My water system has developed a problem that I hope someone can help me with. The hot water from the system develops a strong sulphur-like odor. This happens even when the water is heated only from running the engine, without turning on the electric heating element. I have completely drained and refilled the system several times and it happens each time. This is a new development in the last several months. I have also tried a water system additive (recommended by my local marine store) that is supposed to ensure that the water is safe to drink. The cold water does not have this smell.
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Geoff in Ann Arbor
You might try this:
I don't know about marine water heaters, but I do know that residential models have a sacrificial anode which when in contact with certain hard water minerals develops the rotten egg (sulphur) smell. When we get a complaint from a homeowner we explain that we can remove the anode but it might void the warranty on the WH. They usually have us remove it rather than incur the cost of a very expensive water conditioner treatment. Anyway, the marine heaters, since they are electric, might have the same magnesium anode. I would call the manufacturer of the WH and inquire.
I don't know about marine water heaters, but I do know that residential models have a sacrificial anode which when in contact with certain hard water minerals develops the rotten egg (sulphur) smell. When we get a complaint from a homeowner we explain that we can remove the anode but it might void the warranty on the WH. They usually have us remove it rather than incur the cost of a very expensive water conditioner treatment. Anyway, the marine heaters, since they are electric, might have the same magnesium anode. I would call the manufacturer of the WH and inquire.
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
Geoff called it: anode (or anodizing) has failed
What lets you know that's what the problem is, is the fact that ONLY the hot water stinks, and only when it's hot. And when that happens, no amount of cleaning will get rid of the smell. How long it takes depends upon the mineral/sulphur content in the water. All water heaters have to have anodes...their purpose is the same as the zincs on the outside of the boat--to prevent electrolysis and galvanic corrosion. Most water heaters have glass tanks inside an insulated cabinet...the anode is a rod about a foot long that's attached to the outlet fitting (at top of the tank), which makes replacing it an easy, inexpensive repair. Raritan water heaters are typical...see the drawing on their website (link below). However, most of the "bargain" brands have anodized aluminum tanks instead of glass...when the anodizing inside wears off, there's no way to repair it--no way to access the inside of the tank to re-anodize it...the only cure is a new water heater. Just what you wanted to hear, right?
What lets you know that's what the problem is, is the fact that ONLY the hot water stinks, and only when it's hot. And when that happens, no amount of cleaning will get rid of the smell. How long it takes depends upon the mineral/sulphur content in the water. All water heaters have to have anodes...their purpose is the same as the zincs on the outside of the boat--to prevent electrolysis and galvanic corrosion. Most water heaters have glass tanks inside an insulated cabinet...the anode is a rod about a foot long that's attached to the outlet fitting (at top of the tank), which makes replacing it an easy, inexpensive repair. Raritan water heaters are typical...see the drawing on their website (link below). However, most of the "bargain" brands have anodized aluminum tanks instead of glass...when the anodizing inside wears off, there's no way to repair it--no way to access the inside of the tank to re-anodize it...the only cure is a new water heater. Just what you wanted to hear, right?
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Martin Cole
Thanks for the help
Thanks to both of you for the information. It sounds like you have pinpointed the problem. I did discover this weekend that if I completely drain the water tank and refill with fresh water, that I can go at least three days before the odor reappears. So it looks like I will just refill the tank more frequently. Is there any health risk associated with this problem odor? I definately don't want to replace the tank if I can delay it by frequently draining and refilling the tank.
Thanks to both of you for the information. It sounds like you have pinpointed the problem. I did discover this weekend that if I completely drain the water tank and refill with fresh water, that I can go at least three days before the odor reappears. So it looks like I will just refill the tank more frequently. Is there any health risk associated with this problem odor? I definately don't want to replace the tank if I can delay it by frequently draining and refilling the tank.
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Michael Angier
Ours went away
We had the problem on our 89 Legend 33.5 early in the season We kept flushing it with fresh water and it went away on it's own Don't know why
We had the problem on our 89 Legend 33.5 early in the season We kept flushing it with fresh water and it went away on it's own Don't know why
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
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Michael Angier
Only hot water had oder
It was only the hot water that carried the oder--nothing in the cold water
It was only the hot water that carried the oder--nothing in the cold water
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
VERY unusual...I can't explain it either--unless..
You took on water somewhere on a cruise that had a high sulphur content.
You took on water somewhere on a cruise that had a high sulphur content.
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