent the smell by using an aluminium-zinc anode, as the zinc helps to suppress the bacterial activity responsible for the odour.

Another potential cause of the smell is stagnant water. To address this, you can flush the system with a bleach-water solution, drain the hot water tank after each use, or use a baking soda-water mixture.

Additionally, it's important to regularly use all plumbing fixtures, such as toilets and sinks, to prevent dry P-traps, which can allow foul-smelling gases to enter your RV.

Identify the source of the smell

To identify the source of the smell in your camper water lines, you should first determine whether the odour is coming from the hot or cold water lines. This can be done by trying to pull water through the cold water lines (by supplying it through the external city water connection) and observing if the odour disappears. If the smell goes away, then it is likely coming from the hot water lines and water heater.

If the smell is coming from the hot water lines, the most common cause is a worn-out water heater anode rod. These are usually made with sulfur and magnesium, and when they start to break down, these chemicals dissolve into the water. When they mix with water and bacteria, they create hydrogen sulfide, a pungent-smelling gas that can fill your entire RV.

Another potential cause of a rotten egg smell in your camper could be a propane leak. Gas doesn't have a strong odour of its own, so companies sometimes add a strong smell (similar to rotten eggs) to help detect leaks. Propane leaks are extremely dangerous and can cause physical harm, so if you suspect a propane leak, you should leave the RV immediately and call for professional help.

If the odour is coming from the cold water lines, it could be due to stagnant water or an algae bloom in the water supply system. Stagnant water can occur when the water system has been dormant for an extended period, and it can lead to the growth of bacteria that produces unpleasant odours.

To confirm the source of the smell, you can try flushing the system with a bleach and water solution. Here's a step-by-step process to follow:

• Drain the fresh water tank.
• Pour a cup of household bleach into the tank, then fill it with water.
• Take a 50' water supply hose and pour a cup of household bleach into it.
• Connect the hose to the RV and the water supply hose bib.
• Open the hot water faucet furthest from the water heater and wait until you can smell the bleach. Then close that faucet.
• Repeat the process for the other hot water faucets, waiting for the bleach smell at each one.
• Turn off the city water supply, turn on the water pump, and repeat the process for the cold water lines.
• After pulling the bleach solution through all the lines, let the system sit for about 8 hours.
• Drain the system and fresh water tank, then refill and repeat the process until the bleach smell dissipates.

By following these steps, you can help identify and address the source of the smell in your camper water lines.

Flush the water system

Flushing the water system is a crucial step in maintaining your RV and ensuring you have safe water for drinking, showering, and washing dishes. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it properly:

Step 1: Turn Off Your Water Heater and Water Pump

Before you begin, turn off your water heater and run hot water for a minute or two to remove any heated water from the tank. This will prevent damage to the tank. Make sure your water pump is turned off as well. Open all the faucets in your RV to allow air to assist in completely draining the water system. Don't forget to open the pressure relief valve and remove the plug or anode rod to drain the water heater tank. This is also a good time to inspect and replace the anode rod if necessary.

Step 2: Drain the Fresh Water Tank

Locate the fresh water tank drain and low-point drains for your RV's plumbing lines, usually found underneath your coach. Open these drains to use gravity to drain water from your fresh water tank and plumbing lines. If your RV has multiple drains for the cold water system, open all of them. Consult your owner's manual if you're having trouble locating these drains.

Step 3: Measure and Add Bleach

Calculate the amount of bleach needed to sanitize your RV water tank. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/4 cup of bleach for every 16 gallons of water your fresh water tank holds. Alternatively, you can use one ounce of bleach for every eight gallons of fresh water. Dilute the measured bleach in at least one gallon of water, and use a funnel to pour the bleach mixture into the fresh water inlet on the side of your RV. If your RV has an overfill vent on the fresh water inlet, you may need to pour the solution into your hose and connect it to a water source to get the bleach into the tank.

