Does RV antifreeze shock the lines?

[Timmer]

Hi all

We are weekend campers and have had generally good luck with clean lines and water. However, for the last two trips, we've had a really bad smell from all faucets at the beginning of our trip. We have an obvious need to shock the system. I got to thinking that the problem may be resolved by our winterization using RV antifreeze? I don't put antifreeze in the fresh water tank but we open that up and dry it out between each use. I'm thinking the problem is with residual water in the lines. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[JCR GD]

If it's a sulfur smell it's probably the water heater. Drain it, rinse it out good and refill.

[luvmyrv]

RV antifreeze does nothing to sanitize your system. You are correct in thinking you should sanitize your system.

[sande005]

Also check your water hoses. I had this issue, even after repeated sanitizations. After seeing an on-line post, I cut open my Zero-G hose, to find it completely coated in black mold the entire length. An old (10 yr) basic white Camco did not have the same issue.
As others have said, only bleach can cure your issue if not the water hoses. RV Antifreeze does nothing to kill bacteria causing the smell.

[jkwilson]

RV antifreeze does nothing to sanitize your system. You are correct in thinking you should sanitize your system.

Much RV antifreeze contains a lot of ethanol, so it does help, but it doesn’t have the oxidizing effect that bleach has so bleach is better if you suspect contamination or growth.