Antifreeze in hot water tank

[Matt wants to sail]

Any tips on getting rid of the smell associated with having antifreeze in the hot water tank? I bypassed and emptied the tank last fall, but my marina reconnected it when they launched my boat this year and did not tell me. The smell is only detectable within 2 or 3 feet of the tank, but I need to fix it for my sanity. 40’ 2008 Beneteau. Thanks for any help. -Matt

 

[Davidasailor26]

The smell is only detectable within 2 or 3 feet of the tank

You lost me there. The smell is in the water or in the air?

Assuming the smell is in the water comingfrom the tank, I’d try to empty the tank completely once or twice. Mine has a pressure relief / drain valve on the bottom. I open that then use an air compressor in an open hot water faucet to blow all the water out. Let the tank refill and repeat once more. That works for me after winterizing even without a bypass.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

If you bypassed the water heater before you added antifreeze last fall, how did it get into the water heater this spring?

Don't run it on shore power before you've thoroughly flushed all the antifreeze out of it...add about a quart of white vinegar to the water. That should do it.

--Peggie