Step 4: Fill the Tank with Potable Water and Circulate

Connect your water hose to a fresh water connection and fill your tank completely so that the bleach dilution mixes throughout. Once the tank is full, replace the cap on the inlet. Turn on your water pump and open all faucets and showerheads to circulate the bleach solution throughout the plumbing lines. Let the bleached water run for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Let It Sit Before Draining

Allow the mixture of clean water and bleach to sit in your tank and plumbing lines for 12-24 hours before draining. Do not let the bleach mixture sit for more than 24 hours.

Step 6: Drain and Flush the System

After the waiting period, it's time to drain the system. If using bleach, avoid draining your tank into the soil as it can harm plant life. Instead, use a bucket or portable RV holding tank to collect the bleach mixture and dispose of it into a sewer inlet. Refill your tank with fresh water and circulate it through the system by opening all faucets and flushing until the smell of bleach is gone. You may need to refill and flush the system several times to completely eliminate the bleach odour.

Treat the water system with a natural treatment

If you're looking to get rid of that awful smell in your camper's water lines, you may want to consider treating your water system with a natural treatment. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you eliminate those nasty odours:

Step 1: Understand the Cause of the Odour

Before you can effectively treat the water system, it's important to understand what's causing the smell. In most cases, the culprit is anaerobic bacteria, which emit hydrogen sulfide and produce a rotten egg odour. These bacteria break down impurities in the water without oxygen, relying on sulfhydryl compounds to breathe.

Step 2: Choose the Right Natural Treatment

Instead of reaching for chemical solutions, opt for a natural treatment that promotes the growth of aerobic bacteria. These "good" bacteria also break down waste but produce an odourless byproduct, carbon dioxide. Look for products that contain these beneficial bacteria, such as Roebic Black Water or Bio-Septic Tabs.

Step 3: Apply the Treatment

Follow the instructions on your chosen treatment carefully. Typically, you'll add a specified amount of the treatment to your water tank, allowing the aerobic bacteria to proliferate and naturally deodorize the tank. This process may take some time, so be patient and follow the recommended dosage and frequency.

Step 4: Maintain Good Tank Habits

To support the work of the aerobic bacteria and prevent future odours, adopt good habits when it comes to your water tank:

• Limit the use of toilet paper and dispose of it in a waste bin whenever possible. Excessive paper can overwhelm the bacteria, leading to odours and blockages.
• Opt for organic or biological toilet cleaners instead of those containing chlorine. Chlorine can kill the beneficial bacteria, disrupting the balance in your tank.
• Regularly empty your wastewater tank, especially in warmer temperatures. This prevents the buildup of waste and the proliferation of odour-causing bacteria.
• Consider dosing your tank with products like Roebic Black Water or Bio-Septic Tabs to maintain a healthy population of aerobic bacteria.

By following these steps and treating your water system with a natural solution, you can effectively eliminate odours from your camper's water lines and enjoy your outdoor adventures without any unpleasant smells.

Clean and maintain the black tank

To keep your black tank clean and odour-free, regular maintenance is required. Here are some tips to keep your black tank in optimal condition:

• Never let your tank get too full. Empty it before it reaches full capacity. It is better to empty more often as most tank sensors are not accurate. If you wait until the tank is full, solids will start to accumulate and it will be much harder to keep clean.
• Always use plenty of water when flushing. A good rule of thumb is to use at least a gallon of water for each flush. This will help break up any solid waste and prevent it from sticking to the sides of the tank.
• Be sure to add a quality RV holding tank treatment with each flush. These products help break down waste, prevent odours, and keep your tanks clean.
• Use a holding tank deodorizer.
• Ventilate your black tank.
• Clean your black tank periodically to improve the tank sensor's performance and get more accurate readings.
• Clear out any blockages before cleaning your black tank.
• Avoid using antifreeze or bleach as these can damage the rubber seals and destroy your sewage system.
• Use environmentally friendly treatments to help keep public dump stations open.
• Never leave the black tank valve open, otherwise, all the liquid will flow out.
• Treat your black tank after cleaning to make it ready for future use. This will help eliminate and prevent solids and clogs.
• Use liquid treatments that are chemical-free and break down waste without causing harm to the environment.
• Use DIY treatments such as GEO, which is a popular and inexpensive option. It includes a cup of liquid softener and a detergent cup used for laundry.
• Use a lot of water to prevent solids and odours from building up if you don't want to use chemicals or additives.
• The Dawn Soap method is a simple and effective way to prevent solids and odours from building up. It only requires a cup of Dawn Soap.
• The Macerator system is another option for cleaning and flushing the black tank. It throws high-velocity water jets into the black tank and sewer hose to remove clogs and pulverize waste.
• The Yeast and Peroxide Flush method is an inexpensive way to clean and flush the black tank. Simply add a gallon of water, 4 ounces of yeast, and 10 ounces of peroxide to the empty black tank and go for a drive until the mixture starts splashing out. Then, empty the tank and refill it with water and a normal treatment.

