How to Get Rid of Bad Smell From Water Heater

Published 08/26/2019

Question:

I have an Atwood water heater in my 2008 Jayco. This is our first year of using it almost ever weekend since March of this year. I unhook the water and electric when we leave but I dont drain the how water tank. Now we have a REALLY BAD smell in the hot water. What can I do to get rid of it. I have heard that I should flush the tank with peroxide and install an aluminum/zinc anode but Atwood says they dont need one.

asked by: Wayne C

Expert Reply:

The smell could be coming from your water heater's anode rod, which is sometimes the cause of the rotten egg smell you are unfortunately experiencing (which is actually hydrogen sulfide). I took a look online at some tips to get rid of the smell and it says to flush the water heater with hydrogen peroxide or household vinegar.

Additionally, once per year you will want to use a flushing wand such as # A01-0184VP and flush your tank with fresh water.

expert reply by: Kyle S