Sulfur odor in hot water

[Bob Hechlinski]

We have an Atwood marine water heater in our Oceanis 321. Just recently, the water coming out of it has given off a strong sulfur odor.We have been told that it is the sulfur in the water that is causing the problem but this is hard to believe. The water at the marina comes from the same water system that services our home and we don’t have that problem in our house. Further, there is no odor when we boil water on the boat.Has anyone else had this problem and how did it get resolved?

 

[Peter Burns]

Hot water Odour

Bob,Your problem is not uncommon and it is easily rectified. I would bet that you encounter this smell after the boat has been sitting idle for awhile and you run the hot water upon returning. The dilema is the water in your hot water tank has not been circulating ( unlike in your house) and the same water gets cooked for days and days. The smell is minerals in your water that have been activated through constant high heat over a prolonged period of time. To solve the problem turn off the power to your hot water heater when you leave the boat for a few days. Once you return turn it on and in 40 minutes you will have all the hot sweet smelling water you will need. .....Peter Burns