Use an odour eliminator

If you're dealing with a sewage smell or rotten egg odour in your camper, there are several ways to tackle it. One of the most effective methods is to use an odour eliminator. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Identify the Source of the Odour

Before attempting to eliminate the odour, it's important to understand where it's coming from. In most cases, the source of the smell in campers or RVs is anaerobic bacteria, which produce a methane-like smell as they break down waste without oxygen. This process can result in a strong rotten egg odour due to the emission of hydrogen sulfide.

Choose an Odour Eliminator

To combat the anaerobic bacteria and neutralise the odour, you can use an odour eliminator. There are a few options available:

• Hydrogen Peroxide: This is a powerful germicide that can effectively eliminate the egg smell. It is recommended to use at least one 16-ounce bottle, preferably two, for this task. However, it is important to note that hydrogen peroxide is toxic if swallowed, so handle it with care.
• Household Vinegar: If you prefer a non-toxic option, household vinegar can also be used as an odour eliminator. It is a safe and effective alternative to hydrogen peroxide.
• Natural Odor Eliminator: You can opt for natural odour eliminators, such as Fresh Wave Odor Eliminating Spray. This product uses plant oils to absorb malodors in the air and leaves behind no toxic chemicals or perfumes.
• Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda in sink and shower drains to absorb any odours coming from those sources.

Apply the Odour Eliminator

Once you've chosen your preferred odour eliminator, follow these steps for application:

• Turn Off Water Sources: Before starting, ensure that the water pump, city water, and water heater are turned off.
• Drain Water Lines: Open both hot and cold water faucets in the camper to drain any remaining water from the lines. This step is crucial for relieving pressure in the plumbing system.
• Close the Water Supply: If your water heater has a bypass feature, use it to close off the water supply to the heater. This prevents water from the fresh tank from entering the water heater.
• Remove the Anode Rod: Depending on the type of water heater you have, you may need to remove the anode rod. Refer to the water heater's owner's manual to determine the correct socket size and procedure.
• Drain the Water Heater Tank: Allow the water to drain completely from the tank. You can open the relief valve to speed up the draining process.
• Flush the Tank: After draining, spray fresh water into the tank using a fresh water hose or a flushing wand. This helps remove any remaining debris and sediment.
• Apply the Odour Eliminator: Once the tank is flushed, add the odour eliminator of your choice (hydrogen peroxide or vinegar) into the tank. Use a polyethylene tube with a J-shaped funnel to introduce the liquid into the tank.
• Let it Sit: After adding the odour eliminator, let it sit for a while. Peroxide kills bacteria quickly, but giving it some time ensures a thorough job.
• Drain and Flush Again: After letting the solution sit, drain the peroxide-water mixture from the tank. Then, flush the tank again with fresh water to remove any remaining residue.
• Reinstall or Replace the Anode Rod: If you removed the anode rod, wrap the threads with Teflon tape to create a tight seal before reinstalling. If the anode rod is rusted or damaged, it's recommended to replace it with a new one.
• Refill and Bleed Air: Refill the water heater tank with fresh water and open the pressure relief valve to allow air to escape. Then, turn on the bypass valve and the camper water pump to fill the tank.
• Final Checks: Open a hot water faucet slowly and run the water. If you notice spurting water, it indicates air in the plumbing system. Let the water run until it flows smoothly, purging all the air.

By following these steps and using an odour eliminator, you can effectively remove unpleasant smells from your camper's water lines and restore a fresh, odour-free environment.

Frequently asked questions