Atwood G6A-7E Water Heater Has Bad/Rotten Egg Smell - Clean or Replace  

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Expert Reply:

That smell is mostly likely hydrogen sulfide, it is an anaerobic bacteria that that is not uncommon for RV water systems due to the periods of time they set dormant. If you want to replace your water heater we have a great option in the Fogatti RV Water Heater # LSB64FR. I suggest you first take some measurements to verify fitment however, specs available to me show the dimensions of the Atwood at 16" W x 12-1/2" H x 18"D. For the Fogatti RV Water Heater # LSB64FR, overall dimensions are 14-3/8L x 15W x 15D. The access door is 14-15/16" H x 14-15/16" W.

While this is not a direct remove and replace it is designed to fit most existing water heater compartments and use the existing gas and plumbing lines. If you go this route you will also need the Camco RV Water Heater Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve # CAM10423. I have attached some videos of installation and review of product, please note the links below. in addition, please consider having this installed if you're not comfortable with the DIY of plumbing and propane lines.

However, if you want to attempt to clean this before expending resources to replace, I suggest the following. Use the Camco RV Water Heater Tank Rinser, # CAM11691 and a cleaning solution. First step, remove the drain plug from water heater and let as much water drain out as possible; some water will remain at bottom of tank. Use a water hose with a Camco # CAM11691 Heater Tank Rinser attachment and spray loose any deposits by pushing in and out and twisting to cover all interior surfaces of the tank. Do this for awhile until the water runs clear and sediment is no longer coming out.

Next step is to use the cleaning solution, you have options. Some will use bleach, this works but I will also advise against this because it causes a lot of water to be used to flush the system afterwards. However, it is an option and many have done so successfully. Same with peroxide. The better option, in my opinion, is to use a solution of clean water and white vinegar. Heavy on the vinegar, about 3 to 1 ratio. Use this to fill your water heater by removing the valve or fitting on top (replacing the drain first so you do not loose your solution). Let this set for at 24 hours and then drain and thoroughly flush the system.

Another option is to drain the fresh water system and water tank. Flush out the water tank as described below and put the system back together. From you outside fill port, poor the cleaning solution into your fresh water tank then turn on your water pump to fill the water tank and the lines. Open each water faucet until the water/cleaning solution begins to pour out and air from the lines has been purged. Let this set for 24 hours or more then run the fresh water tank to empty. Refill fill and drain, repeat until the water system has been flushed. This option will flush the solution through the whole system rather than just the tank. Most if not all of the issue is probably within the tank itself not the water lines but this will clean everything. It also requires a lot more cleaning solution so more costly.

Once cleaned with a heavy concentration of solution, repeat with a lighter solution at least once per year to maintain.

expert reply by: Michael R

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