Flushing water lines after use??

[ASTMedic]

Do you flush the water lines after hooking to a "city supply"?

We took the Jayco out on its second trip and when running the faucets the water smelled like strong sulfer. I didn't notice the same smell directly from the hook up so I can only figure it came from in the trailer system. I've yet to use the fresh tanks on the trailer and the first trip we hooked up didn't seem to have any smell to the water.

Shoukd lines be flushed after each use? I've never heard of doing that but wanted to hear more.

[Sundancer330]

You may have been at a campground that uses well water that can smell, city water is treated and usually wont smell, except for some chlorine. No need to flush the lines unless the TT has sat a long time between uses, but it doesn't hurt to flush

[GrumpyDad]

Some people say their hot water tank starts to smell when left sitting, so those people often drain that tank.
I don't have that problem, but it seems common.

[oldmanAZ]

Flushing water lines after use is usually not necessary.

The sulfur smell is a common issue with water heaters. It's from anaerobic bacteria that exists in some water sources. Draining the water heater and/or sterilizing the fresh water system with bleach should take care of it.

[ASTMedic]

Originally Posted by oldmanAZ

Flushing water lines after use is usually not necessary.

The sulfur smell is a common issue with water heaters. It's from anaerobic bacteria that exists in some water sources. Draining the water heater and/or sterilizing the fresh water system with bleach should take care of it.

I've heard of using a small amount of bleach in the fresh tanks but haven't had to use them yet. I'll see about flushing the water heater

[RogerR]

That nasty sulpher smell happened to us this summer. I cleaned the tank and rinsed the hot water heater. Tested the gas and electric elements and then left a few days later. Laid over at relatives for 10 days then went to the mountains. At that point we could not use the heater a hot water Stank!

Dump, rinse and dump the hot water heater every time you stop using it.

I added hinges to the screwed on door by the water heater and pump so I could get to my water heater dump vales more easily.

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by ASTMedic

I've heard of using a small amount of bleach in the fresh tanks but haven't had to use them yet. I'll see about flushing the water heater

We always use a CARBON water filter for campground water. We've never had a stinky hot water issue. Either we've been lucky or the carbon water filter prevented the issue.

[ASTMedic]

The first time out was most likely well water knowing. The area so that is a reasonable culprit.

[cekkk]

I agree with well water being the problem. As this was only your second use, the water heater shouldn't be the source of the odor.

[PlayersZ28]

Never had any stinky water, hot or cold. Draining and rinsing the htr is overkill but folks can do what they feel comfortable with. Mine sits with whatever is in it until I get to winterizing and then during travels it doesn't get emptied.

[hboy]

Originally Posted by ASTMedic

Shoukd lines be flushed after each use? I've never heard of doing that but wanted to hear more.

I have never heard, or have the belief water lines should be flushed. Some drinking water has a surfer odor. While it can be safe to drink, smells nasty and its not something I really want either...

My regular habit is to sanitize the fresh water system about 2 times a year. There are a lot of good videos and online resources available for that process. I include the fresh water tank and hot water heater when sanitizing.

[rarobo]

You can drain your hot water tank through your low point drain between uses if you open pressure relief valve. Water at some unkept cg’s can have “solids” with Wells... I have seen wells that use holding tanks that had never been cleaned out (30plus yrs)...it’s not a pretty site. I always use a filter