Why Does My RV Water Smell? Let’s Talk Water Heaters.

We’ve had quite a few calls lately about stinky RV water—and if your water smells like rotten eggs, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The good news? It’s usually an easy fix once we narrow down the cause.

1.) Step One: Know What Water Heater You Have

There are two main types of RV water heaters:

• Suburban (Atwood) – These do use an anode rod
• Dometic – These do not use an anode rod (they have a plastic drain plug instead)

If you’re not sure which one you have, check your owner’s manual or stop by—we’ll help you identify it.

For Suburban Owners: Check That Anode Rod

Anode rods are designed to corrode on purpose—they protect the water heater tank from rust and mineral buildup. But once they’ve corroded too far, your water will start to smell and your tank may begin to deteriorate.

• 🛠️ Use a 1 1/16" socket to remove the rod.
• Clean corroded threads with vinegar, a steel brush, and some muscle.
• If threads are badly damaged, stop by—we’ll rethread it with our tap/threader tool.

👉 Read Rod’s Full Water Heater Advice

2.) Step Two: Don’t Let Hot Water Sit After Camping

Hot water naturally builds up bacteria and odor if it sits too long, especially in warm temperatures. That sulfur smell? It often comes from hydrogen sulfide gas caused by a reaction between:

• Sulfates in your water
• Heat
• Bacteria
• Your anode rod (if magnesium)

That’s why we recommend:

• ✅ Draining your hot water tank after each trip
• ✅ Flushing the tank every season
• ✅ Using an aluminum/zinc rod if you have sulfur-heavy water

3.) Step Three: Know the Basics to Prevent Damage

Here are a few water heater best practices to help keep things running smoothly all season:

• ✔ Only turn on your water heater when the tank is full
• ✔ Drain your water heater before winter
• ✔ Flush with a rinser wand or vinegar if you notice sediment

🔥 Quick Safety Tip:
Always shut off the power and propane and let the tank cool before removing the drain plug or anode rod. Hot pressurized water can cause injury.

Need Help or Want It Done For You?

Bring your RV to Roughrider RVs and we’ll:

• Inspect and replace your anode rod
• Clean and rethread the drain port
• Flush the water heater
• Recommend the right rod for your water

📍 Visit us in Beulah or Dickinson
🧰 Questions? Give us a call or stop in—we’re happy to help.

How to Apply Eternabond RoofSeal Tape

Eternabond RoofSeal is a trusted solution for RV roof repairs—but like any product, it must be applied correctly to work effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure strong adhesion and long-lasting results.

1. Prepare the Surface

The most important step is cleaning. The roof surface must be clean and dry before applying the tape. Remove dust, oils, and contaminants using rags with rubbing alcohol or other recommended cleaners.

If the roof is dusty, wipe it with a damp cloth first and let it dry completely. Moisture or debris will prevent proper adhesion.

2. Measure and Cut the RoofSeal Tape

Measure the area that needs repair and cut a piece of tape slightly longer than needed. Rounding off the corners helps prevent peeling over time.

Use shorter sections for small patches—they’re easier to handle.

3. Remove the Release Liner

Peel back a few inches of the release liner from the adhesive side. Avoid touching the adhesive or letting it stick to unintended surfaces.

Hold the liner tab so you can easily continue removing it as you apply the tape.

4. Apply Continuous Pressure

Starting at one end, press the tape down firmly while slowly peeling away the liner.

Apply strong, even pressure using your hand or a seam roller. This helps eliminate air pockets and ensures a tight bond.

Go over the tape several times to activate and fully bond the adhesive.

5. Seal the Edges

After applying the tape, press down around all the edges and ends. This final step ensures the tape is sealed completely.

Avoid Uneven Joints and Overstretching

When working around corners or uneven surfaces, it's essential not to overstretch the tape. EternaBond should be laid in gently and pressed into place without pulling.

Stretched tape can pull away from the surface over time, causing gaps and potential leaks. Always press the tape fully into the corner and bring it all the way down to the edge to avoid uneven joints.

Use a roller for consistent pressure and to ensure complete contact along every edge and angle.

Why Proper Application Matters

Improper application—such as using tape on a dirty surface, not pressing it tightly, or allowing wrinkles—can actually create voids that funnel water into your RV instead of sealing it out.

Inspection Quick Check:

• Is the tape properly applied to the slide-out roof and T-molding?
• Are the surfaces clean, dry, and free of oils or dust?
• Are there any wrinkles or areas where the tape is lifting?
• Did you use a roller and follow the manufacturer's install instructions?

For repairs involving roof T-molding and membrane seams, Eternabond-type tapes should run the full length of the roof edge to function as a proper secondary seal.

The Benefits of RoofSeal

Eternabond RoofSeal stretches and flexes with your RV as it drives, so it won’t crack or lift over time. It adheres to:

• EPDM and TPO rubber roofs
• Fiberglass
• Aluminum and metal
• PVC and vinyl
• Wood, concrete, and many plastics

It’s ideal for sealing around skylights, vents, antennas, and patching punctures or seam separations—even in remote locations.

Pro tip: Keep a roll in your camper for emergency use. When applied correctly, it can hold strong through heat, cold, road vibration, and UV exposure.

Whether you're on the road or at a campsite, a properly applied strip of RoofSeal can be the difference between a minor fix and a major leak.

Stop by Roughrider RVs for Eternabond products and installation tools—or contact our service department for help with your roof repair!